The day passed with light conversation as everyone settled into their tasks. After dinner, night fell quickly, without candles, darkness always came early.
The cubs and Ardis were placed in a small, warm pit lined with fur. Ardis, exhausted from the day, had already drifted off.
Aeron gently lifted her, placing her down with a touch of worry tight in his chest. Since her birth, she had never been separated from him for even an hour.
Astra walked over, voice soft."Aeron, let her sleep. It's time to let her grow a little. Come, let's talk. Spend some time with me."She slipped her hand into his, leading him toward their room.
Sorin lay down beside the fur-lined pit, half-asleep but alert, keeping watch as the forest glowed with bioluminescent plants. Under the mystical starlight, the woodland looked serene, but danger always lurked beneath the beauty.
When dawn came, Ardis woke with a start. Disoriented and frightened, she slithered rapidly until she wrapped herself tightly around Aeron's leg.
Only after remembering yesterday did she finally loosen her grip. Aeron picked her up, laughter in his voice as he stroked her smooth scales.
"She just needs a little time," Sorin said, watching with an amused smile.
"Let's eat and drop your brothers off at school together," Sylas said, still carrying the half-asleep cubs.
"I want to go too," Astra added, biting into her roasted meat.
They ate casually, chatting through the morning.
"I finished the skirt for Ardis," Sylas announced proudly, holding up a tiny fur skirt. It was a soft grey.
Ardis studied it curiously until Sylas slipped it on her. Aeron tried and failed to hold back a laugh.
The skirt looked… odd. But to Ardis, it was wonderful.Finally, clothes! she thought blissfully.
Sylas burst out laughing. "HAHA! She looks like she got stuck inside a furball!"
Ardis hissed furiously. Sylas handed her a bowl of water, its surface perfectly reflective. One look at herself made her even angrier. She lunged to bite Sylas, but without teeth, her gums just bumped against him.
"Are you trying to tickle me?" Sylas teased.
Feeling wronged, she fled back to Aeron. He gently stroked her head.
"My little snakeling, you look beautiful. Now, open your mouth for me."He examined her carefully. "Your teeth will grow soon."
Comforted, Ardis regained her pride and shot Sylas a disdainful glare.Just wait. When my teeth grow in, you'll regret it.
Unaware of her murderous future plans, Sylas picked up the large basket Sorin had prepared. The cubs climbed in, bellies full and eyes drooping, blissfully unaware of their day ahead.
Sorin got ready to hunt. "I'll head out first," he said, leaving through the trees.
"I'll join you later," Aeron replied, holding the digesting Ardis close.
Astra, Sylas, Aeron, Ardis, and the drowsy cubs walked together until they reached a large hut.
Astra's expression shifted the moment she saw the woman standing outside.
"Oh? Mona? Why are you here?" Astra asked in a syrup-sweet tone.
A fox-eared woman, surrounded by her three males, let out a dainty laugh."I'm checking the learning hut. I'm pregnant."
"Really? Congratulations," Astra replied with an equally sweet smile. "I always thought you'd have cubs first, since you claimed a male before me. But well… fate favors some of us. I already have a litter, and now a female cub too. And you're just starting pregnancy. But truly, I'm happy for you."
"Quality takes time, you know," Mona said, smile straining. "Strong males produce strong cubs. Better quality than quantity."
Astra's smile widened."Oh? But while searching for 'quality,' what if you never get a female cub?"
Ardis settled comfortably in Aeron's arms, thoroughly entertained. Her mother was winning.
"Well, since I'll be giving birth soon, I'll head back now," Mona said through clenched teeth.
"Yes, you should," Astra replied sweetly. "Being older than me and giving birth later must be tiring. And since it's your first pregnancy, you really need to be careful. It's strange, isn't it? While you're still expecting, my cubs are already going to school… and who knows, my next cub might start learning before yours even arrive."
Mona stomped away, fuming, leaving Astra smiling in triumph.
A large man with bear-like features approached, cheerful as ever."They must be the cubs starting their lessons today."
"Yes, Tale," Sylas said, handing over the basket like a secret exchange. The cubs whimpered pitifully. "I'll pick you up later," he told them.
"They're nervous. First day jitters," Tale said gently as he lifted the basket.
"Take good care of them," Astra said, a hint of worry slipping through her teasing nature.
"Astra, relax. They're males, they need to learn independence," Sylas said with an easy grin.
With the cubs gone, the hut felt unusually quiet.
Aeron strapped on his hunting gear. "I'll be back soon."
Be careful, Dad, Ardis tried to say, but all that came out was a soft hiss.
Astra, sitting by the window and soaking in sunlight, smiled. "Don't wander too far."
Aeron nodded and stepped out.
Sylas lifted Ardis and placed her beside Astra. "Sleep in the sun for a while. I've got work to do."He sat down with bamboo strips, fingers quickly weaving.
The warmth soothed Ardis, and she soon fell into a deep sleep, snoring softly in a surprisingly adorable way. Astra chuckled, shifted into her fox form, and curled around her daughter protectively.
Sorin returned first, the tension in his shoulders easing the moment he stepped inside. His gaze softened at the sight of Astra and Ardis still sleeping. He carried the prey quietly to the kitchen area. Sylas immediately stood up to help, rolling up his sleeves with an eager glint in his eyes.
Together, they began to work. Sylas carefully peeled the fur in smooth strokes while Sorin steadied the carcass. They laid the fur out to dry, stretching it neatly. Sorin separated the organs with practiced precision, and Sylas began stripping meat from bone. The rich scent of fresh meat filled the hut strongly, but familiar.
Males usually preferred their meat raw, and the two worked quickly, clearly used to the routine.
After some time, Aeron entered with another prey slung over his shoulder and a bundle of fruits tucked under his arm. He kept his voice low, not wanting to disturb Astra and Ardis.
"Let's dry this one too," Aeron murmured. Sorin nodded wordlessly. The two men exchanged a quiet understanding, preparing early for winter was their unspoken promise, a habit that made the colder months easier for their family.
Astra and Ardis slept longer than usual, curled together in the warm sunlight. Astra eventually stirred, her fox form shifting seamlessly back to her human body. The subtle movement woke Ardis, who blinked groggily, tongue flicking in confusion before fully waking.
Sorin approached with two wooden bowls in his hands."Eat a bit," he said gently. "Then let's go pick up the cubs."