Who Is the Beast King?
Season 1 — The Dragoness of Nature
Chapter 6 — The Panther's Vow
The night air was heavy with pine and musk. Raion moved like lightning through the forest, the limp body of a rare white fox clutched in his hands. Its fur shimmered faintly, and deep in its chest, a crystal pulsed with soft pink light. He pried it free, jaw set. Perfect. For her.
When he returned to the cave, the fire glowed warmly, and the smell of roasted meat curled through the air. Areum sat by the flames, black hair tumbling around her shoulders, dark eyes bright as she looked up.
"You're just in time," she said softly. "Are you ready to eat?"
Raion dropped the fox at the entrance, but his focus was entirely on her. He sat, accepting the piece of meat she offered. One bite, and his pupils widened.
"This…" he muttered, voice rough, "this is unlike anything I've eaten."
Her lips curved. "I'll cook for you, if you help me find what I need."
His gaze sharpened. "Every day?"
"If you help me," she teased, though her heart raced under his stare.
The fire popped between them, and suddenly Raion spoke again. "Do you not have a family to return to? Or mates waiting?"
Her chest tightened. "No. I'm alone. Like you."
Something in him snapped. His voice dropped low, a growl edged with longing.
"Then… will you become my mate?"
Areum froze, breath catching as Raion pulled forward the fox hide and the glowing crystal, now bound in a leather cord.
"I like you, Areum," he said simply. "This hide will warm you. This stone is proof I'll protect you. Always."
Her fingers trembled over the necklace. "…Raion, I…"
"I know," he cut in, eyes soft but fierce. "You want love first. Then I'll wait. But don't push me away. Please."
Her throat burned. Slowly, she nodded. "I'll stay by your side."
She wrapped the fur around her shoulders, the glow of the pelt making her shine like moonlight. Raion's breath hitched.
"You're radiant," he whispered. "My precious mate."
His form shifted, bones cracking, fur rippling until the black panther curled beside her. She pressed against his warmth, exhaustion claiming her. For the first time, Raion didn't dream of solitude.
---
Morning broke sharp and clear. Silver mist clung to the trees where wolves moved in formation. At their head strode Kane, his silver-white hair gleaming, gray eyes piercing like ice. He carried himself with quiet dominance, every step certain.
Behind him, hunters murmured.
"He should mate already," one whispered. "How can he lead without a female?"
Another snorted. "You know he despises them. He'll stay a warrior forever rather than mate."
Kane ignored them, jaw tight. Duty first. Always duty.
---
By the river, Areum knelt to cup water in her palms. "Raion, can you catch fish for me?"
Without hesitation, he leapt into the river. Splash—swish—gone beneath the current.
Areum smiled faintly and wandered into the trees. If he's busy, I can gather herbs…
But the forest twisted strangely. Every path looked the same. Her pulse raced. I'm lost again.
She stumbled into a clearing—straight into the sharp gaze of Kane.
A spear gleamed in his hand, silver hair tumbling as his wolf ears twitched. His eyes narrowed instantly. "A female?"
Areum stiffened. "I—I didn't mean to intrude. I'm trying to get back to the river."
Kane inhaled sharply. His nose twitched. The scent of a panther clung to her skin—strong, recent. Yet beneath it, something else struck him harder: her purity. Untouched. Rare. His jaw tightened.
"Are you his mate?" His voice was sharp.
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"You don't smell of him. Not fully claimed. Still pure." His gaze cut sharper, though his chest stirred with something unspoken. Rare. Valuable. Dangerous.
Areum flushed, words tangled on her lips.
Before she could answer, Raion's roar split the air. The black panther burst into the clearing, dripping from the river, fur bristling. His green eyes locked onto Kane, tail lashing.
The rest of the wolf hunters arrived, their eyes widening at the sight of Areum. Murmurs filled the clearing.
"She's beautiful…"
"Where did the panther find her?"
"Why leave such a weak, pretty female alone?"
One stepped closer, voice dripping with disdain. "Panther, you're careless. Leaving her to wander? She could have been taken, or worse killed by a wild beast!."
Another sneered. "Come with us, female. The wolf tribe will protect you."
"Yes," another added eagerly. "You'll be safe with us. No need to rely on a lone beast."
Areum's chest tightened. Their eyes darted between Kane and Raion—disdain for one, thankfulness for the other. She swallowed, then found her voice.
"Can I… go with Raion?"
The wolves scoffed.
"With him? He's wild. Tribeless. He can't protect you."
"A panther is no mate for a female like you."
"You deserve better—our tribe can give you comfort, safety, strength.""Yes, our tribe has many single males, take your pick". "You can even pick me!". "Or me!".
Areum's hands clenched at her sides. For a heartbeat, doubt flickered. But then she looked at Raion—his green eyes fierce, body tense, afraid she might leave, fighting the urge to keep her.
Her voice rose, steady and clear. "No. If I have to go alone, I'd rather not go at all. I won't leave him!"
The clearing stilled. Raion's breath caught, his heart pounding. She chose me. She… chose me.
The corners of Kane's mouth curved faintly, a rare flicker of amusement sparking in his cold eyes. Strange female. Any other would choose herself first. But she… wants to stay with him.
Kane lowered his spear slightly, his tone unreadable. "Then come. Not to stay—just to see. Visit the wolf tribe and decide later."