Silence hung over the courtroom. The echoes of Lena's scream still vibrated in the air, but the horror froze on everyone's faces was nothing compared to what they were about to witness.
Kion, the infamous wild beast that had terrorized generations, paused mid-step. His massive head tilted, nostrils flaring, and then something impossible happened—he rubbed his head against Lena's chest.
The crowd froze. Lena blinked, utterly bewildered.
"Wait… what?" she whispered.
Ashikai's fur bristled nervously. Don't get too close…
But Lena's instincts overrode caution. She stretched out her hand. Kion sniffed it, then licked her palm like a giant dog. Lena flinched at first, then laughed, the sound ringing clear and bright.
"Stop! It's ticklish!" she giggled as Kion nudged her, jumping into her arms with the grace of a predator and the affection of a pet. She toppled backward onto the floor, the daisies and dust rustling as Kion licked her face relentlessly.
The nobles gasped, some literally recoiling in horror.
"Impossible!" one shouted.
"It's a beast! It's taming her!" whispered another.
Kairo, seated on his throne, raised a brow, genuinely intrigued. Esmeralda's lips curled in a sharp snarl, fury burning in her dark eyes.
Ashikai, his tiny orange form bounding forward, didn't hesitate. He leapt into the glass enclosure, brushing against Kion. The lion sniffed him curiously, then, astonishingly, purred and hugged the little fox like a long-lost sibling. Lena's heart swelled at the sight.
"Unbelievable…" a noble muttered. "She's… a beast tamer?"
Kion settled behind her, massive body curling protectively as Lena slowly rose, brushing grass and dust off herself. She smiled down at him, speaking softly. "Good boy… you're okay."
The crowd stepped back, fear mingling with awe.
"Promote her! She should be promoted!" a voice shouted.
"Call the other beasts! Let's see if she can tame them!" another added.
"She's amazing," whispered a young noble. "The child who faced Kion—she commands him without a whip or chains!"
Lena's attention shifted. Mai, still chained, trembled as she stared at Lena with wide, tear-filled eyes. Lena knelt before her and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"It's good to see you again," Lena said softly. "You're safe now."
Mai's chains clinked as she leaned forward, hugging Lena tightly. "I saved you before," she said, voice muffled against Lena's shoulder, "and now you save me."
Kairo's deep voice cut through the crowd. "Order their release."
The guards moved swiftly, freeing Mai's mother as she ran toward her daughter. "Mom!" Mai shouted, embracing her mother tightly. Her mother pressed a kiss to her daughter's cheek, then turned to Lena.
"Thank you so much," the woman said, hugging Lena with genuine gratitude.
Kairo leaned back on his throne, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "The case isn't over," he said, voice calm, measured. "But I do enjoy a twisted game. Order the arrival of the next beast—and its handler. If you, Lena Maren, can tame them, you will be promoted to Junior Beast Tamer."
A murmur rippled through the nobles. Some were skeptical, some impressed, all curious.
The chief noble stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we've recently captured a white dragon. It is unmanageable. We've had no success controlling it."
Kairo's smirk deepened. "Very well," he said, turning his gaze toward Lena. "Add it to the beast list. Let's see if the girl can handle it."
Lena met Kairo's gaze for a heartbeat, unsure what to read in that dark, calculating look. She quickly looked away, keeping her composure.
Ashikai peeked at her nervously. Are you sure about this?
Lena smiled reassuringly, kneeling beside Kion, whose warm purring vibrated against her legs. "Don't worry," she murmured, stroking his mane. "We've got this."
The courtroom held its breath. Kion's tail flicked lazily behind her, an unmistakable show of calm. Lena's lips curved into a small, confident smile. Whatever came next, she wouldn't face it alone.
And somehow, the deadliest creatures in the kingdom seemed to already know it.
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