— ZORYN —
Surprisingly, the second day of the Moonfall Gathering, our beloved Grand Festival, draws to a close without much chaos. The third act of the performance was beautiful, and seeing Sylas dance one last time was pleasant—for me, at least.
As soon as it finishes, the lamps begin to dim, and the crowd thins as everyone starts returning to their temporary abodes for the night. Beasts peel away in small groups, their laughter trailing behind them.
Just as I stand and prepare to leave, a familiar scent hits my nose—dad?
"Zoryn," he greets, seemingly materializing out of thin air.
The men around me all startle, none having seen or heard him coming. All bow their heads slightly as a show of respect to the dragon… even Ashen and Ren.
"Dad," I say warmly.
"Sorry, young beasts, I'm taking my child, and we're retiring for the night," he announces. When the boys visibly deflate in disappointment, he sighs, "She has had the most emotionally taxing day in her life. Allow her to rest. You will all see her tomorrow during the tournament."
Oh, right! The tournament is tomorrow! I feel excitement burn under my skin as I think about finally being able to brawl with some of these fucking losers who have been looking at me funny. I got first place in two out of the three large matches that were held during the last Moonfall Gathering.
"Yeah, and she's going to kick ass," Roan nods. "You definitely have something to look forward to."
The others' faces seem to soften at that, and Orien is openly thrilled about it.
"Rest well, Zoryn! I can't wait to see you in action," the avian says with a gentle smile, his dark brown eyes warm with affection.
"I, too, will be participating in the combat tournament," Riven smirks. "I look forward to potentially facing you in a duel."
I smirk, "Yeah, look forward to losing, lion boy."
Riven just gives me a shrug, clearly not believing I can beat him. He says, in a more genuine voice, "Rest up. You'll need the energy."
Ashen, who has remained relatively quiet the entire evening, nods along with Riven. "Goodnight. See you tomorrow."
Roan stretches his big, muscular arms behind his head and heaves a big sigh. "Yeah, I'm exhausted. Want to walk back with me, Orien?"
Orien is clearly surprised by the invitation, but after a moment's hesitation, nods. "Sure."
Riven leaves without ceremony, and Ashen does as well, until the only ones left are me and Dad… and Ren.
Ren's gaze is downcast, not out of sadness but because he is deep in thought.
"You're an awfully broody guy," I note.
Ren's brows furrow at the accusation, and he levels his stare at me, "Not usually. I just… have a lot to think about."
"You're broody," Dad says flatly. "Always have been."
Ren's jaw ticks, clearly irritated, but he doesn't address it anymore. "Can I walk with the two of you?"
"No."
"Yes."
…Dad denies him, and I oblige him at the same time. Ren looks between the two of us, clearly torn as to which he should listen to.
"He can come, Dad, it's not like anything bad can happen," I say nonchalantly. "It's just a walk."
Dad doesn't even try to hide his displeasure, but he acquiesces in the end. "Fine."
"Thanks, Daeleon," Ren says politely.
Dad stays silent, but he takes my wrist gently and starts to guide us away. We go for a while, having a few small conversations that are mostly small talk, before Ren pauses.
Not wanting to overstay his welcome, he thanks us again for letting him walk with us before he takes his leave for the evening. I can sense his presence getting further away until he's only a faint tug at the corner of my consciousness.
After about twenty minutes of quiet walking, we end up near the edge of the valley, where the grass gives way to smooth stone warmed by residual magic. Someone's left a small cookfire burning, unattended but steady. Dad settles beside it with a familiarity that tells me he scoped this spot out earlier.
Of course he did.
I sit too, stretching my legs out in front of me with a groan. "I feel like I got hit by a cart. Possibly multiple carts."
"That would explain the punch," Dad says dryly.
I snort. "Still worth it."
He hands me a wrapped bundle from his pack. When I open it, it's smoked meat and flatbread. Still warm.
My chest tightens.
"You didn't have to—"
"I know," he says. "I wanted to."
We eat in companionable silence for a while. It feels… normal. Comfortingly so. Like a hundred other evenings we've spent like this, just minus the whole 'entire beastworld realizing I'm a woman' thing.
Finally, I speak. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Dad huffs. "You caused less trouble than expected."
"That's… comforting?"
He gives me a sideways look. "You didn't kill anyone."
"Yet."
He almost smiles.
I chew thoughtfully, staring into the fire. "Is it bad that I don't feel that different?"
Dad's gaze softens. "No."
"I mean," I continue, gesturing vaguely at myself, "yeah, my body's doing new shit, and people are looking at me like I'm a walking mating ritual, but… I'm still me. I still want to eat too much and punch annoying people and pretend I don't care when I do."
"That hasn't changed," he agrees.
I glance at him. "You're not disappointed?"
"Zoryn," he says quietly, "I raised you. Not a concept. Not a role. You."
My throat tightens unexpectedly. "I just don't want everyone thinking I'm fragile now," I mutter. "Or that I need to be handled differently."
"You don't," Dad says firmly. "And anyone who tries will answer to me."
I smirk. "Including Ren?"
His expression shifts slightly. It isn't anger or distrust, but… consideration.
"He's complicated," Dad admits after a moment. "Always has been."
"That doesn't sound reassuring."
"He didn't take advantage of you," Dad says. "That matters."
I nod. "He's awkward."
"He's usually charismatic, albeit a little intimidating to lesser beasts. I think you're a special case." Dad says.
I hesitate, then ask, "Do you hate him?"
Dad exhales slowly. "No."
That surprises me more than if he'd said yes.
"I don't like that he ran," Dad continues. "I don't like that he marked you without taking responsibility and explaining to you what it meant—and I especially don't like that he's young enough to be an idiot still."
"Hey," I sigh. "He's not—"
"But," he finishes, meeting my eyes, "he didn't harm you. He protected you. And he looks at you like he's already lost something precious."
My chest does a weird little flip.
"…Gross," I say automatically.
Dad snorts. "You're allowed to take your time."
"Good. Because I'm not exactly sure how this whole courting thing is supposed to work."
"That's fine," he shrugs. "In fact, I'd rather you stay independent forever... But I know that's impossible."
I chuckle, and we sit like that for a bit longer, the fire popping softly.
Man, my life really turned upside down today. Everything changed, but… when I sit with Dad like this, I feel less afraid. Like, maybe being a beastwoman in a world of beastmen doesn't need to be so intimidating.