The first light of dawn filtered through the slit of Lykos's den, painting the stone floor in pale violet stripes. Lyra lay curled beneath her furs, listening to the hush of the cavern. Around her, the fire's embers glowed like dying fireflies, and each breath of Lykos sounded like a promise of protection.
Her eyes fluttered open. Every muscle ached—yet she felt, for the first time since waking in this world, a spark of hope.
She slipped out of the den on silent feet, careful not to wake the wolf beast. In the tunnel, the cool morning air brushed her skin. She hugged her arms around herself, breath forming tiny clouds in the dim light.
> I need food. And water.
I need to help that cub.
Yesterday, on her way to the den, she'd glimpsed a fell cub of the Moon Wolf pack—its small leg trapped beneath a fallen root. She'd watched from the shadows as Lykos freed it with one swift lift of his claw. The cub whimpered but pressed against his hand, trusting him completely. Lyra wanted to help, but she was too afraid to get close.
Now, hidden in Lykos's territory, she had a chance.
---
🌱 Inner Space – Sanctuary Grove: Tier 1 Upgrade
Before venturing out again, Lyra activated her system.
> 🌿 "Requires emotional stability. Confirm?"
"Yes."
The world rippled once more, and Lyra found herself back in her secret grove. This time, it had grown:
The small garden plots were larger and more organized.
A new wooden fence enclosed the animal pen.
A low stone wall now ringed the celestial pond.
An unlocked Seed Vault stood against the cottage wall.
Lyra's heart swelled. She hurried to the Seed Vault and opened it.
> Unlocked Seeds:
Silverleaf Herb (heals minor wounds)
Moonpetal Flower (calms beast temper)
Wild Barley (staple grain)
Perfect.
She filled her satchel with a handful of silverleaf and moonpetals, dashed a quick blessing into the pond's water… and whispered, "Thank you."
Then, as always, she vanished back to the den.
---
🌄 Back in Vireath
The forest was waking. Ferns unfurled like green dancers, and the pale grass shimmered with dew. Past the den's entrance, Lyra crept forward, hugging her cloak close.
She followed Lykos's earlier trail to the mossy glade where she'd seen the cub. As she approached, she froze: the cub lay panting, wide-eyed, its leg still caught. Its amber eyes held raw fear.
Lyra's fingers stung with pity. "It's okay," she whispered, producing a moonpetal. "This will help relax you."
She knelt at a safe distance, tossing the petal so it drifted into the cub's path. The cub's breathing slowed. Its muscles relaxed enough for her to slide forward and gently lift the root. The cub limped free and stared at her, head tilting.
Lyra's heart pounded—but she stayed calm. From her satchel, she drew a silverleaf bunch and laid it beside the cub. "Eat this. It'll ease the pain."
The small beast hesitated, then nibbled. Its ears flicked, and it blinked up at her, purring softly.
Lyra dared a smile. "There. That wasn't so bad."
She felt heat rush to her cheeks. Don't get attached, she scolded herself, but her hand lingered, stroking the cub's soft fur.
A sudden rustle froze her blood.
Her system pinged:
> ⚠️ Foreign Entity Approaching: Tier 2 Beast
Mode Recommendation: Hide
She scrambled backward, nearly tripping over a root. The cub whined and then bounded off into the underbrush.
Lyra pressed herself against a tree, heart hammering, as a tall figure stepped into the clearing.
It was Lykos.
His wolf form, silver fur gleaming, moved with cautious grace. His eyes locked on hers.
"How many times must I tell you," he growled, shifting into beastman, "this territory isn't safe for strangers."
Lyra stood, head bowed. "I— I was helping the cub."
He stared, jaw clenched. "You risked your life for a pack animal."
Her voice trembled. "I can't… watch them suffer."
Something softened in his eyes. He reached out, but Lyra flinched, hugging her arms.
"Don't run," he said, voice low. "You could have been killed by a pack patrol."
She exhaled shakily. "I'm not afraid to die for someone else."
His brows shot up. "Brave… and foolish."
Lyra swallowed. "I didn't want to be alone."
Lykos stared at her, unreadable. Finally, he knelt, placing his hand on her shoulder—careful, not too close. "You're reckless, human. But… maybe that's why I can't leave you."
The words prickled her heart. She swallowed hard. "Thank you."
He rose, face stern again. "Come. I'll show you the stream where you can bathe safely. Then back to the den."
As they walked side by side, Lyra's mind raced. His acceptance felt like a fragile seed—something she needed to nurture.
---
💧 The Healing Stream
They emerged at a narrow stream veined with glowing crystals. The water was clear as glass, cool against her skin.
Lykos stepped into the shallows, motioning for Lyra to do the same. She hesitated—her dress was damp and patched, but modesty mattered even here.
He dipped his hand and tossed a handful of water toward her. The spray glimmered. "Just wash your face."
She nodded, stepping in. The water swallowed her ankles, then calves. She knelt and cupped water to her face. The chill chased away tears and fear alike.
Lykos watched, silent and still. When she dared glance up, he looked away first—eyes flicking to the canopy overhead. Lyra felt a strange warmth at his concern.
"Better," he murmured.
She smiled gratefully. "Yes, thank you."
He dipped his hand again, tipping it toward the stream floor. Small glints gathered at the bottom: silverleaf fragments she'd dropped earlier.
His lips twitched. "You seem to know this land… too well."
Lyra's heart hitched. "I—I'm learning."
He regarded her. "You'll need more than cleverness to survive here."
Her pulse quickened. "Will you teach me?"
For a heartbeat, his face softened.
"No," he said. "But I will show you how wolves hunt medicinal roots. That enough?"
She nodded eagerly. "Yes. Please."
---
🌾 Gathering Moonroot
Lykos led her deeper into the forest, where the light dimmed and ancient silver oaks loomed. He stopped at a moss-covered knoll.
"Moonroot grows here," he said. "It helps with infection and calms violent magic. We need it for the next bloodmoon."
He knelt and brushed moss aside, revealing thin white tendrils glowing faintly. "Watch."
He pressed one root and twisted—careful, precise. The root popped free, and he offered it to her.
"Hold. See how it feels?"
Lyra took it, surprised by its gentle warmth. "It's… calming."
He nodded. "Good. Now, you try."
She knelt beside him, mimicking his motion. Shaky fingers gripped the root, then twisted carefully. Her brow furrowed; her fingers slipped once, nicking the tendril too low. A sharp hiss as the root's glow flared, but Lykos's hand shot out—steadying her wrist.
"Gentle," he murmured, voice soft. "Like coaxing a frightened cub."
Her cheeks blazed. She exhaled, slow and steady, and eased the root free.
He studied her for a long moment, then stood. "Well done."
Lyra sat back on her heels, heart pounding. "Thank you."
He eyed her. "Maybe you'll survive this world after all."
Her lips curved. "With your help."
He didn't respond, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward—almost a smile.
---
🌺 Return to the Den
They returned in silence, lyceum root and moonroot secured in her satchel. The forest seemed less menacing now, as if they walked through a realm that might one day be hers.
Back at the den, Lykos handed her a leather pouch. "Dried root cakes. Eat."
She accepted it, voice soft. "I will."
He watched as she ate slowly, studying the way she savored each bite. A silent understanding passed between them: she had something he needed—knowledge and courage—and he had strength and protection she craved.
When the fire died to embers, Lyra gathered her cloak. "I should rest… I have a long day tomorrow."
Lykos nodded. "Rest." He hesitated, then added, "Don't wander off alone again."
Her heart fluttered. "I won't."
He lay down, back to her. But Lyra, lying on her own pile of pelts, felt his gaze linger even as he pretended to sleep.
---
End of Chapter Three