They reached the valley by late afternoon.
Golden grass swayed under the breeze.
A wide, clear river cut through the landscape, sparkling beneath the sun.
Mountains framed the horizon like ancient guardians.
It was beautiful.
A place untouched by war.
A place where they could breathe.
Owain helped Kanah down the small slope, one hand steady on her waist.
His palm lingered a little longer than necessary—
and she didn't pull away.
"Slow," he murmured.
"Your legs are still shaky."
"I'm fine," she insisted.
He snorted.
"Kana. You're walking like a fawn."
Kanah elbowed him softly.
"You're overreacting."
Owain slid her a look—
dark gold eyes, full of stubborn devotion.
"I'm reacting just the right amount."
Her stomach fluttered.
THE TRIBES MOVE LIKE FAMILY
All around them, the tribes spread into motion with surprising harmony.
Wolves scouted the ridge line
Elves erected shelter frames woven from shimmering mana threads
Leopards climbed the cliffs, tying ropes for lookout posts
Dragons melted stone into smooth fire pits
Devourer-born—hesitant but trying—carried supplies, mimicking the others carefully
Kanah watched, heart swelling at the sight.
Once divided by territory and instinct—
now moving together like a single ecosystem.
Rhaegor landed beside her, wings folding with grace.
"Human," he said, dipping his head in a rare show of respect, "your choice to save us all was wise."
Vaeryn added, "And your presence unites more than you know."
Kanah blushed.
Owain wrapped an arm around her waist from behind.
"She doesn't need flattery," he growled.
Rhaegor smirked.
"Jealous?"
Owain's grip tightened around Kanah protectively.
"Always."
Kanah sighed.
"Boys…"
DEVOURER-BORN BEGIN AGAIN
A small tug at her cloak pulled Kanah's attention downward.
One of the Devourer-born—
the smallest—
looked up with wide gold eyes.
"Mother," they whispered, "where do we sleep?"
Kanah's heart stilled.
Owain knelt beside them, voice unexpectedly gentle.
"With us," he said.
"If Kanah wants it."
Kanah nodded, brushing the child's hair aside.
"Of course you sleep near us."
The child brightened instantly, scampering to help the others arrange sleeping mats.
Owain leaned close, murmuring by her ear:
"They trust you more than anyone."
Kanah swallowed.
"That scares me a little."
Owain kissed her temple.
"It should. It means you're a leader now."
"I don't want to lead anyone."
"Yes," Owain murmured, "you do."
She looked up sharply.
"I don't—"
He smiled softly.
"You lead by existing.
By caring.
By choosing.
By surviving."
Her chest tightened.
"Owain…"
He stroked her cheek.
"You lead without trying. That's why they follow you."
Kanah lowered her head, overwhelmed.
Owain pulled her close, letting her rest against his chest.
SOFT MOMENTS WITH THE OTHERS
Once Kanah had settled near the fire circle, Gerrin joined her with a wooden cup of herbal brew.
"It will help your body recover," he said, offering it.
Kanah smiled.
"Thank you."
Gerrin sat beside her in quiet companionship.
"You're still processing," he murmured.
"I am," she admitted softly.
"That's good. Processing means healing."
Kanah leaned her shoulder against him lightly.
Gerrin's breath hitched—
just a little—
but he didn't move away.
Yllas approached next, tossing her a soft cloak of dragon-woven wool.
"You'll get cold when the sun falls."
Kanah blinked.
"Is this for me?"
"Yes."
Yllas' eyes softened.
"You need warmth tonight."
Helion arrived last, dropping a cluster of ripe berries into her lap.
"You need food," he said.
"And don't make that face, they're not poisonous."
Kanah laughed.
"You all think I'm fragile."
Owain, sitting behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You ARE fragile."
Yllas nodded.
"Fragile, but resilient."
Gerrin added, "And powerful in ways you don't understand yet."
Helion flicked her forehead gently.
"And adorable."
Owain growled.
"Helion—"
"Oh hush. She's ours too."
Kanah froze.
Owain's growl stopped abruptly.
Gerrin stiffened.
Yllas raised a brow.
Helion blinked.
"…too soon?" he whispered.
Kanah laughed—
a real laugh, soft and warm.
"It's okay," she said gently.
"One day at a time."
Owain exhaled slowly—relieved—resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Good," he murmured.
"I can do one day at a time."
NIGHTFALL — A NEW BEGINNING
As darkness settled, the tribes finished their work.
Firelight danced across the valley.
Dragons curled around the perimeter like warm walls.
Wolves settled near Kanah's group.
Elves lit small lanterns that glowed green.
Leopards lounged on high rocks, tails flicking lazily.
Kanah sat between Owain's legs, her back against his chest, his chin resting on the crown of her head.
She felt…
safe.
Not because she was guarded—
but because she was surrounded by people she trusted.
Family she chose.
Owain tightened his arms around her.
"Tomorrow," he whispered, "we build real shelter."
Kanah nodded.
"And after that?"
Owain kissed her hair.
"After that… we live."
Kanah smiled.
And for the first time since crossing into Beastworld—
she believed him.