Ardis headed toward Sissira's hut like she always did. The morning sun warmed the village, and the scent of crushed herbs drifted through the air. She pushed aside the fur curtain and stepped inside.
She froze.
Averin and Maelor were already there.
Averin sat near the fire, her long black hair tied loosely behind her, her posture relaxed. Maelor stood beside her, tall and calm, his mismatched eyes—one green, one blue—watching the room quietly.
Sissira was crouched near a stone table, grinding dried plants into powder, her movements steady and focused.
"Spend the day with your aunt," Sissira said without looking up. "I have rituals to prepare. I won't be free today."
Ardis blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Okay."
Averin smiled and reached for her hand. "Then you're mine for today."
Ardis felt warmth rise to her cheeks.
Averin's lips curved into a soft smile as she reached out and took Ardis's hand. "Since you're free, do you want to see where the competition is being held?"
Ardis felt her cheeks grow warm. She nodded shyly, unable to stop the flutter of curiosity in her chest.
Averin laughed softly. "You're adorable when you're embarrassed."
She glanced toward the entrance. "The one I told you about, the one whose skin matches the desert, he's outside. But he's a bit busy right now."
They stepped outside together.
Ardis stopped short.
The beastman standing near the trees was not what she had imagined. When Averin had said "desert," Ardis had pictured dull sand colors—pale brown or yellow. But this man looked nothing like that.
Ardis was shocked the desert wasn't what she thought. The description had been Vague. So, she had just picture desert from her past life.
His hair was a striking shade of orange with hints of deep red, like a sunset burning at the edge of the horizon. His skin was a warm tan, glowing faintly in the light. His eyes were bright yellow, sharp yet strangely calm.
Averin walked closer and gently touched his hair. "See? In the day, it looks like this," she said, brushing the orange strands, "and at night, it turns darker, almost red."
Ardis stared, stunned.
"He must be busy. Let him go for now," Maelor said gently. "We've decided to stay here for a while, so we'll have plenty of time."
Averin nodded. "Don't work too hard. Tell the others too."
The beastman did not speak. He only smiled faintly and nodded at Averin before turning and walking toward the forest.
As soon as he was gone, Ardis realized she had been staring.
Averin chuckled. "Curious?"
Ardis nodded, embarrassed.
"He can't talk," Averin said softly. "But when he transforms, you can hear his voice."
"Let's go now." Maelor said, patting Averin's back lightly.
There was a trace of sadness in her eyes, but she quickly lifted her mood. "Come on. Let's go before anyone notices us."
They soon climbed a low hill behind the village. Averin suddenly crouched and pulled Ardis down with her.
"Bend down," she whispered.
They hid behind a bush. From there, Ardis could see a wide open space below.
Young beastmen stood in rows, their bodies tense. Some were fighting in pairs, others were being questioned. Their movements were fast and brutal, yet controlled.
Ardis's heart pounded.
Her grandfathers were there.
They looked terrifying—commanding, sharp-eyed, their voices echoing across the clearing. The young beastmen trembled under their gaze.
"There are ten," Averin whispered excitedly. "Which one do you think is the most handsome?"
Ardis hesitated, then pointed. "The blue-haired one."
Averin smirked. "Mae, see how powerful he is."
Maelor's eyes glowed faintly as he observed. "Second most powerful. The white-haired one is the strongest."
Ardis and Averin looked at the white-haired beastman. His movements were precise, his expression calm.
"He's handsome too," Averin said, patting Ardis's shoulder. "Powerful and gentle."
Ardis nodded. The blue-haired one felt cheerful, but the white-haired one had a quiet strength that made her feel strangely safe.
"Now all that's left is character," Averin whispered.
The Snake Chief suddenly called out. The white-haired beastman stepped forward and spoke. The Snake Chief nodded with a smile.
"Looks like Dad is satisfied," Averin said softly, nudging Ardis.
Suddenly, the Snake Chief's sharp gaze snapped toward the bush.
The leaves rustled.
He exchanged a glance with Maelor. They both smiled knowingly.
Then he waved.
The young beastmen curious looked at their direction.
Ardis quickly lowered her head, feeling embarrassed.
"He found us!" Averin hissed. "Let's go!"
They crawled back clumsily, making more noise.
Maelor stood up calmly and walked away.
Once they were out of sight, Averin laughed nervously. "As long as we pretend we don't know, it won't be embarrassing."
Ardis nodded, still flustered.
They soon reached a large hut. Inside, three snake beastmen worked, one preparing meat, one drying fur, and another sewing.
From behind them, a green-haired beastman suddenly appeared, startling Ardis.
"He is one of my family," Averin said lightly. "He has green scales, so unless you are really careful, you won't find him."
Averin pulled Ardis inside a side room.
"Mae, I need some time for female talk," she said, kicking Maelor out. She closed the heavy hay door and pressed against it to block the sound.
She sat down. "Have you thought about being a priestess?"
Ardis froze.
"I… don't know," she admitted. "I've been learning, but can I really do it?"
Averin's expression softened. "Being a priestess means protection, responsibility, and honor. But you'll lose your freedom. You can't leave the tribe until you have a successor."
Ardis thought about her lessons, her joy when people healed, and her time with Sissira.
Her eyes became firm. "I want to be."
Averin smiled. "Good. Now… the most important thing."
Ardis understood what she was going to say, blushed.
"Spend time with them," Averin said seriously. "Don't only think about character. Think about power, too."
Ardis nodded. "Aunty, Grandma told me—"
She stopped.
A shadow crossed the window.
Then hair.
A chill ran down Ardis's spine.
She knew who it was.