Bellathria straightened her posture, adjusted the slightly wrinkled dress Ferox had lent her, and inhaled slowly.
"Alright," she whispered to herself. "Time to meet the locals. Try not to look like a confused celestial accidentally dropped into beastworld politics."
"Host, straighten your shoulders!" the system chirped in her mind like an overzealous personal coach. "You are about to face the tribe. Remember, every action reflects your value as a female! Walk gracefully, speak softly, and if possible..."
".....don't roll my eyes. I know," Bellathria muttered under her breath as she exited the house.
Outside, the morning air was crisp, carrying faint scents of roasted meat, damp earth, and fur. The tribe was nestled against the mountainside, where sturdy wooden houses were built into the terrain. Beastmen of various animal lineages moved about, their movements strong and purposeful. Her celestial silver hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight, making her stand out like a misplaced moon among mortals.
Ferox stood beside her, expression as cold and composed as ever, though Bellathria didn't miss the way his tail flicked slightly.... almost like a nervous tic.
"Stay close," he murmured. "The elders are waiting."
"Oh, fantastic. I love being judged by strangers first thing in the morning," Bellathria muttered sarcastically. Ferox gave her a brief side-glance, unsure if she was joking. (She was. Mostly.)
They approached the tribe's central gathering area..... a large circular clearing with stone seats carved around a great bonfire pit. Several older beastmen and beastwomen sat there, their beast features more pronounced than Ferox's. Their gazes immediately locked onto Bellathria like hawks spotting a particularly shiny rabbit.
"Ferox," rumbled an elder with a mane of silver hair. "Is this the female you brought in last night?"
"Yes," Ferox answered curtly, stepping slightly in front of Bellathria as if shielding her from scrutiny. "I found her in the forest alone. She said she was lost."
Bellathria stepped forward before he could say anything else. "I was lost," she added, placing her hand elegantly on her chest with mock solemnity. "It was cold, dark, and very foresty. Not exactly the best bed-and-breakfast."
Some elders exchanged confused glances. Others chuckled softly.
"She's… different," murmured one of the elder women.
"No scent," said another male elder, sniffing the air subtly. "I can't sense her beast form at all."
"Well, sorry for not having an obvious 'species' tag attached to me," Bellathria thought dryly. Outwardly, she just smiled politely.
Before the elders could question further, a group of females appeared from the crowd. Bellathria instantly felt their gazes.... sharp, assessing, and just a touch hostile. It wasn't exactly a warm welcome.
One particularly tall female, with lynx ears and long brown hair, stepped forward with a huff. "Why is she standing beside Ferox? Who is she to be presented to the elders like this?"
"Because I have excellent taste in scenic spots?" Bellathria murmured under her breath.
Ferox, however, didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, voice clear and strong.
"She is mine," he declared.
The words echoed through the clearing like a sudden thunderclap.
Bellathria blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Host! He claimed you!" the system shrieked in excitement. "This is excellent! As the tribe chief's son, being claimed by him ensures your protection and high status! Congratulations on entering the VIP lane of beastworld romance!!!"
Bellathria mentally smacked her forehead. Of course. Beastworld logic. She should have expected this.
The group of females, however, didn't look thrilled. Whispers spread like wildfire.
"She's so strange-looking."
"No beast scent?"
"Why her?"
"She doesn't even look like she knows how to take care of kids."
The lynx-eared female crossed her arms. "Ferox, you've never claimed anyone before. And now you suddenly bring a stranger and declare her yours? Who knows what she even is."
Ferox's eyes turned icy. "She's under my protection. That's all you need to know."
Bellathria tilted her head slightly, watching this unfold with a mixture of amusement and mild panic. She hadn't agreed to anything, but now she was apparently Ferox's… female. Fantastic. Beastworld marriage speedrun.
"Host, don't look so conflicted," the system whispered gleefully. "This is exactly what we need for the next quest!"
Bellathria sighed inwardly. "Don't tell me…"
"New Quest: Conceive Ferox Klavej's child.
Requirement: Produce one offspring with the tribe chief's son.
Reward: 5000 points, exclusive 'Matriarch's Blessing' skill unlocked."
Her jaw twitched. Of course. The system had only one priority: babies. Preferably powerful ones.
"You're insane," she muttered.
"No, Host, I'm efficient," the system replied smugly.
Meanwhile, the elders continued their discussion. "She's a rare female," one elder noted. "And if she's strong enough to survive the forest alone, that speaks of resilience."
"Her features are unique. Perhaps she's from another tribe far away," another suggested.
Bellathria stayed quiet, letting Ferox handle the political talking. Internally, though, she was processing everything with the precision of a celestial accountant.
Woke up in forest.
Got picked up by white tiger hottie.
Slept in his bed.
Next morning: claimed in front of entire tribe.
Now has a 'have a child' quest.
"Well, that escalated quickly," she thought drily.
One of the elder women finally addressed her directly. "Bellathria, was it? Do you accept Ferox's claim?"
Bellathria blinked. Everyone stared. Ferox looked at her expectantly, ears twitching slightly, as if nervous about her response.
She forced a soft, composed smile. "Well… considering he did save me and offer shelter, it would be rude to say no, wouldn't it?"
A few females glared daggers at her. She just sweetly smiled back.
"Oh, she's going to get herself murdered in her sleep," the system whispered dramatically.
"Don't worry," Bellathria replied mentally. "I bite back."
The meeting concluded with the elders approving Ferox's claim.... because of course they did.... and welcoming Bellathria officially to the tribe. Some beastmen nodded respectfully, others watched her with curiosity, and the females… well, let's just say if looks could kill, she'd have been buried twice already.
As they walked back to Ferox's house, Bellathria nudged him slightly. "You didn't ask before declaring me yours, you know."
Ferox stiffened. "I… didn't think you'd object."
She smirked. "Oh, don't worry. I like dramatic public declarations as much as the next celestial. Just… maybe warn me next time before you throw me into political whirlpools?"
For a moment, his cold expression softened. "I'll… remember that."
The system screamed in her head: "HE CARES!!! Host, this is the perfect opportunity to copulate!"
Bellathria mentally threw a pillow at it. "One step at a time, system. I'm not about to jump a tiger because you're impatient."
Still… as she glanced at Ferox walking ahead, silver hair catching the sun, broad shoulders moving with quiet strength, she admitted.... grudgingly.... that he was dangerously attractive. There was a steadiness to him, a silent kind of intensity that drew her in despite herself.
"Host… you're staring," the system sing-songed.
"I'm analyzing," Bellathria retorted.
"Analyzing his abs, maybe," it snickered.
She ignored it and walked on, knowing full well her life had just gotten very complicated.