Ardis's days continued in rare peace, filled with learning, quiet moments, and gentle laughter. Each morning, she followed her grandparents to study herbs and rituals, and each evening she returned with a small pouch of dried meat hanging at her side. The memories of blood and fear slowly faded, replaced by warmth and the steady presence of those who cared for her.
Soon, however, the air grew sharper, and frost clung to the ground at dawn. The elders announced that it was time to hibernate.
Aeron took Ardis by the hand and led her toward the great cave after bidding farewell to everyone. Astra hugged her tightly, the cubs whimpering as if they already missed her. Sorin patted her head and told her to grow strong.
As soon as they reached the cave, Ardis gasped in surprise.
Inside, many beastmen and females were already gathered. The wide stone walls were carved naturally by time, and torches flickered along the rock, casting warm shadows. Sissira noticed them and gently gestured for them to move closer to the center, where the air was warmer and safer.
The youngest snakelings were placed in the middle first, carefully curled in thick furs and guarded closely by their parents. Their soft breathing filled the cave with a slow, peaceful rhythm.
After eating until she was full, Ardis felt her eyes grow heavy. Aeron wrapped his tail loosely around her, and soon she drifted into sleep.
One by one, the females followed. They curled around each other for warmth, forming a protective circle. Around them, the beastmen took their places, standing guard even as they entered a light hibernation themselves.
When everyone was settled, the cave entrance was sealed. Heavy stones were dragged into place, layered with mud and packed earth. From the outside, the cave looked like part of the mountain itself. Even ferals feared provoking a hibernating group. If disturbed, dozens of enraged beastmen could awaken at once, destroying everything in their path.
The cold passed without much trouble for those inside the cave.
Far away, in the temporary village, the remaining tribes struggled to endure the harsh season. The chiefs gathered often, speaking in low voices about growing dangers. The cold had come sooner than expected, and food stores were shrinking.
Nearby tribes included the bear, tiger, rabbit, and deer. Some had also begun to hibernate in simple, fur-covered huts. The tiger tribes worried little—meat could be stored, and if needed, they could hunt monsters.
And the Bear tribe had started their hibernation.
But the rabbit and deer chiefs were deeply troubled.
Their tribes lived on plants, roots, and herbs. Once snow covered the ground, finding food became nearly impossible. They feared their people would starve before spring arrived. The chiefs discussed sending small groups to search for hidden roots beneath the frozen soil, though the risk was great.
Despite the fear and hardship, hope remained.
Deep within the sealed cave, Ardis dreamed peacefully, unaware of the struggles outside, resting for the day, she would awaken to a new season.
Time passed quietly, and soon spring arrived. Tiny green sprouts pushed through the melting snow, bringing warmth and hope back to the land.
The beastmen were the first to awaken.
Hunger made them irritable and sharp-tempered. As soon as their eyes opened, they worked together to remove the stones and hardened mud blocking the cave entrance. Cold air rushed inside, carrying the scent of earth and new life.
Some immediately ventured out to hunt, while others stayed behind to guard the females and cubs.
Aeron waited.
He waited for his brothers and father to take their turns first, coiling himself near Ardis. Hunger gnawed at him, making his temper unstable, yet he remained still, watching her sleeping form. Even in hibernation, Ardis clung lightly to his arm, her breathing calm.
Only when the hunters returned did Aeron rise.
He slipped out swiftly, moving fast through the forest, driven by instinct and urgency.
While Aeron was away, Sissira awakened, followed by the other females. Their eyes were sharp, their bodies tense with hunger. The Snake Chief quickly placed prepared food before them. Sissira barely waited; she devoured it without grace, then curled back down, closing her eyes as her body settled.
The cave slowly filled with quiet movement.
Aeron returned not long after, holding a live rabbit. He killed it cleanly and efficiently, as if every motion had been carved into him by time itself.
Small snakelings were placed near the fire, the warmth helping them wake gradually. Soft hisses and weak movements filled the cave as life stirred again.
Ardis opened her eyes soon after.
She felt better than the last cold season, stronger, warmer, steadier. Aeron immediately brought her close, letting her drink some blood to ease her hunger. Afterward, he fed her meat piece by piece, watching carefully until her strength returned.
Not everyone had awakened yet, but once Ardis was stable, Aeron prepared to leave. They greeted those who were awake before stepping back into the world beyond winter.
The temporary village was alive with noise and movement.
As soon as they entered, Astra rushed forward and hugged them tightly, relief and joy clear on her face. The cubs followed close behind, touching Ardis as if to confirm she was truly there.
Ardis hesitated, then reached into a small pouch.
She pulled out a delicate, translucent skin—her first shed.
It shimmered faintly in the light.
"This is for you," Ardis hissed softly.
Astra froze, then carefully accepted it with both hands. Her smile widened, eyes glistening. To receive a shed skin was not a small thing; it was trust, growth, and survival given form.
She gently wrapped it and pressed it to her chest.
The days that followed were peaceful but busy. Tents were repaired, food gathered, and plans made for the seasons ahead. Life resumed its rhythm, slower but steadier than before.
And then—
Time flowed on.
The cold disaster had passed, reminding them they had made the right decision. The season had been harsh, but they had survived.
Spring became summer, summer turned to autumn, and years passed like quiet breaths. The cubs grew, their small forms stretching into stronger bodies. Training became harsher, lessons deeper. Laughter mixed with blood, fear with pride.
Ardis grew alongside them.
Her scales hardened, her movements became confident, and her eyes carried knowledge beyond her years. The cubs who once whimpered near the fire now stood tall, their childhood slowly slipping away.
Soon, it was time for the cubs to transform.
They were moved into a separate hut, their new home. After reaching adulthood, they would be separated from their families.
Even Ardis was not allowed to see them before the ceremony.