An the soft glow of the morning sun, Samaya decided to wash herself in a nearby river. As the rippling water mirrored the sunlight, she undressed, and her curious gaze trailed over her body. It was then that she discovered a mysterious white snake tattoo adorning her breast. Intrigued and perplexed, Samaya examined the intricate details of the tattoo, her fingers tracing its sinuous curves. The etching was unlike the other watercolor tattoos she proudly bore-a dragon, a fairy, and a cat-all chosen and inked consciously. The snake tattoo, however, held an elusive quality, as if woven into the fabric of her being without her conscious participation. Samaya couldn't recall getting a snake tattoo, especially not in such a personal location. Attempting to cleanse herself of this newfound mark proved futile, leaving her with more questions than answers.
Returning to the shore, she found Leviathan, perched on a rock, seemingly having observed her morning ritual with quiet contemplation the whole time. Unconcerned about being seen naked by him, Samaya gestured toward the snake tattoo, seeking an explanation.
"Levi, look, I've got a snake tattoo here," she pointed with her finger, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her eyes.
Leviathan, looking equally puzzled, inquired about her understanding of what an animal tattoo signifies.
Samaya, thinking he was referring to the conventional inked tattoos, assured him of her awareness. "Of course, I know what a tattoo is. Look, I've got some more. But it's my first time seeing this snake tattoo."
Realizing she misunderstood, Leviathan started to explain, "This kind of tattoo appears when you mate with a beast male. Every beast male has its own tattoo pattern. Because I'm a snake beast male, your tattoo is a snake."
The revelation echoed through the air, leaving Samaya in a state of bewildered amazement. Samaya, still grappling with the newfound knowledge, looked at him with bewildered eyes and questioned the implications.
"So, if you sleep with a girl, she gets your tattoo?"
Leviathan, delving into the intricacies of this society, took a moment to reflect on Samaya's inquiry before responding, "What exactly is a girl?"
"A girl is a female, like myself," Samaya clarified, her voice firm yet curious.
In return, Leviathan elaborated with a depth that highlighted the complexities of their culture. "In our world, each male is destined to have just one female partner throughout his life. However, the ratio of females to males stands at an astounding 1:100. As a result, each female has numerous potential suitors to select from, and males vie for their attention through various means of courtship. Unfortunately, those who are weaker may find themselves entirely overlooked, often without a chance to compete at all."
The intricate mating rituals of the beasts unfurled before Samaya like a tapestry woven with rich threads of social competition and survival.
Still processing this new information, skepticism flickered in Samaya's eyes as she scrutinized Leviathan's unusually human form.
"You claim to be a snake beast, yet your appearance resembles nothing of the kind. It's hard to reconcile your story with what I see in front of me."
A soft chuckle escaped Leviathan, amused rather than offended by her disbelief.
"I might not look like a snake in my humanoid form, but our true forms are revealed when we unleash our full strength. In those moments, you would see the serpent's features more clearly."
A spark of intrigue ignited within Samaya as the implications of Leviathan's words sank in. "So, you possess the ability to transform into an actual snake?"
With a nod, Leviathan confirmed her curiosity. "Indeed, we beasts are not limited to a single guise. We can shift seamlessly between our humanoid and true forms, each embodying the core nature of the animal we represent."
Samaya contemplated this revelation, her mind trying to grasp the complexities of Leviathan's nature, inquired about the purpose of the mating tattoo. "And this mating tattoo... does it serve any purpose besides marking the connection?"
Leviathan's eyes brightened as she articulated the profound significance behind the spousal mark. "The tattoo signifies a deep bond, not just a physical connection. It enhances our understanding and communication. It's a symbol of the commitment we make to each other. In our society, it's a special bond, binding two people together forever."
Absorbing this newfound insight into the intricacies of beast men society, Samaya found herself immersed in contemplation, delving deeper into the complexities of their mating dynamics. As the morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow on the riverbank, she continued her conversation with Leviathan, exploring the nuances of their society.
"So, the more capable and stronger the mates are, the fewer rivals they have," she mused, her thoughts echoing in the tranquility of the forest.
Leviathan nodded. "Indeed, the hierarchy is established based on strength and capability. Strong mates are more respected, and they have fewer challenges from other males. However, it's not uncommon for disputes to arise, and sometimes, things can turn violent if the competition becomes intense."
Grasping the unique dynamics of this unknown society, Samaya sought further clarity. "So, if a female rejects a male, the male must accept it, right? It's not like they have a say in it," she observed, pondering the significance of this aspect.
Leviathan concurred, "Exactly. If a female rejects a male, the male has no say in the matter and must accept the outcome. They can only blame themselves for being weak or unsuccessful in impressing the female."
Pondering this revelation, Samaya realized that in this society, the males lacked authority to contest the decisions of the females. The power dynamics were clearly defined, and a male's worth was determined solely by his strength and ability to win the favor of a female.
Intrigued by Samaya's background, Leviathan's curiosity persisted. "Where are you from that your tribesmen didn't tell you about it? What animal race are you?" he inquired, a genuine interest in her origins evident in his eyes.
Wearing a somber expression, Samaya shared, "I'm not a beast; I'm a human. We always look like this and can't change our forms. I don't know how I got here." Leviathan absorbed this revelation; his eyes reflected a mix of surprise and concern as he absorbed this new piece of information about Samaya's origin. Sensing Samaya's sadness, Leviathan decided not to delve deeper into the topic and shifted the conversation, creating a comfortable space for her.
"So, are you an herbivore or a carnivore female?" he inquired, steering the discussion toward a lighter topic.
Samaya looked at him and replied, "I'm an omnivore female. I eat vegetables and meat, but normally, I prefer fruit and vegetables. Usually, meat is costly, as you pay for it and can't farm it yourself."
Leviathan nodded in understanding. Gazing at Samaya with a gentle, reassuring expression, Leviathan spoke soothingly, "Don't worry; you are my female, and I can hunt or buy anything you want. You don't need to worry about such things anymore."
Touched by his caring words, Samaya offered a grateful smile, feeling a deepening sense of security in his commitment.
Leviathan further shared their upcoming plans, "We're soon arriving in the city. We can buy anything you want or settle down there if you like it, but we need to be cautious about the beast men there."
Curious, Samaya asked why they had to be cautious.
"I'm a feral beast, and normally other beast fear and hate us. Feral beasts won't get the chance to talk to females, so some resort to abducting them, and that's why they are feared," Leviathan explained.
Samaya nodded, understanding the complexities and challenges they might face in the city. "Don't worry; I'm not interested in any drama. I just want to take a look, and if they ask, I'll just tell them that you are my mate. Thereafter, they shouldn't need to worry that you want to abduct a female, right?"
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Leviathan reassured her, "You don't need to concern yourself with that; I'm strong, and they wouldn't dare to act reckless."
As the day progressed, and the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the forest, they continued their journey, the city looming on the horizon, filled with mysteries and potential challenges. The night settled in, and they went to sleep after repeating their nightly activities, a sense of anticipation lingering in the air, as the city awaited their arrival.
The following morning, Samaya felt a persistent ache in her feet, despite the well-crafted boots Leviathan had provided. Dishearteningly, the pain intensified, prompting Leviathan to notice her distress.
Upon examining her feet and discovering the swelling and redness, he expressed sincere concern, "You've injured your foot. I'll carry you until we reach the city."
Before she could respond, Leviathan transformed his legs into a snake tail and gently cradled her up. It marked her first witnessing of his transformation, and the sensation of being enveloped by his tail sent shivers through her.
"Are you scared?" he inquired.
Shaking her head, she reassured him, "You're my spouse; there's no reason to be afraid of you. I'm just not used to the feeling of your skin."
Hearing her words, Leviathan's heart skipped a beat. He chuckled and gracefully slithered with her toward the city, the rhythmic movement of his tail unexpectedly providing a sense of comfort and security.
The dispatched beasts from the castle reached the lake, detecting the scent of a female in the air. However, they were puzzled as they didn't recognize her scent, realizing she wasn't from the city and hadn't been abducted from them.
After a brief discussion, they decided to prioritize her safety first and inquire about her origin later. Excitement filled the air as the beast men communicated with each other. All the males present were singles, and the prospect of rescuing a female meant they could potentially become her spouse. Eagle beasts transformed, soaring into the sky, while others took on the forms of wolves, tigers, lions, and leopards. They skillfully sought the elusive scent of the female, vying for the opportunity to save her and win the right to be her spouse. Time was of the essence, as each of them eagerly sought the chance to save her first and earn the benefit.
Leviathan, accustomed to completing the journey to the city in a brisk four to five days, found himself enduring an unexpectedly prolonged trek that stretched close to a month alongside Samaya. The terrain had been more challenging than he anticipated, each passing day blending into the next with the weight of uncertainty hanging heavily over them.
"Tomorrow we will finally arrive in the city, so let's take shelter here for the night," Leviathan suggested, his voice laced with a mix of relief and anticipation.
As twilight descended, he suddenly turned his gaze skyward, his expression shifting to one of alertness.
Curiosity prickled Samaya's senses, prompting her to follow his line of sight, though the sun's fading light made it difficult to see clearly.
"What's wrong?" she asked, squinting against the bright horizon.
Just then, she noticed three majestic eagles gliding effortlessly through the air, their powerful wings cutting through the cool evening breeze as they flew directly toward them.
"I found her," one of the eagles exclaimed triumphantly to its companions, their voices communicating in a harmonious cadence unique to their kind. In their beast form, they communicated in bird language and needed to change back if they wanted to speak with a female.
"Indeed, we've outpaced the others," another eagle noted with a hint of excitement. "This gives us the advantage to reach her before anyone else can interfere." The trio shared a look of determination, their instincts propelling them downward in a swift dive toward the ground.
Startled by the sudden appearance of the massive birds hurtling toward her, Samaya stumbled over her own feet, her heart racing with fear. She fell backward, landing with a thud on the ground, a mixture of confusion and alarm washing over her. As she sat there, her breath quickened, and she braced herself for the unknown fate that awaited her amidst the chaos unfolding above.
Leviathan, highly on guard, slithered to her side, ready to protect her. In a stunning display of transformation, he morphed into a massive white snake, his scales glimmering like frost under the dim light. A fierce determination shone in his vivid eyes, the piercing coldness of his gaze laced with an unmistakable hint of murderous intent aimed at any potential threat.
The lead eagle, the one who had proclaimed, "I found her," communicated with the others in bird language.
Leviathan, adopting a defensive stance, let out a warning hiss that echoed like a distant storm. He coiled protectively around Samaya, his great bulk a living barrier against the unknown. Every taut muscle and flick of his tongue signaled his unwavering commitment to her safety.
Transitioning to human form, the eagle leader stood before them with an air of authority. "I am Riven," he introduced himself, his voice firm yet calm. "These are my companions, Aric and Ares. We've come to safeguard you from impending danger. May we know your name?" His eyes sparkled with an offer of safety.
Unable to comprehend their words, Samaya looked at them with confusion.
Sensing her unease, Leviathan nudged her gently with the tip of his tail, an instinctual gesture meant to reassure. His presence was a comforting weight, a reminder that she was not alone in this moment of uncertainty.
The eagles, aware of the communication gap, shared an exchange of understanding through their keen, intelligent glances. Riven shifted his approach, gesturing toward the distant outline of the city, conveying their intentions without words, his hand moving gracefully like a conductor guiding an unseen orchestra.
Samaya, still cautious, caught the meaning and started glaring at Riven.
After the silent communication with the other eagles, Riven turned back to Samaya. "Female, we're here to bring you to the city safely. There are others on their way, but our group arrived first."
Although the meaning behind his words eluded her, Samaya nodded, compelled by an instinctual desire to rid herself of these strangers. Yet, deep down, she clearly wasn't in the mood to follow them and the only reason she obediently agreed was due to the steadfast presence of Leviathan, who remained ever watchful.
Without further delay, the eagles ascended, transforming back into their majestic forms, circling overhead like guardians of the skies. Together, Samaya, Leviathan, and Riven as a unique group set off toward the city of beasts.
The Castle stood as a majestic marvel on the edge of the city, captivating the eyes with its intricate design and grandeur. Towering turrets reached for the sky, adorned with elaborate carvings. The castle walls, crafted from a harmonious blend of natural stones and enchanted vines, seemed to breathe life into the fortress.
Approaching the castle, the massive gates swung open, revealing a courtyard adorned with vibrant flowers and sculptures showcasing the diverse forms of beasts. The air carried the enchanting scent of exotic blossoms, creating a surreal atmosphere of beauty and tranquility.
As the unique group arrived inside the castle, the eagles took the lead, guiding Samaya and Leviathan through the grand stone corridors and halls. Within the castle's corridors, tapestries adorned the walls, telling tales of heroic deeds and ancient rituals. Each step echoed through halls embellished with symbols representing the various animal races, emphasizing the unity of the beast men society. The towering stone walls and intricate architecture of the castle left
Samaya in awe, her eyes darting around to take in the majestic surroundings.
Leviathan, by her side, maintained a vigilant stance, ensuring her safety.
Following the eagles, they reached the throne room, where the king, the man with short yellow hair and four vivid yellow thunder facial markings, awaited. The throne room, a breathtaking masterpiece, featured a majestic throne crafted from the finest materials and surrounded by precious gems. Intricately woven carpets depicted mythical creatures, and the walls were adorned with paintings illustrating the harmony between the beasts and their natural surroundings. Sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the polished floors.
The eagles gracefully landed and transformed back into their human forms before addressing the king.
"My King," Riven spoke, bowing slightly, "we have found this female near the lake. She seems to be from outside the city."
The King, with a thoughtful expression, observed Samaya and Leviathan.
"The female is indeed pretty cute; it's a shame I already have a spouse. But seeing that she only has one spouse, there's a high possibility that she picks some more inside my territory. That could benefit me as well," he thought, contemplating the potential advantages of Samaya choosing mates within his domain.
Samaya, still unable to understand the conversation, felt a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Leviathan, beside her, remained a strong and reassuring presence.
The king, addressing Samaya through gestures, attempted to communicate.
"You," he pointed at her, then made a questioning expression.
Samaya, uncertain about his intentions, looked at Leviathan, seeking guidance.
Leviathan, understanding the king's inquiry, coldly glanced at him and gestured toward Samaya's chest, showcasing the snake tattoo near her heart.
"The name of my spouse is Samaya and we're just passing through the city," he said, introducing her to the king.
Just the most favored mate gets his mark near the heart of the female. The King, acknowledging the introduction and placement of the tattoo with a nod, wasn't happy about hearing the last sentence.
With the intention of retaining her presence within the castle, the king made a sweeping gesture encompassing both Samaya and Leviathan, directing their attention to an empty expanse in the regal throne room. This seemed more than a mere invitation to stay; he wanted to summon some of his most formidable subordinates to ensure his unfolding scheme.
Samaya, feeling a mix of emotions, looked at Leviathan for reassurance.
Leviathan, sensing her uncertainty, gently squeezed her hand, conveying an unspoken promise of support.
The king, observing the connection between the two, couldn't help but harbor a twinge of envy.
After exiting the throne room, Samaya and Leviathan left an impression that lingered in the king's thoughts. In a clandestine move, the king summoned a subordinate, whose pair of golden eyes seemed to keenly observe Samaya's departure from a distance.
The mysterious male jumped down and walked towards the king.
"Follow them and bide your time in the shadows for an opportune moment," instructed the king.
The male bowed in acknowledgement, turned around, and exited the scene.
The king sighed as he watched the male depart; the energy emanating by this mysterious male far surpassed his own.