"NO! Stop! I can wash myself—COLD! THE WATER IS COLD!"
They dunked her unceremoniously into the river and began scrubbing her with smooth stones and some kind of sweet-smelling plant.
"Such big breasts," one woman said admiringly.
"The Alpha will love them!"
"And so soft!" Another poked her stomach. "No muscles at all!"
"Where did she come from?"
"The Alpha will break her for sure!"
Xin Yi wanted to die. She wanted to sink to the bottom of this river and never resurface.
That's when she noticed her.
A woman standing slightly apart from the others, long black hair cascading down her back, powerfully built with beautiful features. But her blue eyes were cold as she watched Xin Yi.
Jealous.
Very, very jealous.
The woman approached, her smile not reaching her eyes. "What did you do to get the Alpha's attention?"
"I don't know!" Xin Yi said desperately. "He just—he just took me!"
The woman's smile widened, but it was predatory. "I see." She leaned in close. "You know, I know something that the Alpha will like even more."
"Y-you do?"
"Mmm." She grabbed Xin Yi's wrist. "Follow me. I'll help you."
She pulled Xin Yi away from the other women, toward the deeper part of the river.
"Wait, where are we—"
The woman kept pulling her deeper, and deeper. Until the water was up to Xin Yi's shoulders.
"Um, this is deep enough, right? Right?"
The woman smiled one more time. Then let go of her wrist and swam away.
"Wait!" Xin Yi called after her. "Where are you going?!"
But the woman had already disappeared around the river bend. The other women were far behind now, still chattering amongst themselves.
Xin Yi was alone.
In the deep water.
Still naked.
"Hello?" she called out nervously. "HELLO?!"
[Warning! Host is in danger!]
"You think?!"
Xin Yi tried to swim back toward the shallow area, but the current was stronger here. She paddled frantically, still trying to keep her private parts hidden under the water even though no one was around.
That's when she heard it.
A splash behind her.
Then another.
Something was moving in the water.
"H-hello?" Xin Yi spun around, her heart pounding.
A head broke the surface, and Xin Yi screamed.
It was a man, but not like Hei Yan. Sharp, glittering scales traced along his cheekbones and jaw, catching the light. Long, silky green hair floated around his face like seaweed. His eyes were a piercing emerald green, slitted like a snake's.
And he was beautiful in a dangerous, otherworldly way.
[New Character Detected!]
[Name: Qing Lin (青鳞 - Azure Scale)]
[Species: Python Beastman]
[Rank: Snake King of the River Tribe]
[Threat Level: HIGHLY DANGEROUS (especially in water)]
[Note: Snakes and panthers don't get along! This is about to get interesting! (¬‿¬)]
"GO AWAY!" Xin Yi shrieked, paddling backward.
Qing Lin moved through the water like he was part of it, smooth and sinuous. He came closer.
"What are you?" His voice was soft, almost hypnotic. "You're not panther-kin."
"STAY BACK! GO AWAY!"
But he kept coming, circling her slowly. "You smell.….different." He tilted his head, scales shimmering. "Sweet. Unusual."
"I SAID GO AWAY!"
His hand shot out, catching her wrist. His skin was cool and smooth. "You're soft." His eyes widened slightly. "And scared. Why are you scared?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE A SNAKE!"
"Hmm, don't be afraid of me. I won't harm you. You're very small." He pulled her slightly closer, studying her face. "Fragile. What are you doing in my river?"
"YOUR river?! I didn't—I was just—LET GO!"
ROAR!
The sound shook the trees.
Qing Lin's eyes narrowed, and Xin Yi's head snapped toward the shore.
Hei Yan stood at the river's edge, and he was no longer in his human form.
The massive black panther was back, purple eyes blazing with fury, every muscle tensed to pounce.
And he was staring directly at Qing Lin's hand wrapped around Xin Yi's wrist.
"Oh no," Xin Yi whispered.
[Boss Battle Incoming! Panther vs. Snake! Place your bets! ╰(*°▽°*)╯]
"SYSTEM, THIS ISN'T HELPING!"