The morning broke in golden slants of light, spilling through the jungle canopy like a soft promise. Mist clung to the leaves; the air was thick with the scent of wet earth and distant flowers.
Evan followed in silence, the faint sound of Silas's tail brushing the grass ahead of him. The beastman moved with the quiet certainty of a predator born to these lands. Muscles rippled under his rough tunic as he carried bundles wrapped in broad leaves — the spoils of the morning hunt.
"This place isn't safe," Silas said over his shoulder. "We're going to the my den."
Evan nodded, adjusting his pace to keep up. His feet ached, his mind a blur of disbelief. He had come to this strange, untamed world, and now he was being led… to what Silas called home.
They walked until the jungle opened into a sunlit clearing. Before them yawned a wide cave, bright and surprisingly welcoming. Warm light filtered in, glancing off stone walls marked with faint claw patterns and what looked like childlike doodles—swirls, handprints, even little scratches shaped like flowers.
Silas stopped. "This is it."
Evan blinked, surprised at the warmth in the air, the faint sound of little giggles echoing deeper inside. "It's… beautiful," he whispered.
Silas glanced at him. "My family lives here. And now… yours too, if you wish."
The words landed heavier than they sounded. Evan didn't know what to say—so he just nodded.. Yours too. The words settled in his chest, warm and bewildering all at once. He didn't answer — just stepped inside, his heartbeat unsteady.
---
A rustling sound came from within the den. Two small figures peeked out from behind a rock pile.
One, a tiny boy with tousled hair, slit pupils, and a hint of small fangs, stood in front protectively. The other—a toddler with a baby snake tail and wide golden eyes—clung to his leg.
Silas's voice softened. "Leo. Milo."
The older cub glared at Evan suspiciously. "Who are you? Why do you smell nice… and weird?" His tail twitched, more curious than hostile.
Evan blinked. "Uh, I'm Evan."
Before he could say more,the smaller one, Milo, toddled forward with a giggle and immediately reached for Evan's hair, fascinated by the color. "Shiny!"
"Milo!" Leo puffed up. "Don't touch strangers!"
Evan couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay. I don't bite."
Leo frowned. "You sure? You look soft. Soft people usually cry a lot."
Silas choked back a laugh. "Leo."
Then came the question that froze the air completely:
"Are you our new mama?"
Evan choked. "W–what? No, I—!"
Silas cleared his throat, trying—and failing—to hide a smirk. "This is Leo," he said, patting the older cub's head. "And this is Milo. My brother's sons."
Evan managed a small smile. "Hi. I'm… not your mama. Just Evan."
Leo tilted his head, studying Evan intently. "Why are your eyes different? Why do you wear clothes like that? Are you really going to stay here?Are you from another tribe?"
Evan crouched down, still blushing from the "mama" comment. "I… guess I am.
A very far away one."
Milo giggled again and had promptly crawled into his lap is now fully settled in Evan's lap, babbled happily and tried to stick a feather into Evan's hair. The sound of his laughter filled the cave, bright and unguarded. Leo still eyed Evan with suspicion, but when Evan handed him a shiny pebble, the boy's frown cracked into reluctant curiosity.
---
Noon came soon.The scent of roasted meat filled the den soon after. Silas worked easily by the fire, while Evan awkwardly tried to help—burning his fingers, dropping leaves, and nearly tipping a bowl.
Leo's laughter rang out. "You're clumsy, new mama!"
"Leo," Silas warned, though a faint chuckle escaped him too.
Evan sighed dramatically. "I'm not your mama…oh never mind..."
Once the food was ready, they gathered around on woven mats. The cubs ate noisily, Milo babbling and Leo asking endless questions. Evan tried to keep up but was overwhelmed by their energy—and secretly warmed by it.
When the cubs finally quieted, Evan turned to Silas. "Why do they call you Father?"
Silas's gaze softened as the firelight flickered across his face. "Because my brother is gone. He died during the beast tide. Their mother…" His voice faltered. "She died giving birth to Milo."
"Oh," Evan whispered. "I'm sorry."
Silas shook his head gently. "Don't be. It was long ago." He set aside his plate and looked at Evan, calm but firm. "You can stay here. I'll provide shelter, food, safety. Help me take care of them.I will not force you to mate."
Evan's head shot up, startled. "You want me to… help raise them?"
"I will not force you," Silas said quietly. "But they need warmth. And I think you… might need a place too."
Evan looked down at his hands. A place?.He swallowed hard. A home, he thought. He's offering me a home.
"I really am a stepmom now…" he muttered under his breath, half horrified, half touched.
---
After lunch, Leo proudly dragged Evan to a corner of the cave. "Look! My treasure pile!" he declared proudly "Only special people can look.". Shiny pebbles, feathers, and oddly shaped bones glimmered in a heap.
Evan smiled. "That's quite a collection.I feel honored.""
Leo grinned, showing tiny fangs. "I'll share one if you promise not to leave."
Before Evan could respond, Milo waddled over, clutching a faded flower. He pressed it against Evan's chest. "Mine," he mumbled sleepily, before curling up against him.
Evan froze, feeling the tiny heartbeat against his arm. The child's warmth seeped through his shirt — and something inside him softened completely.
Silas watched from the fire, quiet and still. The flickering light softened his features, and for the first time since Evan met him, he looked… peaceful.
---
Night settled gently over the jungle. Insects sang, the wind whispered through the trees, and the cave glowed with warm, flickering light.
Evan lay on a pile of soft furs, the cubs tucked close on either side — Leo's small tail resting protectively across Milo's back, Milo's hand clutching Evan's sleeve. Their breathing was slow, peaceful.
At the cave entrance, Silas sat in silence, his outline strong and sure against the flicker of flame. Guarding. Watching.
For a long moment, Evan simply listened — to the heartbeat of the den, the quiet rustle of life. And for the first time since he arrived in this strange world… he didn't feel like an outsider.
He smiled softly. "Maybe this isn't just surviving anymore," he whispered. "Maybe it's… home."
---