It wasn't perfect, but it was solid enough for the animals to stay at least two nights or maybe even a few days. The frames were tightly bound with thick vines and woven ropes, braced together in overlapping triangles like a forest-fort built in haste.
Kaya stepped closer, running her hand lightly across one of the tied poles, testing its strength. It didn't budge.
"Good," she whispered.
She looked over at Vayu, who had been awkwardly standing near Cutie, still nursing his pride from earlier. For a brief second, their eyes met.
He quickly looked away.
Kaya smirked, just faintly, then turned back to the animals.
After taking a brief rest, Kaya dusted off her hands and stood up, her eyes scanning the area where the animals were kept. She called over a few of the burliest Nikala beastmen—ones who looked like they had seen their fair share of survival battles. As they gathered around her, she gestured towards the animals with a curious but cautious gaze.
