The drums did not stop.
They echoed through the entire tribe like thunder in the jungle.
Warriors danced around the massive fire while sparks flew into the dark sky.
Lena stood frozen beside the Chief.
His arm was still around her waist.
Firm.
Possessive.
As if letting her go was not even a thought.
The tribe celebrated loudly.
But Lena felt like she was standing inside a cage.
The Chief looked down at her.
"You will stay in my hut tonight."
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
His expression didn't change.
"In this tribe, the Chief decides."
Lena stepped back slightly.
"I'm not your—"
Before she could finish, his large hand grabbed her wrist again.
Not painfully.
But strong enough to remind her how powerless she was here.
The warriors around them laughed quietly.
The Chief leaned closer to her.
His voice dropped low.
"You speak like you still belong to another world."
His fingers slowly lifted her chin.
"But you are here now."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"And here…"
His thumb brushed lightly against her lips.
"The strong take what they want."
Lena's heart started racing again.
She hated how close he was.
Hated how his presence made the air feel heavier.
But something else stirred inside her too.
Something she didn't understand.
The Chief suddenly turned.
Without another word, he lifted her onto his shoulder like she weighed nothing.
"Put me down!" Lena shouted.
The warriors laughed even louder.
"She's fierce!"
"The Chief likes fierce women!"
Lena hit his back in frustration.
But he didn't slow down.
He walked straight toward the largest hut in the village.
His hut.
The entrance was covered with thick animal skins.
He pushed them aside and stepped inside.
The inside was warm.
Lit by several small fires and torches.
Furs covered the ground.
Weapons hung from the walls.
The Chief finally set her down.
Lena stepped back quickly.
Trying to create distance.
But he didn't move.
He simply watched her.
Like a hunter studying prey.
Then he said quietly…
"You will learn the rules of this tribe."
He took one slow step forward.
"And the first rule…"
Another step.
Lena's back touched the wall.
"…is that the Chief gets what he wants."
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