Beastworld, Here I Come!

Luca carried Ves in his arms as her leg was yet to heal and still caused her some pain and discomfort from time to time. Ves believed it would only take another day for the wound to scab fully to ensure it doesn't bleed.

The rustle of leaves and the gentle breeze eased Ves's nerves. She glanced at Luca, his towering frame casting a comforting shadow.

"Lyra's dwelling isn't far," Luca said, his voice calm and reassuring. "She's likely by the lake though so we'll check there first."

Ves nodded, taking in the surroundings. The village, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant greenery, seemed enchanting. Its simplicity and harmony, though new to her, made her feel at ease.

The breeze became cooler as the approached the lake. Lyra's cheerful voice could be heard at a distance along with some low, soft growls.

Ves spotted Lyra playing with little tigers at the riverbank. She was surrounded by a few beastmen who of course, looked attractive.

As Luca approached the group, the beastmen turned to face him and immediately took a defensive stance. When Lyra noticed, her face immediately brightened. She quickly rushed to meet them, waving enthusiastically.

"Ves! You came!" she called, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

Ves, despite her discomfort from being carried, couldn't help but smile at the sight of the joyful girl. The soft growls of the tigers faded as Lyra gestured for them to come closer.

Upon seeing that Lyra was friends with Ves, the beastment surrounding Lyra relaxed a bit thought their stance was still protective.

Lyra giggled, stepping between Ves and her males, her energy infectious. "They can be a bit overprotective. These are my males," She introduced the beastmen surrounding her to Ves.

Ves was a bit surprised. By now, she knew what it having males meant but for Lyra to have three males of her own, and I remembered that this world has the concept of polygamy.

"Come, let's sit by the lake!" Lyra pulled Ves's attention and Ves gestured Luca to set her down.

AS soon as Ves was steady on her feet, the little cubs started circling around her, almost giving her a fright but Luca's presence beside her gave her reassurance.

Upon seeing Ves's reaction, Lyra chuckled, "Don't worry, these are my cubs. They mean no harm."

Ves gently smiles at the little cubs circling her feet. The braver one of the litter stepped forward and nudged her uninjured leg making her smile wider, "They are so cute," She hesitatingly reaches out to pet the cub.

As the two of them settled on a large rock by the lake, the tigers curled up nearby, their eyes watchful yet peaceful. The calming atmosphere brought a sense of ease to Ves, and she silently appreciated the tranquility.

Luca, standing nearby, gave Ves a quiet glance before returning his attention to the males who were watching from a distance. His protective nature never wavered, but seeing Ves at ease made his chest swell with a mix of relief and pride.

Lyra leaned closer to Ves, her voice soft but sincere. "I'm so glad you're here. Our tribe is peaceful, though we do face occasional feral attacks. I hope you'll find happiness here, Ves."

Ves met her gaze, her heart touched by the girl's sincerity. "I think I will be," she whispered, her eyes catching the sunlight as it danced on the surface of the lake creating a breathtaking effect.

Ves was grateful to experience such natural beauty in this world, moments she might never have had the chance to see in her previous life. As she gazed at the shimmering water, she couldn't help but sigh as she remembered her original world.

She didn't feel a deep attachment to her former world. Raised in an orphanage, she had always been alone, though she would miss the few true friends she had made there. She wished them well, hoping they were doing okay.

Her thoughts drifted towards the peaceful surroundings. It was a world so different from the one she had left behind and yet she felt a growing sense of belonging, something she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Lyra, noticing the thoughtful expression on Ves's face, tilted her head. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Ves nodded slowly, her gaze lingering on the shimmering lake. "I'm just... thinking. It's strange, but I feel at peace here. I never thought I would."

Lyra smiled warmly, happy to have Ves feel at home. She knew how difficult it could be for a female alone and she heard that Ves arrived here with no males and was injured as well. Thinking of the worst, she just wished for Ves to have a good life and happy family.

One of the tiger cubs let out a soft mewl and nudged Ves's uninjured leg again. Ves laughed softly and leaned down to pet the cub.

Ves smiled, a genuine, unguarded smile and turned at Luca, who was still standing by the trees. Luca caught her gaze, his expression unreadable for a moment before he offered a small smile. 

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the lake, Lyra's males approached, each of them carrying bundles of supplies as well as meat.

Lyra stood up when she saw them and turned to Ves, "It's getting late. Let's head back to our dwelling before it gets too dark."

Ves noticed the doting look on the faces of Lyra's males and how happy Lyra looked with them. There did not seem to be any feud in her family for her love which Ves couldn't understand, 'Probably cause of my stereotypical approach towards relationships.'

Ves allowed Luca to assist her to her feet after telling him she could walk. Although reluctant, Luca finally gave in to Ves's request when he saw her mood drop. He held onto her and slowly led her to his cave.

When the path grew steeper and more difficult, Luca quietly scooped her into his arms, not giving her a chance to protest. He cradled her against his chest, his protective instincts kicking in, and gently laid her on the hay once they were back inside, knowing she would be tired after a long day.