The village was bustling with life as Leo carried Lilith through its gates.
Her wings hung awkwardly behind her, too large and unwieldy for her to make them smaller or move them out of the way.
The air buzzed with murmurs as the villagers noticed Leo—a panther beast man rarely seen with company—returning with an unknown Female cradled in his arms.
Lilith's face flushed as curious eyes lingered on her. The stares were more intense than she had ever experienced, and it wasn't hard to see why.
Most of the people in the village were also beast like, some of them had ears like leo and some like other cats, there were even some with wings but theirs were smaller and definitely more under control.
"They're looking at me," Lilith whispered, her voice shaky.
Leo's ears twitched, and he tightened his hold on her, protective. "It's because you're new… and beautiful," he added softly, glancing at her over his shoulder.
The compliment did little to ease her nerves. She tried to shift in his arms, feeling exposed and overwhelmed by the crowd. But her wings still refused to obey her will, extending clumsily with every movement. A young child pointed at her from a distance, whispering to his mother.
"Ive never seen wings that big!" someone murmured, just loud enough for Lilith to hear.
Leo's pace quickened, his grip gentle but firm as he led her toward the village's medical hut. He cast a quick glance around, his sharp gaze warning the onlookers to keep their distance.
Finally, they reached the entrance of the doctor's hut. The wooden door creaked open, and they stepped inside, the air cool and quiet compared to the bustling streets outside. The doctor was waiting for them.
His name was Draven, a tall and broad figure. His fox-like ears twitched slightly as he took in the sight of Lilith. His amber eyes widened, then softened with a glint of admiration as he approached.
"Leo," Draven greeted with a nod, but his attention was quickly drawn to Lilith. "And who is this… ?" His gaze traveled to her wings, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Ive never seen wings so beautiful, and on such a pretty female too"
Lilith's face grew warm under his gaze. She had never been described in such a way before, and it made her feel even more out of place.
"She's had trouble with her wings," Leo explained, setting her down carefully on a bench. "I think it's because of shock."
Draven crouched in front of Lilith, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's not uncommon," he said gently. "When someone experiences a significant shock or trauma, their body can refuse to respond normally. I'll need to examine you to confirm."
Lilith nodded, still too dazed to argue. She watched as Draven carefully inspected her wings, his hands gentle as they brushed over the delicate feathers.
"You're perfectly healthy," he said after a moment, stepping back with a smile. "Your wings will settle in time, once you get some rest you will be fine."
Lilith let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Relief washed over her, but just as she began to relax, Draven's next words caught her off guard.
"Now that you're here… I'd like to ask you something," he said, standing tall and straight. "Would you consider being my female?"
The question hung in the air, and Lilith blinked in surprise, unsure if she had heard him correctly.
"Excuse me?" she whispered, her heart pounding.
Draven's smile was charming but serious. "I would be honored to serve under you, to be one of your males."
Lilith's mind whirled, the implications of his offer sinking in.
In this world, women held power, and men sought to form bonds with them, thats what she gathered while looking around the village and how the males were fawning over females. She was flattered by the request—Draven was undeniably handsome and kind—but she had just arrived. She barely understood this world, much less her own place in it.
Leo stepped forward, sensing her unease. "Draven, she needs time," he said, his voice low but firm. "She's been through a lot. Let her recover first."
Draven's expression softened again, and he nodded. "Of course. I didn't mean to overwhelm you, Lilith. Please, take your time."
Lilith gave a small, shaky smile. "Thank you. I… I'll think about it."
Leo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Come on," he said gently. "You need rest."
He led her out of the doctor's hut and back through the village, the curious eyes still following them, though now they seemed more respectful. Leo's hut was modest, tucked away at the edge of the village. Inside, it was simple but comfortable, with a warm fire burning in the hearth and a bed made of soft furs in the corner.
"You can rest here," Leo said, motioning toward the bed. "I'll stay outside for now, ill go and hunt us a nice dinner to help you recover"
He said with a bright smile that seemed rather goofy and went out of the hut before she could even say anything.
Lilith sank into the bed, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up with her. She felt the weight of her wings pressing into the soft furs, still strange but no longer frightening. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. This new world, her transformation, the attention from both Leo and Draven—it was all too much.
But as she closed her eyes, the fire's warmth soothing her, some thoughts kept circling her mind: Was this truly her new life? And could she ever fit into it? Why was she even transported here, and with wings at that.
But for now she put those thoughts aside and drifted off to sleep.
What woke her up was Leo coming back form hunting and bringing her some grilled meat.
When she tasted it she felt like spitting it out but seeing how proud Leo was and how much he looked at her expectingly she decided to just swallow it.
The meat was gamey and had little taste, but she was so hungry she didn't mind it that much.
She wanted to ask Leo about the seasoning but then she thought that he might be poor and cant afford any and she didn't want to seem rude to her savior.
And so the rest of the evening passed and Lilith drifted off to sleep again, with Leo laying besides her, tho she didn't notice that as he laid down after she already fell asleep.