Lula and her overbearing husband

There are factions among the beastmen, each with its own hierarchy and customs. Lula, being among the serpent species, had yet to witness the incredible transformation of beastmen as they shifted between their true and human forms.

For the beastmen, strength was everything. Disputes or desires were often settled through challenges, where combat or tasks determined the victor. These challenges, however, came at a great cost, often leading to death, either from the fight itself or the wounds left behind. To maintain order, only those who passed a trial and earned a tag could issue challenges. These tags were ranked based on stamina, strength, and the ability to complete tasks assigned by the leaders, ensuring only the worthy could compete.

As Lula drank from the lake, her peaceful moment was interrupted by an approaching group. Among them was Samuel, the son of the chiefdom. The air shifted as he caught her scent, a pleasant aroma that piqued his interest. He stepped forward, intending to approach her, but Maya quickly intervened, placing herself protectively between Samuel and Lula.

"What can I help you with?" Maya asked firmly, her tone leaving no room for casual conversation.

Samuel's gaze darkened, though he maintained a charming facade. "Who is this beautiful female?" he inquired, his interest barely concealed.

"She is a distant relative," Maya replied smoothly, her voice calm but guarded. "What does the son of the chiefdom wish to know?"

Maya's protective instincts flared. She knew Samuel's reputation all too well. He was notorious for his conquests of females, using his position to manipulate others. Stories of him mating with two women from neighbouring villages in exchange for aiding their starving communities were well-known. Maya could not allow Lula to fall victim to him. Deep down, she longed to see her son Xavier find happiness and settle down with his mate. She would do everything to ensure Lula's safety.

Samuel's smile tightened as he decided to remind Maya of the rules. "Ms. Thorne, you know that any female who arrives or wishes to stay in the village must be welcomed by the chiefdom. It is only proper for my father to express his gratitude and evaluate her."

His words struck a nerve. It was true—females, particularly those of childbearing age, were often brought before the chiefdom to assess their fertility. Those deemed infertile were shunned, relegated to menial labor in the fields. Maya lowered her head slightly in acknowledgment but did not budge from her position.

Samuel's frustration grew as he clicked his tongue, annoyed by her defiance. Yet, he knew better than to push too far. His followers lingered close by, watching silently, while Maya and Lula stayed behind them, ensuring some distance between Samuel and the girl he was so intent on meeting.

The news of Lula's presence spread quickly. Soon, the entire village gathered at the hall, eager to witness the spectacle. Those who couldn't fit inside pressed themselves against the doors and windows.

Xavier and David only learned of the commotion when Barney and Liam returned from trading hides for fruit. Alarmed, Xavier rushed to the hall, shoving through the crowd. His heart raced with anxiety, knowing his mother and mate stood before the chiefdom.

Inside the hall, under the scrutinizing gaze of the villagers and the chiefdom, Lula stood with a calm elegance.

"My name is Lula," she answered the chief in a steady voice, her demeanor composed despite the weight of the moment.

The Chiefdom, a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver streaks in his dark hair, leaned forward in his seat. His eyes, sharp and calculating, swept over her, taking in every detail of her presence—the refined way she held herself, her delicate features, and the faint scent that clung to her, sweet and unique.

"You have a noble bearing," the Chiefdom said finally, his deep voice filling the hall. "But you do not belong here, do you?"

Lula hesitated. She felt the weight of his question. Truthfully, she didn't belong, but admitting that seemed like a risk she couldn't take. So, she spoke carefully. "I am unfamiliar with this place, yes. But I am grateful for the kindness your people have shown me."

The Chiefdom's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Kindness is not a resource we give freely. Every member of this community must contribute. Tell me, Lula, what skills do you bring to us?"

Lula's mind raced. Her upbringing had never required her to work with her hands or learn practical trades. She faltered, searching for a suitable response, but honesty won out.

"I am willing to learn," she said earnestly. "Whatever is needed of me, I will do my best to contribute."

The Chiefdom raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her candor. "An adaptable spirit is a valuable trait," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But tell me, girl, why are you here? How did you come to be in our territory?"

Before Lula could answer, Maya interjected. "Chief, she is a distant relative visiting for the season. I assure you, she poses no threat to our customs or order."

The Chiefdom turned his gaze to Maya, his expression unreadable. "You speak for her, Maya? Do you vouch for her place among us?"

Maya hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "I do, Chief."

Satisfied for the moment, the Chiefdom turned his attention back to Lula. "Very well, you will remain under Maya's care for now. But you must understand the rules of this land. Strangers, even distant relatives, are not exempt from proving their worth."

Lula swallowed, nodding slowly. "I understand, Chief."

The Chiefdom's tone softened slightly, though his gaze remained sharp. "And tell me, Lula, do you know what it means to carry the scent of a mate?"

The question caught her off guard. She blinked, confused. "A mate?"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and the Chiefdom's sharp gaze flickered briefly toward Xavier, standing tense at the back of the room.

"Yes," the Chiefdom said, his voice heavier now, almost testing her. "A mate. Do you understand the bond it represents? The responsibility it carries?"

Lula shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't understand."

The Chiefdom smiled faintly, though there was a glimmer of knowing in his expression. "Then you have much to learn, child. For now, rest and acclimate yourself to our ways. But mark my words—you will soon be called to prove your worth."

The hall stirred with whispers as the Chiefdom rose, signaling the end of the conversation. Xavier, unnoticed until now, stepped forward, his protective stance unmissable as he moved to Lula's side. His presence seemed to silence the murmurs, and the Chiefdom's gaze lingered on him for a moment before turning away.

As the crowd began to disperse, Lula looked up at Xavier, her confusion clear. "What did he mean by 'the scent of a mate'?"

Xavier hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's something I'll explain when the time is right," he said quietly. "But for now, just trust me."

Though his words were vague, the intensity in his voice left Lula with little doubt that she had stepped into a world far more complex than she had ever imagined.