Chapter 27 - Chapter 26 - Choosing to Stand Together

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Chapter 46 May 24, 2025

Chapter 47 May 28, 2025

Chapter 48 July 1, 2025

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Athan woke up to an unusual warmth surrounding him. His body felt sticky, uncomfortably hot, and for a moment, he couldn't recall falling asleep. A strange sensation pressed against his back—soft, yet firm—and his mind slowly registered the fact that a pair of arms were wrapped around him.

Blinking groggily, he turned his head slightly, his breath hitching when he found himself face to face with Lara. Her features were relaxed in sleep, her soft breaths tickling his skin. But what caught his attention the most was how tightly she was holding onto him, her arms wrapped securely around his torso as if she feared he might disappear.

Awkwardness settled in quickly. His already warm face grew hotter as realization struck—they were both still in their underwear. Their outer garments were still hanging at the edge of the bedding, where they had left them to dry overnight. Athan swallowed hard, feeling the texture of the fur covering them but also acutely aware of the heat radiating from Lara's body pressed against his back.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the shelter, casting a dim glow inside. The rain had stopped at some point during the night, and the air, though still humid, felt lighter. Athan's initial relief at the end of the storm was quickly overshadowed by a new concern—he couldn't hear the sounds of the other tribe members. The usual rustling, voices, or even the distant sound of someone tending to the fire—everything was eerily silent.

A sudden unease settled in his gut. He needed to get up and check on the others, but moving meant disturbing Lara, and he wasn't exactly sure how to go about it without making the situation even more awkward.

Shifting carefully, he tried to free himself from her grasp. The movement stirred Lara from her sleep, her body tensing before she blinked awake. As her eyes adjusted and she took in their position, a deep red flush crept up her face. She immediately released him, jerking her arms back as if burned.

Athan hesitated, but before he could say anything, she moved to pull the fur tightly around herself—her face still flushed with embarrassment. Even though they were still clothed in their undergarments, the closeness and warmth of their bodies made the situation feel far more intimate than it should have.

Athan let out a nervous chuckle, his own face still burning as he remained under the covers.

"I'll—uh, I'll get our clothes," he muttered, keeping his gaze averted as he reached for their garments. They were mostly dry, thanks to the sunlight that had filtered into their shelter.

Still avoiding eye contact, the two quickly dressed, the silence between them thick with unspoken thoughts. Once they were decent, they stepped out of the bedding, their focus shifting immediately to the outside world.

Where was everyone?

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Stepping out of the shelter, Athan felt the soggy ground squelch beneath his feet, still saturated from the heavy rains. Puddles dotted the landscape, and the damp air carried the lingering scent of wet earth. As he took a few steps forward, he heard Lara trailing behind him. Her movements were slow and stiff, her body still recovering from the previous night's cold. Despite the fatigue evident in her posture, she followed without complaint, determined not to fall behind.

Before anything else, Athan wanted to check the fields. The state of the crops was his immediate concern before seeking out the rest of the clan. However, as they made their way toward the farmland, he spotted the gathered tribe members near the wall.

Athan frowned. The entire group was standing by the wall, watching the water pooled around the entrance. The rainwater had accumulated, and though it was slowly draining through the gaps between the logs and the small spaces around the entrance, the flow was sluggish and ineffective. The sheer volume of water had formed a sizable flood against the outer side of the wall, easily reaching up to a meter high in front of the gate.

Despite the pressure of the water pressing against it, the wall held firm. Athan carefully examined its structure—each log securely bound to the next, reinforcing its stability. The interwoven trunks created enough resistance to prevent them from being uprooted, proving that the construction had been solid enough to withstand the rain's aftermath.

Still, this was a problem. The water wasn't draining fast enough, which meant it would take time before the area would dry out completely.

The tribe members turned as Athan approached, their expressions filled with silent questions. He could see they were expecting him to provide a solution, but for now, there was nothing he could do to immediately resolve the situation. Once the water receded, he could carve drainage notches into the wooden barrier to improve the flow. Alternatively, after they completed the first permanent structures, he could experiment with building cement trenches beneath the wall to direct excess water away from the settlement. But with the flood still present, there was little he could do at the moment.

As he assessed the situation, his eyes landed on Kali. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her jaw set, and her gaze locked onto him with an intensity that made his steps falter. She wasn't just annoyed—she was glaring at him, her narrowed eyes practically drilling holes through him. The sharpness of her stare sent an unexpected wave of unease through him.

Athan hesitated for a moment, trying to piece together what had caused her irritation. Had he done something to upset her? Or was it something else entirely? He had no answers, and frankly, he didn't have time to unravel whatever frustration she was harboring.

Deciding to ignore it for now, he exhaled and gave a small shrug before turning his focus back to the fields. There were more pressing matters to attend to.

Flexing his fingers, he noted that his hands had finally healed over the past few days. It had become a habit for him to move them periodically, testing how much strength and flexibility he had regained. Each morning, he would stretch them, curl his fingers into fists, and press his palms together, checking for any lingering pain. Now, for the first time since injuring them, he felt no resistance, no discomfort.

Satisfied, he clenched and unclenched his fists a few more times, reassuring himself that he was fully capable of resuming his work. With no further injuries holding him back, he could finally return to his tasks without hesitation.

Upon finally reaching the fields, Athan took a careful look around. A deep sigh of relief escaped him—his trench had proven useful. The fields had suffered only minor damage from the rain, sparing them from what could have been a devastating flood.

Fields 1, 2, and 3, which had already sprouted, showed steady growth despite the storm. Field 1 had begun to produce large leaves that fanned out widely, their broad surfaces appearing healthy and vibrant. However, Athan noted a few vines emerging from the base of the plants, signaling that they would soon need support structures to climb. Given the thickness of the stalks, he realized that the plants would likely be capable of bearing significant weight, and he made a mental note to add additional supports.

In Field 2, the climbing vines had already started to wrap themselves around the wooden stakes Athan had previously planted. The vines seemed strong and healthy, their tendrils winding upward rapidly as they sought to cover more ground. Athan was impressed by the rate of growth and was pleased to see that the support structures were holding firm. He could already envision the vines providing an abundance of fruit or vegetables if they continued to thrive.

However, Field 3 had taken a noticeable hit. Due to the thickness of its stalks, several had been knocked over by the heavy rainfall. He would need to carefully straighten them to ensure they continued growing properly and remained anchored in the soil.

Then, something caught his eye—a pleasant surprise. Fields 5 and 6, which had previously been barren, now showed the first signs of life. Tiny green sprouts were emerging from the soil, their delicate forms reaching upward. His chest swelled with satisfaction.

Without hesitation, Athan hurried to retrieve his notebook, ink, and pen. He carefully documented his observations, noting the effects of the rain, the trench's performance, and the condition of Fields 1, 2, and 3. Then, with excitement, he added his first entries on the progress of Fields 5 and 6, marking a new step forward in their food production. 

After that, the boy turned his attention to the bricks. He let out a deep sigh as he saw their state—many of the bricks had been partially broken down by the relentless rain. The edges were softened, and the carefully formed shapes were now misshapen and crumbly. The water had seeped into the clay, eroding the hard work he had put into shaping and drying them. All that effort and patience seemed wasted.

Yet, as he knelt down and inspected the damage, Athan's resolve strengthened. The clay itself was still usable, albeit softer and more malleable than before. He realized that while he would need to reform the bricks, he could salvage the material and begin the process anew. This time, he could experiment with different drying techniques, possibly adding protective coverings to prevent the same issue from occurring during future storms.

Instead of dwelling on the setback, Athan decided to take action. He approached his father, Wade, explaining his need for a dedicated shelter for drying and storing bricks. "If we build a proper shelter, the bricks will be protected from rain, and we won't risk losing our hard work again," he said, his tone serious and determined.

Wade listened with a faint, knowing smile on his lips. "Boy, full of ideas today," he said, his words simple but teasing. "Maybe because you spent night close with Lara, huh?" He chuckled, his tone playful.

Athan's face immediately turned red. "That's not—! We were just—!" he stammered, but Wade chuckled, clapping a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Wade looked at Athan with a knowing smile. "You no worry, boy. But maybe you lead project, full of energy today after night with Lara, eh?" he said, his tone playful and teasing.

The men nearby listened attentively, nodding in agreement. Athan suggested that they use the same location where the bricks had previously been drying before the rain. "That spot gets a lot of sun, and it worked well before," Athan explained, pointing in the direction of the clearing. The area was open enough to receive direct sunlight and had proven effective in drying the bricks prior to the storm.

With the location decided, Athan began organizing the group, assigning tasks to gather materials and start construction on the shelter. He explained how they could create a simple framework with support beams, using leaves and woven branches to provide a protective covering. As they moved with purpose, Athan felt a sense of optimism. This shelter would ensure that future brick-making efforts were secure, and it would be a step toward greater stability for the entire tribe. 

Lara, who had left after observing the fields, returned to Athan with Kali by her side. The young women seemed to move more freely now compared to how stiffly she had walked that morning. Kali, however, kept her gaze locked on Athan, her expression still dark and brooding. She crossed her arms tightly, and her glare seemed almost accusatory as she watched him.

Lara approached him, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "The fish trap... it's not where it was," she said simply, her voice hesitant.

Kali remained silent, but her presence was impossible to ignore, her posture tense as if she were on the verge of speaking but held herself back.

Athan let out a sigh, immediately understanding what must have happened. The river's increased current from the rain must have swept the fish trap away. It was a frustrating setback, but not an insurmountable one. However, he realized that without the fish trap, they wouldn't have any fish for tonight's meal. To make matters worse, they had already exhausted the supply of meat they had accumulated over the two days of rain. This left the tribe with limited food options, and it became clear that finding another source of sustenance would be necessary soon.

While the men continued building the new shelter, Lara, having noticed the partially destroyed bricks, pointed them out and asked Athan what he planned to do with them. Athan explained that they needed to collect the softened clay and move it back to the flat rock he had previously used for containing the clay. "Once the shelter is built, we'll need to remake the bricks using the mold," he said.

Lara nodded and began gathering chunks of the softened clay, carefully carrying them back to the flat rock. Despite her still-recovering strength, she worked with determination, her steps steady. Not far behind, Kali followed suit, but her expression remained tense, her eyes frequently darting toward Athan with a look of lingering frustration that he couldn't quite decipher.

The boy knew he would need to speak with Kali eventually, not understanding what he might have done wrong. Her silent glare and tense demeanor made it clear that something was bothering her with him. However, for now, he had to focus on his tasks.

As he continued weaving the branches for the new fish trap, Athan glanced up, observing the two girls as they worked. Lara's determined movements stood out, her focus and care evident in the way she handled the softened clay. Kali, on the other hand, moved with a certain rigidity, her eyes frequently flickering toward Athan with an expression that seemed to border on irritation.

He felt a pang of gratitude despite the lingering tension. The two girls, despite their differences, were contributing to the tribe's efforts without hesitation. He hoped that, once the immediate tasks were complete, he could take the time to address whatever was causing Kali's frustration.

As he finished weaving, he made sure to reinforce the base of the trap more thoroughly this time, ensuring it would be heavier and more stable against the river's current. He took a moment to check the tightness of each knot, pulling the rope taut to ensure the structure's durability.

Once the trap was ready, he carried it carefully to the riverbank, his footsteps deliberate to avoid slipping on the damp ground. As he was about to step into the water to secure it, his father, Wade, appeared and stepped forward, stopping him with a firm hand on his shoulder. "No, boy. You stay. I do it," Wade said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Athan stepped back reluctantly, watching as Wade took the trap and waded into the water. With practiced movements, he anchored the trap to a sturdy tree root, winding the rope tightly around it. He took extra care to wedge it into place, ensuring that it would remain steady even if the water levels rose again.

Satisfied with his work, Wade stepped back onto dry land, water dripping from his legs as he nodded to Athan. "This trap good now. You not lose it again."

Satisfied with his work, he stepped back to watch as the trap settled into the gentle flow of the river, the current swirling around it. He then walked back to where the girls were working, observing Lara's and Kali's steady movements as they continued to gather the softened clay.

"It should hold better this time," he said, to Lara with a small, reassuring nod. "We'll just have to check it regularly."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Kali cross her arms, her expression still unreadable. He resolved that after the tasks of the day were done, he would make it a priority to understand and address whatever was troubling her.

Letting the girls finish that task, Athan then walked back to the field. In Field 3, he carefully began to straighten the plants that had been knocked over by the heavy rain. He worked slowly, ensuring that each stalk was stable and upright. Fortunately, the plants were sturdy enough that he didn't need to add extra supports to keep them in place. After a while, Field 3 looked much better, with the plants standing tall once more, appearing healthier and stronger.

Satisfied with his progress, Athan turned his attention to the pile of branches he had collected earlier. He selected several sturdy branches, shaping them into stakes with careful, deliberate carvings. Each stake was smoothed and sharpened, ready to provide support.

Once he finished, he carried the stakes over to Field 1. One by one, he planted them into the soil near each plant, making sure they were anchored securely. This way, the emerging tendrils would have a strong structure to climb, allowing the plants to grow upward and spread out.

As he worked, Athan took a moment to admire the progress. The stakes stood tall, promising future growth and stability for the crops. It was a small but crucial step toward ensuring that the food supply for the tribe would be secure.

Then Athan looked at his scarecrow. The makeshift figure had endured the relentless rain for two days, and while some of the dried grass had been stripped away in places, the structure itself remained largely intact. The sight reassured him—it would still serve its purpose in deterring birds and other animals from disturbing the fields.

He then made his way toward his mother, who was patiently showing Shala, Kali's mother, how to weave rope. Shala's movements were slow, and her hands shook slightly as she worked. Athan knew that her body was still weak from the days of hunger and exhaustion she had endured while protecting her children.

"She need time to recover," his mother had said earlier, so Shala had been assigned to the rope-making team, where she could contribute without overexerting herself.

Nearby, little Mir played quietly with a bundle of discarded rope fibers, keeping himself entertained as his mother worked. The sight of the small boy brought a soft warmth to Athan's chest, a reminder of the importance of providing security for the entire tribe.

He also recalled how, on the day the storm arrived, Medi had given them the two large rabbit furs. They had hunted them in the day before, the fur had keep them warm. In this world, rabbits were closer in size to medium dogs, and the thick furs had been a vital source of warmth during those difficult night. It was a gesture of kindness that had meant more than words, and it had helped them make it through that harsh time. 

Shala had a gentle look in her eyes, as if she had found a renewed sense of purpose, her focus fully on her task of weaving rope. Her hands moved with more confidence, though she frequently cast quick glances toward her son, Mir, as if to ensure his well-being. There was a constant flicker of concern in her gaze, a mother's protective instinct that lingered even as she tried to focus on her work. Athan could see the determination in her movements as she worked alongside his mother Rael, but also the underlying vigilance that showed how deeply she cared for her child.

Athan took a handful of dried herbs nearby and carried them back to his scarecrow. He carefully secured the herbs to the figure, reinforcing it to ensure it would continue to deter birds and other animals from disturbing the crops. The scarecrow stood tall against the sky, its presence a reassuring sight.

With that task complete, Athan turned his attention to the new shelter. He watched as the men finished tying up the last of the large leaves that would serve as the roof, creating a protective covering that would shield the bricks from future rains.

Stepping inside, Athan's mind was already racing with ideas. He considered building shelves along the interior walls, stacking them in layers to allow for better air circulation around the drying bricks. The elevated shelves would make efficient use of space, ensuring that more bricks could be dried at once and that each layer would benefit from airflow to speed up the process.

Going back to the pile, Athan eyed the water that had accumulated at the door. In the time he had been occupied, the water had receded, slowly being pushed outside the walls through the narrow gaps between the logs. Perhaps half of it had drained away. Calculating quickly, he estimated that by tonight, most of the water would be gone. However, he knew that tomorrow he would need to clean, reinforce, and create proper drainage channels to ensure that water could flow away without compromising the integrity of the wall.

Taking several sturdy branches and planks, he carried them to the new shelter before retrieving some rope. The weight of the materials pressed against his arms, but he moved with purpose, determined to build something that would last. The shelter smelled of freshly cut wood, the earthy scent mixing with the lingering dampness in the air from the previous rain.

Setting the materials down, he took a step back, rubbing his sore arms before surveying the area. The space was still cluttered with scraps from the previous woodworking efforts, and before beginning construction, he spent a few moments clearing out twigs and loose bark that had collected in the corners. Every so often, a breeze stirred through the shelter, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and drying leaves.

He ran his fingers along one of the wooden beams supporting the shelter, ensuring it was stable enough to hold the shelves. Satisfied, he crouched down and began measuring the first plank against the frame, carefully aligning it before marking spots for adjustments. The process was slow, each piece needing to be trimmed and reshaped slightly to fit securely.

Using a sharpened stone knife, he carved slight notches where the beams would interlock, reinforcing the stability of the structure. As he worked, his fingers tightened the rope around each junction, pulling the knots taut to keep everything securely in place. Occasionally, he paused to stretch his shoulders, rolling out the tension building from bending over for too long. His hands bore fresh scratches from the rough wood, but he barely noticed, his mind too focused on ensuring each piece fit perfectly.

With the initial frame taking shape, he moved on to positioning the first shelf. He placed it at an angle, envisioning how the airflow would help dry the bricks evenly. Before securing it, he pressed down on the surface, testing its strength. The wood groaned slightly but held firm. A good start.

The soft rustling of leaves outside and the occasional distant chatter of the others filled the air as he worked. The rhythmic scraping of the stone blade against wood, the creak of shifting planks, and the steady tightening of rope created an almost meditative state as the structure slowly began to take form.

As he worked, Lara and Kali approached him. Lara looked curious, her brow furrowed as she observed what Athan was doing. "Help with bricks?" she asked simply. "I watch you before... want do it right."

Athan smiled at her willingness to contribute. "That's a good idea. I'll show you again to make sure."

He walked her through the process, explaining how to shape the clay, press it into the mold, and carefully remove the formed brick to dry. Throughout the demonstration, Kali stood nearby, arms crossed, her expression still brooding. Despite her mood, she paid close attention to what Athan was explaining, her eyes following every movement.

"This way, we can make more bricks faster," Athan added, his gaze flicking briefly to Kali. "We'll need a strong supply if we want to start building the permanent structures soon."

Lara nodded, already eager to begin, while Kali finally stepped forward, her frustration seemingly taking a back seat as she focused on the task at hand. Together, they began the careful process of forming and setting the bricks, each movement contributing to the future strength of the tribe's new home. 

Athan returned to continue working on the shelves, knowing he needed to hurry since new bricks would soon be ready for drying. He spent a good portion of the afternoon constructing the drying station, carefully reinforcing each shelf to ensure it was sturdy enough to support the weight of the bricks. He worked with a steady rhythm, securing each beam tightly with rope and wedging smaller wooden supports underneath to distribute the load evenly.

Sweat trickled down his back as he crouched, double-checking the stability of the frame. He pressed against the structure, testing for any weak spots. A few areas needed adjustments, so he grabbed his knife and shaved down uneven edges, making sure the planks fit snugly. Occasionally, he paused to stretch his sore muscles before continuing, his hands roughened from the repeated handling of wood and rope.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the drying station took its final shape. He stepped back, scanning the rows of shelves now ready to hold the incoming bricks. To ensure proper airflow, he left small gaps between each plank, allowing the breeze to pass through and prevent moisture from getting trapped. The sight of his finished work filled him with quiet satisfaction.

As he finished his work, he noticed a group of hunters returning to the settlement. They had managed to kill a large serpent, and Athan saw three men carrying the heavy creature, its long body slung over their shoulders as they walked. It was clear they had taken a longer route, using the river to bypass the flooded area near the wall.

Ulf, one of the hunters, was already telling the story as Athan approached. "Big snake try eat us," he said, his words simple and direct. "We hit head with spear, many times. Not know if safe to eat... but we bring it back anyway."

Athan eyed the serpent with a mix of curiosity and caution. He knew that snake toxins were dangerous if they entered the bloodstream but could be safe to eat if cooked properly, especially roasted over a fire. "We need check if it has poison glands. If cooked right, it should be safe. Fire can burn out any danger," he explained.

The hunters nodded, looking relieved that Athan had some knowledge about the creature. "We cook it on fire, burn it good," Ulf said, gripping his spear tightly as he gave the serpent one more wary look.

The creature's scales glistened in the light, and it was certainly an impressive catch. Athan knew that if it was safe, the meat from this serpent could be enough to feed everyone for at least a night, maybe even longer if they preserved some of it.

He then called over to Lara and Kali, asking them to wash their hands and come help. The two girls approached, but as they drew closer to the fire pit and saw the large serpent, they both took an involuntary step back, their faces filled with a mix of fear and disgust.

Athan couldn't help but smile at their reactions. "Don't worry. It's already dead," he reassured them. "We're going to open it up, clean it, and then roast the meat over the fire."

Taking up his knife, Athan carefully examined the serpent's head, checking for any poison glands. Finding none, he continued to make a precise cut along its length, inspecting every part as he went. Although the process was slow and meticulous, he knew it was better to be cautious. Bits of meat were cut free, the skin peeled back, revealing tough sinew and muscle.

"These scales and skin are tough... maybe we can use it for gloves or apron later," Athan muttered to himself, considering the potential for strong protective gear.

Lara and Kali, overcoming their initial hesitation, began to gather the pieces of meat Athan had already cut. They skewered the chunks onto sturdy branches, carefully positioning them a bit off the fire to roast slowly. Despite the unusual task, the two girls worked steadily, their determination overriding their discomfort.

Soon, the savory scent of roasting meat began to fill the air, and Athan's focus remained on ensuring every part was prepared safely for the tribe's meal. It was a moment of teamwork, where everyone's effort contributed to turning a dangerous catch into a source of nourishment and security.

By the end of their preparations, the entire snake seemed safe to eat. Athan determined that it was likely a constrictor rather than a poisonous snake, given its size and lack of poison glands. This was reassuring, but they remained cautious as they finished roasting the meat.

The golden light of the setting sun cast warm hues over the scene, and the savory aroma of cooking meat filled the air. As they worked together, the trio felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing they would have a warm, nourishing meal tonight. Lara and Kali, despite their earlier hesitation, had overcome their discomfort and now focused on ensuring each piece of meat cooked evenly.

Athan inspected the roasting skewers, occasionally turning them to prevent burning. "This should be enough for everyone," he said, a note of relief in his voice. "And if there's extra, we can try to preserve some for tomorrow."

The teamwork, combined with the sight of food ready to be shared, gave the group a sense of hope and unity. Despite the day's challenges, they had managed to turn a dangerous situation into a positive outcome, providing for the tribe's immediate needs. 

Once the meal was ready, the trio called out to the others, announcing that the food was prepared. Almost immediately, a line formed, everyone eager to eat. The past two days of rationing had dampened the mood of the entire group, and the smell of roasted meat now brought a renewed sense of hope and excitement.

Kali and Lara handed out portions of the meal to everyone, making sure that each tribe member received their share. Athan took the opportunity to gather the items he had left scattered earlier when he had been interrupted by the arrival of the serpent.

As he walked past the drying station, Athan noticed that Lara had done an excellent job forming the bricks, each one neatly shaped and ready to dry. He saw that Kali, after noticing that the shelves were complete, had carefully arranged the bricks on them, leaving enough space between each one to allow for proper airflow.

Feeling a sense of satisfaction, Athan returned to join the group for the meal, his mood lightened by the combined efforts of the tribe. As he looked around, he decided not to activate the watering system that night, since the soil was still heavily saturated from the recent rain. It was a small decision, but one that showed his attention to detail and the importance of managing resources carefully. 

Tonight, the group didn't want to spend time studying after the meal. The last two days had been tiring, and everyone wanted to sleep early. But as they settled down, a small commotion caught Athan's attention.

Lara took out the wooden comb Athan had made for her, gently running it through her hair. The carved patterns caught the light, and Kali's eyes locked onto it. She stepped closer, her curiosity showing. "You... make that?" Kali asked, her words hesitant.

Lara nodded, a small smile on her lips. "No. Athan make for me, that comb" she said proudly, holding up the comb.

Kali frowned slightly and looked over at Athan. "I want... I want one too," she said, her tone a bit stiff.

Lara's expression changed, softening as she explained. "Comb... it's special. Athan make it to show... care. Means I important... partner in future."

Kali's face darkened for a moment, her frustration clear, but it quickly change to a sadden expression. "I want... I want special.. be important too with Athan," she said, her eyes meeting Athan's. "I want be... partner in future. You stay at Lara night before, me too now."

Athan's eyes widened, caught off guard by her bold words. The air felt heavy with tension as the two girls exchanged a look. Lara's face darkened slightly at Kali's declaration, her brows furrowed as if she were weighing her emotions. The unspoken challenge between them was clear, but beyond that, there was a sense of mutual respect that slowly surfaced. They both understood the deeper meaning behind their connection—not just to Athan, but to the tribe and the shared future they were building together.

After a moment, Rael, Athan's mother, stepped forward. She gently took both girls aside, her expression calm but serious. "In our tribe, chief has big job—protect clan. It's dangerous," she began, her words simple. "Most chiefs fight to keep others safe... sometimes they don't come back. Athan, as future chief, may need to do same one day. As his partners, if that happens, you not only take care of your children, but also help tribe stay strong."

Rael looked at Kali with a gentle look. "Lara already knows and accepts this heavy job. Now I ask, Kali, do you really want this? Do you care strong enough for Athan to face all this together?"

Kali looked at Athan across the clearing, thinking of all the things he made—some she saw with her own eyes—and how he treated her and Lara with fairness and kindness. After a moment, her face softened with determination. "Yes. I want this," she said firmly.

Rael then looked at Lara. "Do you accept Kali as second partner for Athan?"

Lara looked at Kali for a moment, her gaze conflicted as emotions flickered across her face. Inside, she felt a storm of thoughts swirling—an instinctive desire to have Athan all to herself clashing with the reality of their lives. She thought about the moments they had shared, the quiet looks, the support he had given her, and the bond that had slowly grown between them.

She struggled against a pang of jealousy, a possessiveness she couldn't quite suppress. "Athan makes me feel safe... like I belong somewhere. I wanted that to be mine, only mine." The thought lingered in her mind, sharp and bittersweet. But she knew Athan's heart was bigger than that—caring for everyone, looking out for the entire tribe.

"He's not someone who will only care for one person," she realized. "He will keep protecting, keep leading... and that means sharing him with others who feel the same."

Lara's hands tightened slightly as she faced the truth. "It not easy... but if she care for him, and stay with him... maybe it best for all of us."

She lifted her eyes, meeting Kali's determined expression. "So yes," she thought, her mind steadier now. "If you stand by him... then I accept you as partner for family too."