The Bhalot tribe's way of life was semi-nomadic, with a distinct inclination toward solitude compared to other bear tribes. They ventured on journeys during the scorching months, but sought refuge in a more permanent abode deep within the Witch Woods as the rainy season approached, when the temperature cooled to a bearable warmth, albeit accompanied by oppressive humidity.
By a stroke of good fortune, Ustal's spies had discovered a nearby wolf-man tribe encamped near the bear's ancestral hibernation grounds. This revelation prompted him to summon the entire tribe back home, preparing for a march to war in a final battle to vanquish the wolf-men and claim their women. The prospect of the majority of She-Wolf offspring meeting their demise stirred a peculiar satisfaction within San.
The bears had settled in their winter dens around a colossal rock near a magnificent waterfall. Over time, the relentless flow of water had eroded the stone into a likeness said to resemble Bhalot herself—the She-Bear who had given birth to the bear-men in ancient times. It held sacred significance for Ustal and his kin. Thick clusters of trees enveloped the area, some stretching right up to a vast pool at the base of the falls, before the water continued its journey as a meandering river, eventually reaching the lands controlled by humans.
In the camp, the number of men far surpassed that of women, and the bear-men were vigilant in safeguarding their female counterparts. Like any other males, bear-men enjoyed sexual encounters, and the captive women who failed to escape were coerced into caring for the cubs borne by the entire tribe, while also being subjected to the advances of any man who took an interest in them. However, as the solitary witch woman, San moved freely and without fear. Bear-men were proud and, at times, foolhardy in their bravery, but none dared to cross paths with a witch if they valued their longevity.
San immersed herself in the chilly waters of the pool, vigorously scrubbing her bloodied arms until her skin stung and the flesh appeared immaculate. She lowered herself beneath the surface with a sharp gasp that reverberated off the surrounding rocks—a sensation both invigorating and frigid. Above her, figures perched on the cliffs and stones near the waterfall gazed in her direction—most of them observed briefly before vanishing into thin air; a few cast disapproving or menacing glances, but they too soon disappeared.
San paid little attention to their stares; their actions held significance to her. Undoubtedly, she was the smallest woman in the camp—narrow hips, small breasts with minimal curvature, small and taut nipples. Her petite stature and the choice to keep her intimate area smooth, as preferred by her hairy mate, made her instantly recognizable to all. The camp knew who San was, and in return, they granted her the respect she demanded, which was what truly mattered.
After completing her bath, San clambered out, wringing her hair as much as possible before taking a detour on her way back to Ustal's den. Confident that no one was following or watching her, she ascended to the highest point of the waterfall, treading carefully on the slippery terrain. She passed her mate's den and ventured further onto the stone ledge, entering the shadowy realm where the trees loomed like skeletal fingers against the evening sky.
"It'll be dark soon," she murmured, settling herself on a flat stone at the very edge of the precipice, letting her petite feet dangle above the abyss. The ground lay far below, and any fall would result in a crushing impact on the rocks beneath.
"Night always arrives eventually," came the reply. The man's voice was as dark as the night he spoke of, yet it possessed the smoothness of moonlight caressing the skin. San felt an instant surge of arousal upon hearing it. The memories entwined with that voice... she shivered, resisting the temptation to part her legs, to graze her fingertips along her cool, tight folds.
"I came looking for you last night," she confessed, her voice masked by the rushing water. There was no other den in close proximity to where she sat, except her own, and Ustal remained oblivious to her visitor. "You were absent." She struggled to conceal the anger and disappointment in her tone.
Her visitor knew her all too well. "It couldn't be helped," he replied, his voice almost cooing in an attempt to placate her. "I was away then, but now I am here. When will your man and his warriors strike against the wolves?" The speaker loathed referring to Ustal as her mate and adamantly refused to acknowledge him as such.
"Soon, I believe," she responded, gazing out over the treetops. The expanse of the Witch Wood stretched endlessly, a tapestry of green, brown, and black in every direction. "A few more days, a few more sacrifices, and he will be prepared to make his move."
"Very good, San." Three simple words, yet the satisfaction in the man's voice caused her heart to flutter with delight. She smiled, suppressing the urge to laugh in sheer pleasure.
"Thank you. Are you proud of me?" she asked, her throat tightening with anticipation of his response.
"I am," he affirmed. "I will show you just how proud soon. I promise."
San nibbled on her lower lip, clenching her thighs together tightly as a moan escaped her lips involuntarily. The figure before her let out a chuckle that sent a surge of heat coursing through her belly. At this rate, she would soon find herself sitting in a pool of her own desire.
"You take great pleasure in teasing me," she remarked.
"Indeed. Have you made the necessary preparations?" the figure inquired.
San scoffed. "I have Ustal under my control so completely that I hardly require any additional preparations. However," she continued, "yes. If things go awry for the bears, I will meet you at the designated location."
"Good girl," came the response.
Those two words caused her heart to race and her nipples to tighten. She took a deep breath. "I missed you last night." The same words she had spoken to Ustal, but this time, her heart infused them with a longing and craving that she could scarcely bear.
Glancing around to ensure no prying eyes were present—a needless precaution as she had confirmed the secrecy of this spot when she first discovered it—San turned to face the dense thicket. With a deliberate motion, she spread her legs wide apart, using both hands to expose her glistening folds and crevices fully. "This missed you," she whispered breathlessly, knowing that he could still hear her. "And I know you missed having it too."