The journey toward the Leopard Tribe's healer den wound through sun-dappled paths, the air warm with the scent of yellow blossoms.
Cadmus and Kallis took turns pulling the sled with her laying back upon it. Novalyn honestly felt ridiculous.
"Was the sled really necessary?"
Both snake beastman spoke at the same time, "Yes."
The journey to the healer's territory didn't take long at all. He was also on the outskirts closer to their nest than the leopard village was.
It was just as his log cabin came into view that he did as well.
A tall figure stood near a cluster of blooming shrubs, his back turned, long hair cascading like a sheet of molten sunlight.
Then he lifted his head, ears flicking.
Leopard-spotted ears.
Soft tawny fur with delicate darker rosettes.
And when he turned fully, Novalyn's breath caught.
Harvey was beautiful in a way that made the surrounding sunlight seem dim in comparison. His long, silky golden hair rippled around him, swaying when he brushed a lock behind one ear. His eyes—warm amber with slitted pupils—held the calm confidence of someone used to being depended on. His loose white tunic clung lightly to his tall, elegant frame.
Cadmus muttered under his breath, "Show-off feline."
Kallis elbowed him sharply.
Harvey's gaze finally landed on Novalyn.
And it changed.
His posture softened instantly, eyes losing their lazy confidence for something sharper—focused, concerned, and deeply attentive.
"You must be the newcomer causing all this noise in the valley." His voice was smooth, low. "Novalyn, correct?"
She nodded. "Yes… thank you for seeing me."
Harvey stepped closer, moving with feline grace. He paused just within arm's reach, clearly mindful of the serpent twins flanking her.
"May I?" He gestured toward her stomach.
Novalyn stood from the sled and Kallis's tail curled possessicely around her legs.
Cadmus's eyes narrowed upon the healer.
Novalyn nodded, "Go ahead."
Harvey crouched slightly, palms glowing faintly as his energy swept over her. His expression turned from focused to surprised then held reverent awe.
When he stood, he exhaled slowly.
"…You carry three young. Strong ones. Their life force is vibrant—almost… bright." His amber eyes met hers, voice softer. "And your own core is unlike any female I've ever encountered."
Novalyn tensed. "Is there something wrong with it?"
"No," Harvey said firmly. "You are remarkably stable. Your body is adapting quickly, faster than any I've treated—but not in a dangerous way." His tail flicked behind him in a rare show of excitement. "Your vitality is… luminous."
Cadmus snorted. "Don't flirt with our female."
"I'm not flirting," Harvey drawled, though the faint curl of his lips betrayed him. "Just stating medical facts."
Novalyn opened her system lens discreetly.
[Harvey • Affection: 12%]
Not bad for a first meeting.
Harvey turned toward her again.
"I would like to check on you weekly. With your permission, of course."
"We accept," Kallis answered before Novalyn could.
Harvey's golden lashes lowered as he studied her another moment.
"You glow, Novalyn. Truly."
His voice dropped—warm, earnest, dangerously sincere.
"Be careful. Beauty like yours stirs instincts in even the calmest of males."
Her cheeks warmed. How was she supposed to respond to that? Harvey was nothing like his manhua counterpart who was shy, calm and restrained.
Cadmus hissed softly. "Back off, leopard."
Harvey's smile sharpened with lazy amusement.
"Then court her properly, serpent. Before someone else does."
Novalyn swallowed.
Territory tension indeed.
And she has a feeling it was just beginning.