Among the beastmen Tribal Chief Tali brought with him were mostly members of the tribe—but there was also one strange figure: a thin male wrapped in a dark cloak, his face completely hidden beneath the hood.
Tali stepped up to Nina.
"Nina, a female in the tribe lost her cub last night. We're conducting a search. I hope you'll cooperate."
His gaze shifted to the snow-white tiger cub in her arms, and a sly, calculating smile tugged at his lips.
"This little tiger cub looks quite promising."
Yinny let out a fierce little "wah-oo!" at him, baring tiny teeth.
Mother, that old man looks like a bad guy.
Nina gently stroked Yinny to soothe him before replying calmly, "Of course. But I have some valuable items inside. I'll need a moment to put them away."
Tali nodded. After all, storage spaces couldn't hold living creatures. There was no way she could hide multiple cubs inside one. As long as they were outside, he would find them.
Besides, he had brought a powerful helper.
