While Ardis and Aeron spent their hibernation in peace, they were unaware of the turmoil unfolding in the villages.
The snowfall had been far heavier than expected. Relentless snowstorms swept across the land, and groups of ferals began banding together to attack settlements. When the storms finally started to ease, the Elders made a grave decision to relocate south, where the climate was warmer and more stable.
As the temperature slowly rose, Aeron stirred from hibernation.
He carefully left the cave to hunt, never straying too far. After capturing prey, he returned to the cave and digested it while waiting for Ardis to awaken.
Yet the warmth came too quickly for his liking.
Unease crept into Aeron's heart.
He went out again and caught a rabbit, determined not to wait any longer. Gathering Ardis gently in his coils, he carried her into the open and placed her atop a sun-warmed stone.
Aeron studied her small form, then slowly began to massage her stiff body.
The warmth seeped in.
Gradually, Ardis stirred.
Her body felt heavy, weak, empty.
She blinked against the bright sunlight, eyes squinting as she adjusted. Once she could see clearly, her gaze settled on Aeron.
"Papa… hungry," she murmured weakly.
Aeron's eyes softened.
He swiftly slit the rabbit's throat, letting the warm blood drip. Carefully, he fed it to Ardis until color returned to her face and strength crept back into her body.
Then he cut the meat into small pieces and fed her patiently. When she finished, he gently massaged her belly.
Slowly, very slowly, Ardis felt her strength return.
"Are you okay now?" Aeron asked, holding her close.
Ardis nodded, slithering up his arm instinctively.
"Then let's go home," Aeron said.
He moved cautiously through the forest, alert to every sound, until the familiar scent of the village reached him.
They had returned.
"You're back," Astra said, rushing forward and hugging him tightly.
"You've lost weight," Aeron said, cupping her face with concern.
"I haven't," Astra replied, shaking her head lightly.
Before Aeron could argue, Sorin entered the hut, his expression grave.
"The elders have made their decision."
"So it's confirmed," Varos said, lifting Ardis into his arms.
"Yes," Sorin replied. "The tribes will relocate south. The Great Cold Storm will arrive in five years."
"Which tribes are moving?" Kaeris asked, worry evident in his voice.
"The fox tribe, the eagles, and the wolves," Sorin said. "About the hibernating beastmen might will remain, a decision hasn't been made."
Aeron's expression darkened.
The tribe that raised him… perhaps he would never see them again.
"But some families are mixed," Sylas added. "Hibernating and non-hibernating."
"That's true," Sorin said. "Officially, the tribes are relocating, but in reality, only those who choose to leave will go. Families with hibernating members will stay. Those remaining will form a temporary unified tribe, which may disband after the Great Cold Storm passes."
"Those who stay will have it rough," Kaeris muttered.
"Yes," Sorin agreed, exhaustion lining his face. "But many are unwilling to leave. We'll need to persuade them."
"Then, when do preparations begin?" Varos asked, Ardis still nestled in his arms. "The migratory prey is returning. Have scouts been sent?"
"They have," Sorin replied. "One of the elders possesses an old map. The destination is the Great Cliff Mountain. We must reach it as the cold season begins. Food will be our greatest concern."
"I heard a caravan will arrive in a week or two," Kaeris added. "The village needs new blood. More members will make the journey safer."
"Yes," Sorin said. "We'll need to begin preparations immediately. Hunting farther out, like during the great hunts. We'll hunt, eat, and store supplies as we travel."
The room fell silent.
Change was coming, and none of them could escape it.
"Chief, they are holding another emergency meeting!" Tale's shout could be heard from outside the hut.
Sorin immediately stood up. He transformed and rushed toward the meeting place.
Even before entering, he could hear loud voices and heated arguments.
"We need to plan carefully first," the Wolf Chief said, his brows furrowed. "If all the leaders are going to the Great Cliff, then what about the beastmen and females left behind?"
"That is their choice," the Snake Chief replied coldly. "If they cannot adapt to change, then they can simply die."
"That's easy for a cold-hearted beastman to say," the Eagle Chief sneered.
"Enough," the Tiger Chief said, his voice heavy with authority. "It has already been decided. The migration will begin in ten days. Announce it."
"That is not enough time!" Sorin said sharply. "The cold has just ended. There is not enough food, and not everyone has recovered yet. What about the cubs and the pregnant females?"
"But we have no choice," the Tiger Chief said. "The caravan will reach soon. New blood must be added to the tribes."
"Yes," the Eagle Chief added. "If we support each other, we can survive this."
"The meeting is over," the Tiger Chief concluded. "Begin the announcements."
One by one, the leaders turned and left.
Just as Sorin was about to go, the Snake Chief stopped him.
"Come with me," he said calmly.
Sorin followed him to a quieter corner.
"You need to be careful about who you trust," the Snake Chief said, his eyes indifferent but sharp. "You should be more suspicious of the people around you."
Sorin remained silent, listening.
"Your second elder," the Snake Chief continued, "he was the reason the fox tribe was targeted. Four non-shifter females died. A great loss."
Sorin's eyes darkened.
"Now your tribe only has ten shifter females, eight non-shifters, and five young females," the Snake Chief added. "Investigate carefully."
"…Thank you, Chief," Sorin said quietly.
He had already suspected the second elder. Hearing it confirmed made his heart sink.
"No need for thanks," the Snake Chief replied. "Just make sure to tell Aeron to visit with my granddaughter soon."
The Snake Tribe was the smallest among all tribes, but their history was ancient and respected.
Sorin returned home.
Inside, Astra was teasing Ardis, while Ardis shyly tried to hide behind Aeron.
The tension in Sorin's chest eased slightly at the sight.
But his voice was serious when he spoke.
"The decision has been made. We will move in ten days."
Astra and Aeron's expressions changed instantly.
Sylas, Kaeris, and Varos were still out hunting.
And outside the warm hut, the future of every tribe had already begun to shift.