I was still smiling as Kael led me deeper into the house.
It was strange—being here, knowing what I knew now—but somehow it didn't feel as terrifying anymore.
"This is the kitchen," Kael said, waving his hand dramatically at the space like he was showing off a masterpiece.
I snorted. "Yeah, I kinda figured when I smelled the food earlier."
He smirked, leaning casually against the counter. "Smart girl," he teased.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the grin tugging at my lips.
He showed me the rest of the house—the living area with heavy stone furniture softened by animal pelts, a rough-hewn wooden table pushed against one wall, and a few shelves stacked haphazardly with old books and random trinkets, a few empty rooms that he said were for "future use" but didn't explain further, and his room, which he pointed at but didn't exactly invite me into.
"And that's about it," he finished, stretching his arms above his head.
"It's...nice," I said honestly. "Not what I expected at all."
"And what did you expect?" he asked, eyebrows raised.
"I don't know...a cave? A big scary lair? Chains hanging from the ceiling?" I said, half-joking.
Kael threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and warm.
"Sorry to disappoint," he said, a playful gleam in his eyes.
I shook my head, still smiling. "No, this is good. It's...homey."
Something flickered across his face—something soft—but he quickly masked it.
"Come on," he said, jerking his head towards the door. "There's someone I want you to meet."
I followed him outside, my nerves prickling a little as we walked through the village. The morning sun was brighter now, casting a golden glow on everything.
A few people glanced our way, curiosity plain on their faces, but nobody said anything.
We walked a little further until we reached a small clearing where a few people were gathered. They all straightened when they saw Kael, and I could tell they respected him deeply.
One of them was a girl—maybe around my age—with soft brown eyes and long hair braided neatly down her back. Her movements were delicate, graceful in a way that seemed almost too perfect.
"This is Kiara," Kael said, placing a hand gently on my back to nudge me forward. "She's a deer shifter."
Kiara smiled warmly at me, and I immediately felt some of my tension ease.
"Hi," I said, offering her a small wave.
"Hi," she replied, her voice soft but bright. "It's so nice to finally meet you. We've all been...curious."
I chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I kinda figured."
Kiara laughed too, a soft musical sound. "Don't worry. They'll get used to you."
I glanced at Kael, who was watching the interaction closely, almost protectively.
"So...deer shifter, huh?" I said, turning back to Kiara.
She grinned, a little mischievous. "Yeah. Not the fiercest animal out there, but I can outrun anyone in this village."
"I believe you," I said, smiling genuinely.
Kael introduced me to a few more people—a broad-shouldered guy named Riven, who was apparently a bear shifter, and a petite woman named Senna, who was a fox shifter. Each of them greeted me with a mixture of politeness and open curiosity, and for the first time since I got here, I felt like maybe...maybe I could find a place here.
At least for now.
Kael stayed close the whole time, his presence steady and grounding.
And I couldn't help but notice...
He seemed a little lighter when he looked at me.
And maybe...just maybe...so did I.
Kiara smiled brightly at us before glancing around, as if remembering something.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, her ears twitching with excitement. "By the way, you picked a really good day to come out. The village is holding its biannual feast tonight."
I blinked at her, surprised.
"A feast?"
Kiara nodded, practically bouncing on her heels.
"Yeah! Every six moons, we all gather together. There's food, music, dancing... it's a huge celebration. Everyone's already getting ready."
I glanced up at Kael, who gave me an encouraging look.
"You should come," Kiara said eagerly, her voice light and persuasive. "It'll be fun! Plus, it's the best way to meet everyone properly. Way less stiff than the council meetings, I promise."
A small laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
"I don't know..." I hesitated, nervousness creeping up my spine. "I'm not exactly good with crowds."
Kiara reached out and touched my arm gently.
"You'll be fine. And Kael will be with you," she added with a wink.
I felt Kael shift beside me, his warmth a steady, silent reassurance.
"She's right," he said, his voice low but firm. "You won't have to leave my side unless you want to."
Some of the tension eased from my shoulders.
"Alright," I said finally, offering Kiara a tentative smile. "I'll come."
Kiara clapped her hands in delight.
"Yes! It's going to be so much fun. I'll see you there, Elara!" she said before skipping off toward a group gathering near the center of the village.
I watched her go, feeling a strange mix of excitement and apprehension knotting in my stomach.
Kael leaned closer.
"You'll enjoy it," he murmured. "And if you don't, we can leave whenever you want."
I smiled up at him, grateful for his quiet understanding.
"Okay," I said, "but you better not make me dance."
Kael chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down my spine.
"No promises, little one."