After finishing the mortar and successfully grinding the wheat into flour, Samaya and Hyo decided to take a break and enjoy the serene surroundings of their new home.

"Let's go fishing," Samaya suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'd love some fresh fish to go with the ingredients we gathered for the pizza."

Hyo, eager to impress Samaya, transformed into his beast form-a magnificent snow leopard. His sleek and powerful appearance exuded confidence as he approached the lake and with a graceful leap, Hyo plunged into the water, while his instincts guiding him.

Underneath the surface moved Hyo with silent elegance, his keen senses detecting the movements of the underwater creatures, while Samaya sat by the shore, watching with fascination as the lake mirrored the surrounding trees, creating a picturesque scene.

Moments later, Hyo emerged from the water, a sizable fish clutched in his jaws. The successful catch was met with a triumphant glint in his eyes as he presented the fish to Samaya.

"Wow, you're astonishing at this!" Samaya exclaimed, impressed by his fishing skills.

After he presented the fish to Samaya, pleased with his catch, he felt the urge to further showcase his fishing prowess. He gracefully reentered the water, intent on catching more fish.

Seeing Hyo disappear beneath the lake's surface, Samaya noticed the sky suddenly darkening, and a loud "screech" above her head caught her attention. Though she couldn't see clearly in the dim light, she sensed a presence in the sky.

Unbeknownst to her, an eagle male from the city, disgruntled at not winning her favor, observed her from above. As the darkness enveloped the surroundings, the eagle males decided to act on his misguided desires. With a swift descent, he swooped down to grab Samaya, intending to abduct her against her will.

In the distance, Hyo, who was still fishing in the lake, sensed a disturbance and as he sprinted back, Hyo witnessed the horrifying scene as the eagle beast, with sharp claws, seized Samaya and ascended into the sky, leaving him feeling furious at the untimely turn of events.

Leviathan, having returned with a full belly from a successful hunt, witnessed the unthinkable scene unfolding as well. As he approached the crime scene, his fury ignited. Without a moment's hesitation, he tossed aside the large prey he had caught and transformed into a massive snake. His scales shimmered in the dim light as he slithered with incredible speed towards the unfolding chaos.

The eagle beast, unaware of the looming threat, soared higher into the darkening sky, clutching Samaya in his sharp talons.

The forest below echoed with Leviathan's enraged "hiss" as he closed the distance, driven by a potent mix of protectiveness and anger.

Hyo sprinted after the airborne kidnapper, his agile movements reflecting the urgency of the situation.

Leviathan, his colossal snake form undulating with speed, pursued relentlessly. The night echoed with the beating of wings, Leviathan's hisses, and Hyo's determined roars, creating a symphony of chaos under the moonlit sky.

Glancing downward, the eagle male, whose wings slicing through the air, saw the relentless pursuit and in a desperate bid to escape, he soared higher, aiming to breach the protective barrier between the familiar forest and the unknown realms.

Caught in this airborne struggle, Samaya glanced down at the vast expanse below, while the familiar forest sprawled beneath her, its towering trees and moonlit clearings creating a surreal backdrop to her perilous journey.

Leviathan surged forward, his eyes glinting with fury, while Hyo, agile and swift, maneuvered through the forest, unwavering in his focus, as he closed in on the fleeing eagle.

In a last-ditch effort to escape, the eagle veered sharply, executing intricate aerial maneuvers. The night air whistled with the intensity of their chase, and the moon bore witness to the unfolding drama.

Hyo, perched high in a Redwood tree, leaped forward with precision. His sharp claws sliced through the eagle's wing, causing the male to cry out and release his grip on Samaya.

As she fell, Leviathan's massive coils extended with lightning speed, catching her just in time.

The eagle beast, now weakened and defeated, plummeted to the ground, his once arrogant demeanor shattered.

Hyo, landing gracefully, pounced on the eagle beast, subduing him with a fierce growl. The moonlit clearing stood silent, bearing witness to the end of the chaotic pursuit.

Leviathan descended gracefully from the tree, his massive coils unraveling as he gently released Samaya from their protective embrace.

Hyo, standing over the defeated eagle male, conveyed a sense of triumph and vigilance, his powerful stance underscoring the victory. The moonlit clearing glowed subtly, casting a soft, ethereal light over the scene as Hyo, with a solemn gaze, met Samaya's eyes.

The intensity of the recent events caught up with her, and her legs gave way as she collapsed to the ground, trembling from the adrenaline and fear.

Leviathan, now in his human form, knelt beside her, his expression softening with concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a deep rumble of worry.

Samaya nodded weakly, trying to steady her breathing.

As the night unfolded, the forest gradually regained its quietude, the echoes of the confrontation fading into the stillness.

Hyo, having ensured the eagle beast was no longer a threat, approached Samaya with a gentle demeanor. He knelt beside her, his presence a calming anchor in the aftermath of chaos.

"Let's get you home," Hyo said softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.

With utmost care, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest as if she were the most precious thing in the world. The walk back through the moonlit forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of nocturnal creatures. Hyo's steady heartbeat against her ear provided a rhythmic comfort, lulling her into sleep.

As they approached their home, the familiar sights and sounds brought a sense of normalcy back into their lives. The chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves provided a soothing backdrop, helping to calm their frazzled nerves. Inside, the warm glow of the fire cast flickering shadows on the walls, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Hyo gently laid the sleeping Samaya down on a soft pile of furs, his touch tender and reassuring.

"Rest now," he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "You're safe here."

Stepping back outside, Hyo was met with Leviathan's intense, penetrating gaze.

The snake beast's eyes were filled with a killing intent that sent a shiver down Hyo's spine. Leviathan's anger was palpable; he blamed Hyo for failing to protect Samaya.

Understanding the gravity of his mistake, Hyo silently acknowledged his responsibility. With a heavy heart, he transformed back into his beast form, the sleek and agile snow leopard.

What followed was a brutal confrontation.

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Leviathan, seething with fury, unleashed his pent-up rage on Hyo. The fight was swift and merciless. Leviathan's strength and anger overwhelmed Hyo, leaving him battered and bruised.

Barely able to stand, Hyo staggered back into the house, each step a painful reminder of his failure. He collapsed onto the furs beside Samaya, his body aching from the beating.

Leviathan followed him inside, his imposing presence filling the room. With a protective instinct, he transformed back into his snake form and curled around Samaya, enveloping her with his massive tail.

In the quiet moment that followed, Samaya, still nestled within the embrace of her spouse, remained peacefully asleep, unaware of the turmoil outside. The gentle rise and fall of Leviathan's breathing, coupled with the soothing sounds of the forest, created a lullaby that smoothed her sleeping expression. The flickering firelight danced across the room, casting a warm, golden glow over the scene.

The night embraced them, wrapping them in a cocoon of safety and warmth.

Leviathan, his anger subsiding, tightened his protective coil around Samaya, ensuring her safety. With Samaya under the shelter of his tail, he closed his eyes, determined to keep watch over her through the night.

The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a gentle glow on the serene scene. As sleep enveloped them, the forest whispered its ancient secrets. The moon hung high in the sky, its silvery beams piercing through the window and illuminating the room.

The soft moonlight stirred Samaya from her sleep, and she awoke with a start, her heart pounding from the remnants of a nightmare. A cry escaped her lips as she panted heavily, still frightened from the earlier accident.

Sensing her distress, Leviathan inched closer, offering silent comfort by resting his head near her. His presence was a steadying force, grounding her in the present.

Hyo, alert and concerned, sprinted to her side and gently nuzzled her, his touch filled with affection and reassurance.

Inside their cozy abode, the flickering flames from the hearth cast dancing shadows on the walls, weaving a tapestry of safety and warmth. Surrounded by the protective presence of Leviathan and Hyo, Samaya began to find solace in their shared space. The night, now tranquil, unfolded with the soft sounds of the forest, creating a serene backdrop for their rest. Under the watchful moonlight, the makeshift family settled back into a peaceful slumber, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, Samaya awoke again, still haunted by lingering fears. Her distress was palpable, tugging at the hearts of both Hyo and Leviathan. They could see the anxiety etched on her face and knew they had to reassure her. Transforming back into their human forms, they approached Samaya with gentle smiles.

Leviathan's deep, soothing voice broke the silence. "Samaya, there's no need to be frightened. We're here to protect you."

Hyo, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "We won't let anything happen to you. You're safe with us."

Despite his bruised state, Hyo managed to convey a sense of reassurance.

"We're strong, and we won't let any harm come to you," he said, his voice calm and steady.

Samaya, still visibly shaken, observed Hyo's injuries with concern.

"Hyo, what happened? Why are you hurt?" she asked, a mix of worry and care in her eyes.

Touched by her concern, Hyo smiled gently. "Don't worry too much. It's just a little scuffle. Nothing I can't handle."

Determined to help, Samaya insisted, "Let me rub your bruises. It'll help with the blood circulation and might make you feel better."

Her caring gesture brought warmth to the tense atmosphere as she gently massaged his bruises.

Leviathan, observing the scene, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Now he understood why Hyo had taken the beating without flinching.

The morning unfolded with quiet conversations and healing touches.

Sensing the need to lift Samaya's mood, Leviathan and Hyo asked if they could help her with anything.

After a moment's thought, Samaya requested that they search for sugar beets, her spirits brightening at the prospect of something sweet.

"It's a root vegetable, usually bulbous and a bit rough on the outside, but inside, it tastes sweet," Samaya explained, describing the sugar beet.

Hyo smiled at her gluttony and nodded. "Got it. I'll bring back some sugar beets to satisfy your craving."

Leviathan, feeling a protective instinct, insisted that Hyo be the one to search for the sugar beets, not entirely trusting him after the recent accident.

Hyo, feeling a sting to his pride, silently walked towards Samaya, gave her a deep kiss, then strode outside to embark on the task without acknowledging Leviathan's directive.

As Hyo ventured into the forest, his senses heightened, he scoured the surroundings for the elusive sugar beets. The dense vegetation and vibrant life of the wilderness offered a stark contrast to the recent events, guiding his focus toward the task at hand. Days turned into nights as Hyo diligently searched the forest for the sweet root vegetable, determined to fulfill Samaya's request. The passing time only fueled his resolve to bring back a sweet treat for her.

After Hyo left, Samaya, still on edge, followed Leviathan everywhere.

He didn't mind his little duckling trailing after him step by step, enjoying the attention and dependence from his little female. He walked ahead, sometimes speeding up and then slowing down to let her catch up, almost as if he were playing with her. Leviathan had planned to venture into the forest for a much-needed hunt, but Samaya's insistence on joining him threw a wrench in his plans.

"Can't I go with you?"

Concerned for her safety, he knelt down to her level, his expression stern yet gentle.

"Dear, hunting is far too dangerous for you. It's best if you stay here, where it's safe. I promise I'll return soon."

But Samaya, stubborn and determined, refused to accept his reasoning. With a pout forming on her lips, she unleashed her most potent weapon: her puppy eyes.

"But... I want to stay with you," she pleaded, her voice laced with longing.

Leviathan sighed, defeated by her unwavering determination. He knew he couldn't leave her alone, not when she was so adamant about accompanying him.

Without another word, he gently scooped her up into his arms, her small frame fitting snugly against his chest. As he carried her back home, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and protectiveness wash over him.

He could endure being a little hungry; her safety mattered more to him.

At noon, Leviathan, in his half-beast form, glided through the moonlit night with Samaya sitting on his tail. The rhythmic movement created a calming presence as they approached the river. Utilizing his unique abilities, Leviathan coiled his snake tail with precision, preparing to hunt fish in the river. Samaya, though still wary, observed with fascination. The moonlight played on the water's surface, casting shimmering reflections that danced along the riverbank.

The river's gentle flow provided a soothing backdrop as Leviathan, with focused determination, submerged his snake tail deep into the water. His patience and skill manifested in the occasional splash and a triumphant hiss as he successfully caught a fish weighing more than a stone.

Samaya marveled at the sight of the giant catch and looked at Leviathan.

"How can there be such a big fish? This isn't the ocean."

Leviathan, looking at her with a kind smile, replied, "There is an underground ocean." Having lived here for a long time, Leviathan discovered the underwater world after a drought. Snakes have the special ability to detect water and even sense the weather with a flick of their forked tongues.

Samaya's curiosity sparked as she observed Leviathan by the lake, prompting her to pose a question.

"I've never seen a snake drink before. How do they do it?"

Leviathan, who looked at the lake, explained, "It varies among different snake species, but most snakes don't drink water like mammals do. Instead, they employ a unique method. When a snake opens its mouth wide, the skin creases in its lower jaws expand, creating a sponge-like effect. This allows them to absorb water through the loose tissue in their mouths. Once they're hydrated, they use their throat muscles to push the moisture out and down their throat."

Glancing sideways at Samaya, Leviathan noticed her puzzled expression. It dawned on him that she might not fully grasp his explanation, having never witnessed him consuming prey. He made a conscious effort to shield her from this sight, always devouring his meals outdoors to spare her any distress. Transforming into his snake form, Leviathan opened his mouth, and demonstrated the unique mechanism for drinking water while observing her expression carefully.

Samaya, unfazed by his form after a long time of companionship, observed with keen interest.

Suddenly, a splash disrupted the tranquil scene, and a carp soared through the air towards Samaya.

Startled, she stumbled backward, landing ungracefully on the ground.

Leviathan, overcome with amusement, couldn't contain his laughter, his hisses echoing through the forest like a whimsical melody.

Samaya, feeling a twinge of embarrassment and frustration course through her, shot a glare at Leviathan, her anger evident in her eyes. His laughter, which initially seemed like a shared moment of amusement, now grated on her nerves.

Sensing her displeasure, Leviathan immediately ceased his hissing, reverting to his half beast form with a bright smile still playing on his lips.

As they gathered the essential ingredients, Samaya rose with a heavy sigh, her steps laden with frustration.

Leviathan followed closely, his catch in tow, silently hoping that a satisfying dinner would lift her spirits.

The flickering fire cast a warm glow throughout the room as they embarked on the task of making the fish pizza.

Samaya took the lead, her hands expertly kneading the dough, while Leviathan observed with keen interest. The room soon filled with the delightful aroma of baking, the scent of the fish pizza promising a delectable meal. With precision, Samaya spread the dough, creating the perfect canvas for their culinary creation. As the pizza baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma intensified, heightening the anticipation.

When the pizza emerged from the oven, its crust golden and toppings perfectly cooked, they carefully took it out of the stove.

Samaya skillfully sliced the pizza into portions, and Leviathan gracefully picked up a slice, his gaze softening as he watched her enjoy the fruits of their labor. Amidst the makeshift table, Samaya savored their unconventional feast, while Leviathan waited until it cooled down. The flavors melded in a delightful dance on her taste buds, creating a moment of joy and helping her to forget her anger.