Leviathan, upon leaving the castle with Samaya, addressed the eagles with a firm stance, “I apologize, but my female is tired and scared, so we cannot accept your invitation.”
His protective demeanor underscored his unwavering commitment to prioritize Samaya’s well-being over the order from the king.
Understanding Leviathan’s decision, Riven responded, “We respect your decision, and I will convey this to the king. If you ever need assistance or have questions, feel free to return to the city. We’ll be here to help.”
Leviathan glanced at Riven and nodded in acknowledgment. With that, Samaya and Leviathan ventured away from the castle.
Observing Samaya’s departure, the eagle expressed a hint of sadness. Samaya’s allure had captivated him, and even the king had been fascinated by her radiance. However, recognizing the formidable strength of her mate, the eagles acknowledged the futility of pursuing her at this time. In a moment of shared regret, the eagles exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the rarity of the situation. With an unspoken understanding, they returned to the castle, carrying with them the lingering beauty of Samaya’s presence in their thoughts. In the future, they hoped for an opportunity to safeguard her life and potentially become her mate.
Samaya wondered about the distinctive facial markings on the males as she and Leviathan walked through the bustling city.
Leviathan explained that these burn markings usually appear with time in the center of their forehead, cheeks, or chest as they get stronger. The overload of energy will eventually burn the skin as they level up their strength, but there are rare cases, where it heals when they surpass a certain level.
Each beast man race exhibited unique markings, and the number of these markings indicated a beasts strength, with each marking representing a certain level of power.
Observing the diverse patterns on the faces of passing beast males, Samaya noted that most had one marking, a few sported two, and even fewer displayed three. Yet, beyond the markings, she couldn’t help but wonder about the undeniable attractiveness of all the males she encountered. Glancing around once more, she noticed a lack of females in the streets.
Overhearing some males whisper, “Look, it’s a dainty female. Aren’t they extremely rare and hardly ever seen? This is my first time witnessing such an incredibly beautiful female!”
Leviathan, detecting the inappropriate remarks, turned around, emanating a powerful force that sent the offenders fleeing for their lives.
With a scoff, he turned back and dismissed them as “weaklings.”
***
As Samaya and Leviathan strolled through the vibrant city streets adorned with food stalls, her eyes sparkled at the sight of rice and wheat. Eagerly, she conveyed her desire to purchase these staples to Leviathan.
The food seller, puzzled by her request for wheat and rice, cast a questioning look her way. Wheat had a medicinal taste for beast male, and rice was considered a luxury.
Unable to verbally communicate, Samaya sought guidance from Leviathan, who, interpreting the confusion, engaged with the food seller and traded goods with a crystal-like object.
Samaya pointed at the crystal, inquiring about its origin from Leviathan.
In response, he detailed the fascinating ways in which crystals could be acquired. They could be mined from deep within the earth or extracted by hunting unique creatures that housed these precious gems within their very bodies. The world of crystals boasted a rich array of colors, each representing distinct properties and powers. Among them, the red crystals reigned supreme, celebrated for their remarkable ability to extend one’s lifespan. They were followed closely by blue crystals, which were said to enhance physical strength, while yellow and colorless crystals were revered for their potent healing abilities.
Leviathan’s eyes sparkled with intrigue as he introduced the enigmatic black crystals, rumored to be located within the perilous territory of dragons. However, their true nature remained shrouded in mystery, as no male had returned from that treacherous land alive to share their secrets.
With the rising cost of rice weighing on her mind, Samaya resolved to use the crystals wisely. She picked up a colorless crystal that Leviathan had offered her, allowing its energy to pulse gently between her fingers as they strolled leisurely through their surroundings.
With a warm smile, Leviathan encouraged her, “Let’s take our time exploring; after all, you wished for this outing.” Their leisurely pace allowed them to soak in the beauty around them, each step revealing more of the vibrant world they inhabited.
However, Leviathan had a solemn purpose behind his visit to the city. As the cold season approached, he needed to hibernate, leaving Samaya alone. Concerned for her well-being, he sought a second male companion for her, fearing potential dangers in his absence.
“Nothing is more important than his little female’s well-being!” he thought.
However, before revealing his plans, he aimed to lift her spirits.
***
Roaming through the streets, they purchased high-quality goods for Samaya. Admiring the sparkling gifts, Samaya said shyly, “This seems a bit much for me; you’ve spent so many crystals already.”
“Don’t you like them?” Leviathan asked, while picking out some more animal skins.
“No! They are beautiful, but you shouldn’t waste so much money on me.”
Leviathan, paying for the items, turned to her and said, “You’re my female; I can easily afford anything you desire, so lift your chin with confidence.”
Touched by his words, Samaya nodded.
At noon, Leviathan embraced Samaya and shared his plan to find a second male, causing her brows to furrow.
“I have you; don’t you like me anymore? Is that the reason you want me to look for a second male?” Samaya shouted at him as tears started flowing down her cheeks.
Realizing the depth of her emotions, Leviathan felt a twinge of guilt and regret.
He reassured her quickly, “No, Samaya, it’s not a lack of feelings on my part. I care for you more than you can imagine. It’s just that during the hibernation season, I can’t be there for you, and I want to ensure you have someone else to lean on and protect you in my absence.”
Trying to wipe away her tears, Samaya looked at him angrily.
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Leviathan, understanding her confusion, waited for her response, hoping she would agree.
She shouted, “I can look after myself just fine; I don’t need a second spouse, and I don’t have a kink about polygamy!”
Seeing her strong protest, Leviathan felt a mix of anger and happiness. He didn’t want to risk her life because of his selfishness, but the thought of someone else taking care of her during his hibernation season didn’t sit well with him.
With a scoffing expression, she said, “Fine, I’ll get a second male, but he has to be as strong as you and as handsome!”
Leviathan, aware of the rarity of finding such a male, couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. Many strong beast males feared him because of his strength, making finding an equal a challenging task. Nevertheless, he nodded.
Samaya suggested, “Why don’t we just pay someone for the task? That way, we both get what we want.”
Leviathan, considering the practicality of her proposal, nodded in agreement. They began discussing the criteria for the second male: at least level three and an interest in acquiring crystals.
Sensing an unseen presence eavesdropping on their conversation, Leviathan abruptly turned his head away.
Instinctively, he gathered Samaya into his arms and silently moved away from the area, leaving behind the unseen observer.
In the darkness, two gleaming golden eyes followed their every step until they disappeared into the shadows. As they ventured further into the city, Leviathan remained vigilant, a sense of unease lingering.
The following morning brought a sense of anticipation as Leviathan revealed his eagerness to explore a different city in the hopes of finding a suitable companion.
Despite his enthusiasm, Samaya, not in her best mood, responded with a nonchalant “hm” as she mechanically continued to eat her breakfast.
The ambiance shifted abruptly when a mysterious figure approached them. This male possessed fair skin, snowy white curly hair, a fluffy tail, and a face with simple yet aesthetically pleasing markings. Two magenta stripes adorned each side of his face, with an additional magenta stripe gracing each eyelid.
Leviathan, highly on guard, observed the newcomer with a cold and penetrating gaze.
Samaya, captivated by the striking appearance of the male, found herself in a daze, whispering, “Wow, why are all males so god damn handsome? How am I supposed to keep my cool like this?”
Breaking the silence, the young male extended an offer, “I overheard your conversation yesterday, and I want to offer my help to you guys. I’m traveling as well and need a place to stay. We can discuss the payment later.” His words hung in the air, creating a moment pregnant with possibilities.
Unable to comprehend his offer, Samaya turned to Leviathan for guidance.
With a cautious nod, Leviathan signaled his openness to considering the newcomer’s proposal.
As the conversation unfolded, Samaya began to grasp the notion that this mysterious male might be the answer to filling the void with a companion.
The next day dawned with Samaya awakening in Leviathan’s embrace, shivering from the cold.
“Lev, I require new clothes; it’s getting so cold,” she expressed with a slight tremor in her voice.
Looking down at her, Leviathan explained, “You are wearing my snakeskin, so we need to find some more suitable animal skins.”
Her eyes widened as she processed the revelation. “That’s snakeskin? It looks like fine and expensive silk to me.”
Leviathan enlightened her, “Snake males shed their skin once a year and gift it to their spouses. It doesn’t absorb water and can’t burn.”
Amidst the warmth of the fire, the young beast male listened intently to their conversation.
Puzzled by the seamless communication between Samaya and Leviathan, he inquired, “How can you understand each other so smoothly?”
In response, Leviathan explained, “We have a unique connection. The bond marked by the tattoo allows us to understand each other’s language. Unfortunately, she can’t comprehend your words, but we appreciate your willingness to assist. Tell me your name, I’ll tell her about it later.”
Hyo, concealing a subtle hint of envy behind his eyes, maintained his composure, silently reassuring himself, “Stay calm; the opportunity to have her to myself will arise after that fool goes to sleep.” He then introduced himself with a composed demeanor, stating, “My name is Hyo.”
Leviathan sensed the unspoken desire in Hyo’s gaze, realizing that Hyo sought the opportunity to become Samaya’s spouse, rather than seeking payment.
Standing beside Hyo, Leviathan detected an unexpected strength emanating from the young beastmale. Despite having only a few markings on his face, Leviathan felt an unspoken power that surpassed his initial expectations.
In acknowledgment of Hyo’s interest in Samaya, Leviathan spoke with a measured tone, “I won’t stop you from courting Samaya. However, I won’t assist you either. If she doesn’t come to like you, you can only blame yourself for being useless.”
Hyo understood that while Leviathan appeared to be helping on the surface, there was an underlying warning not to harbor any intentions towards his “little female.”
Unknown to Leviathan, Hyo had been silently shadowing them for a considerable time, patiently waiting for an opportune moment to seize Samaya. His presence remained unnoticed as he moved in the darkness, only revealing himself upon their arrival at the city. Now, he saw a chance to pursue the female he desired without the complications of abduction.
The next day, a potent scent of blood hung in the air, catching the attention of both Leviathan and Hyo.
Leviathan, well-acquainted with Samaya’s monthly cycle, had preemptively prepared numerous cotton flowers.
However, Hyo, unfamiliar with this aspect of Samaya’s biology, mistakenly assumed she was entering a mating phase, akin to the annual occurrence among typical beast females.
Hyo, being a cat-type beast, was particularly sensitive to scents and instinctively kept his distance.
Sensing his discomfort, Samaya felt a pang of sympathy, recognizing his unease. Aware of his prolonged stay with them, she sought to bridge the gap, swiftly grabbed some barbecue she had cooked and seasoned it with salt, ginger, and various spices. Running over and offering it to Hyo, she hoped to dispel any tension and extend a gesture of welcome.
Meanwhile, Leviathan, still in his beast form, continued to rest nearby.
Displaying a sly demeanor, Hyo purposely positioned himself at a distance, subtly heightening the atmosphere. Observing Samaya’s genuine concern, he relished in his little successful ploy, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, revealing his cunning intentions.
As Samaya’s scent grew stronger, Hyo felt his heart quicken, driven by an intense desire to win her favor. Determined to win her over, yet hindered by the language barrier, he realized he might need to resort to some cunning trickery to capture her attention.
Standing next to him, Samaya attempted to offer him some barbecue, but Hyo feigned sleep.
Catching a glimpse of the robust male, Samaya quietly attempted to withdraw, however Hyo’s tail deftly ensnared her foot, causing her to stumble backward.
To her surprise, she didn’t feel the expected pain and found herself seated on Hyo’s lap. As she realized what just happened, her face flushed crimson with embarrassment.
Wanting to explain her mistake, she hesitated, knowing he wouldn’t understand her words. Instead, bowing her head in shame, she hastily retreated to the fire, leaving behind a lingering trace of her scent.
Lost in a daze, Hyo recalled the fleeting warmth of Samaya on his lap and the lingering sweetness of her scent. Determination filled him as he vowed to have her, and no one, including the snake, would stand in his way. He took her barbecue and after biting into it, his eyes widened with surprise. The barbecue was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the dripping juice was extremely aromatic and tested amazingly good. He ate everything with relish and licked his lips while looking at her from afar.
Later, at noon, Hyo announced that he set out to hunt for dinner.
After some time, he returned with a bountiful catch of meat and freshly tanned skins. He tossed the meat to Leviathan and presented Samaya with the skins, while noting their quality and warmth.
As Samaya examined them, she noticed the high quality, fluffy warmth, and the shiny fur. They looked exquisite and would make excellent warm clothing.
Hyo remarked, “You wanted new clothes, so these should be warm enough.”
Samaya, not comprehending his words, turned to Leviathan for an explanation.
Observing the skins, Leviathan assured her, “Accept them, I’ll fashion clothes for you after preparing dinner.” With expertise inherited from his snake lineage, Leviathan’s craftsmanship was unparalleled.
Samaya, expressing her gratitude to Hyo, smiled shyly while gently caressing the soft fur, acknowledging his thoughtful gesture.
Satisfied with his successful hunt, Hyo sat down, right next to her.
Following a satisfying meal, Samaya yawned and retired to rest, while Leviathan commenced crafting her new attire.
Seizing the opportunity, Hyo glanced at Samaya to ensure she was deeply asleep and approached Leviathan, seeking counsel on Samaya’s affections.
He asked Leviathan, “She seems interested in me, but why hasn’t she chosen me as her mate?”
Leviathan, wary but forthcoming, cautioned, “She possesses a soft heart and is easily moved, but staunchly opposes polygamy. You’ll need to work harder to change her mind. Her keen intellect will discern any ulterior motives, so avoid any funny business, as she’ll notice it.”
Hyo’s brows furrowed as he contemplated Leviathan’s words. Then, he stood up and walked away.