The sky was a soft, endless blue, dotted with lazy white clouds drifting above the village. The air smelled fresh, carrying the faint sweetness of blooming flowers. Sunlight spilled between the leaves, dappling the ground in shifting patterns as Rayna strolled along the beaten path.
A few days had passed, and just as Yunxi had said, he was nowhere to be seen—busy at the healer's hut from dawn till dusk.
Rayna made her way to the village to take a walk. But unlike the relaxed atmosphere of their last outing, the village now bustled with a different kind of energy.
The quiet chatter of the village wrapped around her like a warm blanket—soft footsteps, cubs squealing in play. Beastmen hurried about, some carrying bundles of herbs or baskets of food, others walking slowly beside their mates. She noticed several females with round bellies, their steps careful and measured.
As Rayna passed one of the narrower paths, she saw that fox female Ezra had once admired in his youth, and whose cub had bumped into her. Her belly was round, her hands resting over it protectively, and beside her walked the broad-shouldered bear beastman, keeping pace with deliberate gentleness.
Everyone was busy, eager and excited to welcome the little ones.
Birds chattered overhead, their songs weaving into the quiet rhythm of the day. A warm breeze brushed past, stirring the loose strands of her hair.
Everything was calm. Safe.
"Rayna!"
Soren landed in front of her, his arms immediately wrapping around her. Rayna smiled, returning the embrace without hesitation.
"So, is everything ready and packed?" she asked.
Soren nodded. "Yes, my love. I even packed some of the herbs you like. I asked Yunxi for them—traded him some fresh fish in return."
"That's good."
"And Ezra," Soren added with a small smirk, "packed all your favorite fruits. So you don't need to worry about starving. Both of us would never allow that for our mate."
Rayna's lips curved softly. "I know. I trust you both. But... do we really need to go now? My mark hasn't been bothering me lately. We could wait a little longer. It's so peaceful here."
Inside, though, she felt a faint unease. Whether it came from the thought of traveling to the Beast City or from something she couldn't quite name, she wasn't sure. Going there to uncover more about her mark... well, fine, she had accepted it. Sooner or later, she'd have to face whatever destiny it held for her.
"My love," Soren said gently, "we need to understand what it is. I can't stand seeing you in pain. It breaks me. Unless we figure it out, we can't hope to lessen the pain it causes you, right?"
Rayna nodded. "Yeah..."
"Both Ezra and Soren had said that once the wet season ended, they wouldn't delay any longer. We'd go to the Beast City together. Fair enough."
"Ezra's meeting us at the village boundary, right?" she asked.
Soren nodded.
"Okay, let's walk there," Rayna said. Soren laced his fingers with hers, and they strolled through the peaceful scenery, the sounds of the village carrying on the breeze.
"Hey, Rayna! Soren!"
They turned to see Yunxi jogging toward them.
"Hey," Rayna greeted with a smile.
"Where are you two headed?" Yunxi asked, curiosity lighting his face.
"We're going to the Beast City," Soren replied. "Both Ezra and I have some work there, and Rayna's never been there. We didn't want to leave her alone while we were away, so... trip for three."
Yunxi's eyes brightened. "Wow, I've never been there either, but I've heard the markets are huge—full of vibrant stalls and beastmen from all sorts of tribes. Elephant, lion, giraffe... and if you're lucky, you might even spot someone from the dragon tribe! I want to visit someday, too."
Someone from the dragon tribe? Hm interesting. I too hope to meet someone from the dragon tribe if I can.
Rayna tilted her head. "You're running somewhere?"
"Yeah," Yunxi said, glancing toward the healer's hut. "A female is giving birth, and she's in a lot of pain. I'm needed there." He held up several large herbs wrapped neatly in leaves. "Have a great trip, then! Byeee!"
He waved and hurried off, disappearing down the path.
Rayna and Soren waited at the village boundary, the breeze carrying the scent of sun-warmed grass. After a short while, Ezra appeared, arms laden with travel bundles.
Soren stepped forward, taking some of the load from him.
"Alright," he said, "we'll fly there."
Rayna tilted her head. "Hm, okay... and how long will it take?"
Ezra adjusted the strap of a pack. "We'll need to rest in between, so... about five days to reach."
Rayna nodded. "Alright then we're set to go, right?"
Both men nodded.
A familiar voice called out, "Soren! Rayna! Ezra! Where are you three headed?"
It was the village chief, her warm smile as steady as ever.
Soren bowed politely. "Chief, we're going to the Beast City."
The chief's gaze softened. "Very well. The Beast City is vast, you'll find many interesting things there, Rayna. I hope you enjoy it... and that you find the answers you seek."
Rayna smiled. "Thank you."
The village chief hugged her briefly before turning back toward her hut, her steps unhurried.
"Okay, let's go," Rayna said, glancing at her mates.
They had barely taken a step when—
Thud.
The ground lurched beneath them, a deep, rolling tremor that rattled her bones.
Something had landed ahead, something heavy.
It didn't move.
The air soured.
Thick. Metallic. A bitter tang that burned her throat.
Smoke bled into the sky.
Soren's eyes darted. Ezra's breath hitched.
Rayna had never seen them like this—eyes full of panic.
And then the screams began.
They tore through the air, splintering and jagged, rising from everywhere at once.
The calm was gone shattered.
And chaos had finally arrived.