The night deepened, and the forest outside the cave fell into a heavy, peaceful silence.
Inside, the fire had burned down to glowing embers, casting a soft orange light on the stone walls.
Su Qinglan was exhausted. She curled up on the large stone bed, her arms wrapped around her three cubs.
The little ones were already snoring softly, their round bellies rising and falling in sync.
The bed was wide, but with five strong males, it was a tight fit. One by one, they shifted into their beast forms to save space and provide warmth.
A large tiger, a golden lion, a sleek green snake, a magnificent wolf, and a beautiful fox all settled around her. They formed a protective circle around her.
Su Qinglan fell into a deep sleep, comforted by the familiar scents of her mates.
In the middle of the night, a sharp, cramping pain suddenly blossomed in her lower abdomen.
Su Qinglan gasped and bolted upright. Her forehead was covered in a thin layer of cold sweat.
