Night settled gently over the valley, wrapping the world in cool silver light.
Campfires glimmered in a wide circle, illuminating clusters of tired beasts and soft murmurs of peace.
Dragons lounged like living mountains, their scales reflecting sparks.
Wolves curled in warm rings.
Elves lit mana lanterns that glowed with soft green fire.
Leopards climbed the rocks above, tails swaying in lazy arcs.
Kanah sat near the largest fire, cocooned in the wool cloak Yllas gave her, feeling its comforting weight on her shoulders.
Owain was behind her.
Again.
Still.
His legs bracketed hers; his chest pressed gently to her back; his arms wrapped around her waist with a possessiveness he didn't try to hide.
"Warm enough?" he murmured, nuzzling her cheek.
"Yes."
"You sure?"
She smiled.
"I'm sure."
He hummed softly, a low wolf sound that vibrated through her bones.
THE OTHERS JOIN IN
One by one, the others drifted closer.
Yllas arrived first
Silent, graceful, sitting just close enough for the heat of his body to brush her side.
"If you shiver," he said quietly, "tell me."
Owain growled immediately.
Yllas ignored him.
Gerrin sat next, bringing a small clay bowl.
"I made this for you," he said warmly.
"A calming brew. Good for the heart after… everything."
Kanah accepted it gratefully.
Helion dropped down from a boulder above, landing in a smooth, feline arc.
He stretched, tail flicking.
"Well," he said cheerfully, "is this a cuddle circle? Should I squeeze in?"
Owain snarled.
"No."
Helion grinned.
"So that's a 'yes.' Good."
He settled on Kanah's other side, close enough for their knees to touch.
Owain's entire body tensed behind her.
Kanah covered her laugh with her hand.
"You're all impossible," she murmured.
"Correct," Helion said.
"Not incorrect," Yllas added.
"Emotionally invested," Gerrin said softly.
Owain rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Mine."
Kanah elbowed him lightly.
"Owain."
"…what? I'm stating facts."
The others smirked, amused by his honesty.
Kanah's heart warmed.
They weren't fighting over her.
They weren't pushing her.
They were simply… here.
With her.
Around her.
Choosing her.
For the first time, she didn't feel overwhelmed by it.
She felt supported.
Held.
Wanted.
A QUIET MOMENT WITH EACH
As the fire crackled, Gerrin was the first to lean in closer.
"You didn't eat much earlier," he murmured.
"Small bites. It means your stomach is still reacting to stress."
Kanah blinked.
"How did you—?"
"You're easier to read than you think."
She flushed.
Owain stiffened behind her.
Helion grinned.
"It's cute," he said.
"Everything she does is cute."
Kanah covered her face.
"Please stop—"
Yllas's voice was softer.
"You were brave today."
Kanah lowered her hands.
"Brave?"
"You walked forward," Yllas said, "even while shaking."
Helion bumped her shoulder.
"And you talked back to dragons. That's bravery."
Gerrin nodded.
"You're stronger than you realize."
Owain leaned forward until his lips brushed the shell of her ear.
"She doesn't need to be strong tonight."
Kanah's breath caught.
"Owain—"
He kissed her cheek gently.
"Tonight, you rest."
Warmth flooded her chest.
The firelight danced across their faces—
the wolf, the dragon, the elf, the leopard.
All of them looking at her
with sincerity
with affection
with something more than friendship.
She swallowed.
"I… don't know how to accept all this."
Gerrin touched her hand gently.
"You don't have to decide anything tonight."
Yllas nodded.
"We're patient."
Helion added,
"For now."
Owain growled.
Helion smirked.
Kanah laughed.
The weight inside her chest loosened.
BEDTIME — NOT ALONE
Later, when the fires settled to embers, Owain stood and held out his hand.
"Come sleep."
Kanah hesitated.
"With you?"
Owain's pupils dilated.
"Yes," he whispered, voice rough.
"If you want. Only if you want."
Kanah looked around.
Gerrin was watching with quiet hope.
Yllas with calm acceptance.
Helion with a playful but honest softness in his eyes.
They weren't possessive.
They weren't pushing her.
They were simply letting her choose.
She placed her hand in Owain's.
"I want to."
Owain inhaled sharply—
a sound halfway between relief and reverent disbelief.
He guided her to the shelter he'd built from branches, furs, and woven materials.
Inside, it was warm, cozy, scented with pine and embers.
Owain lay down first, pulling her gently onto his chest.
She settled there, cheek pressed over his heartbeat.
Owain exhaled slowly.
"Kana…"
"Mm?"
His fingers brushed her hair.
"I need you to hear this," he whispered.
"You're not alone anymore.
Not in pain.
Not in fear.
Not in life."
Kanah's eyes stung.
She curled closer.
"I know," she whispered.
"And I'm done trying to survive by myself."
Owain kissed the crown of her head.
"Good," he breathed.
"Because I'm never letting you go again."
Kanah closed her eyes.
And slept in the safest place in Beastworld—
the arms of the wolf who loved her fiercely.