Aeron glanced at her but did not interrupt.
She told him everything, about visiting Averin, about the competition hill, about choosing between the blue-haired and white-haired beastmen. Then her voice grew quieter as she described the shadow at the window, the white strand of hair, and the strange chill that had gripped her heart.
"And Grandma told me to stay away from Zayreth," she added. "Vaelrix said the same thing."
Aeron's expression darkened slightly. His brows drew together, and his usually relaxed jaw tightened.
"Did anyone else see the shadow?" he asked.
"No," Ardis shook her head. "Only me."
They walked a few more steps in silence. The sound of leaves crunching beneath their feet felt louder than usual.
"I will tell you some things later," Aeron said at last, his tone lower now, more serious. "Not here."
Ardis looked up at him. "Is it about Aunt?"
"It's about many things," he replied carefully.
Her heart beat faster.
Aeron placed a gentle hand on her head, ruffling her hair lightly. "For now, do not act differently. Do not show fear. And do not show too much curiosity."
"Yes, Dad," Ardis answered, her voice small but steady.
As they approached their home, Ardis couldn't shake the feeling that whatever Aeron was about to reveal could change her entire perspective on the tribe, her aunt, and perhaps even her own future.
Once they arrived, everything seemed calm and ordinary. The familiar aroma of cooked meat drifted through the hut, mingling with the chatter of the other beastmen.
Yet Aeron and Ardis didn't join the others; instead, they sat alone in front of the fire, letting the flickering flames cast long, dancing shadows across their faces. The warmth of the fire contrasted sharply with the weight of Aeron's words, the story he was about to tell.
"Your aunt is an exceptionally smart and stubborn female," Aeron began, his tone steady but firm. "If she doesn't want something, no one can force her. Since you've been warned about Zayreth, I will start with him."
Ardis leaned closer, sensing the gravity in her father's voice. Aeron took a deep breath and continued, tracing the events of Averin's past carefully. "After Maelor and Averin's relationship settled, she had to choose her second male. At that time, her attention turned to Zayreth. But there was someone else—her friend. Everyone thought they were close, inseparable even. But her friend harbored jealousy. She pretended to support Averin, acted friendly in front of others, yet secretly disliked her deeply."
Ardis furrowed her brows. "So her friend was pretending all along?"
"Yes," Aeron said. "But here's the most important part, Averin knew. From the very start, she saw through her friend's jealousy. Yet, instead of confronting her immediately, Averin allowed her friend to act freely. She wanted to observe her reactions, to see just how far her friend would go, and how she would handle the tension. Averin enjoyed watching her friend struggle; it was a way to understand people, to see their true nature."
Ardis shivered slightly at the thought. Aeron continued, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "One day, news spread of Averin's pregnancy. Her jealous friend attempted to sabotage her, tampering with the herbs Averin was to consume. But Averin anticipated the threat. She prepared carefully, ensuring nothing could harm her. Her friend, confident that her plan would succeed, tragically ended up suffering and dying instead. Averin never allowed herself to show anger outwardly; she remained calm, collected, and poised in front of everyone."
Ardis's eyes widened, realizing how dangerous hidden envy could be. "And Zayreth?" she asked cautiously.
Aeron's gaze darkened. "The herbs… he was involved, though only indirectly involved in killing that friend. But more than that, his role was a test, not just of strength or intelligence, but of character and love. Before Averin could choose any mate, he had to be intelligent, strong, and above all, capable of loving her as much as Maelor did, or more. That is the promise Maelor made her fulfill. All males bonded bear a special mark on their bodies. Most males do not truly love their mates at first. The mark grows stronger as their love grows, like drops filling a half-empty glass."
Aeron showed his mark on the back of his ears.
Aeron then lifted a small glass of water and demonstrated, letting a few drops fall into it. "If I loved your mother as much as this water before bonding, then each additional drop represents love that grows daily. Averin always chose males who were orphans or abandoned; they could be trusted more easily, less bound by family obligations, and less likely to betray her. That is why all her males carry the symbol near their hearts."
Ardis stayed silent, letting the fire crackle as her father's words sank in. She realized the delicate balance between love, loyalty, and power. Averin had observed and controlled her environment, allowing her jealous friend to act while staying completely in control. It wasn't merely about strength or ability; it was insight, patience, and careful planning.
"Now, about Zayreth," Aeron said, his amber eyes glinting in the firelight. "He appears friendly, loves attention, and can seem harmless. But he is not to be underestimated. He is clever, manipulative in subtle ways, and holds grudges easily. Many who underestimated him learned the hard way. That is why I warned you, stay cautious."
Ardis nodded, absorbing the warning.
"One more thing," Aeron continued. "Where the symbol first appears matters. It marks the beginning of the bond. You know, Moon crystals can increase lifespan. There was one female who lived for five hundred years. She was ultimately killed by her own males, who were terrified of losing her. Later, each of them killed themselves. These bonds are not to be taken lightly. Love and loyalty can be as dangerous as any weapon. Always remember that."
Ardis nodded solemnly, understanding the depth of what her father was teaching her.
"So, choose carefully. Averin will protect you. I can see she likes you. She will guide you. Learn from her," Aeron said, his tone softening as he tried to lighten the heavy air between them. "Don't worry too much. Go to sleep early."
Ardis nodded quietly and rose from beside the fire. Though her steps were steady, her mind was anything but calm.
When she lay down in her room, the ceiling felt closer than usual. The shadows flickered along the walls, shaped by the dying embers outside. She closed her eyes, but sleep refused to come.
Tonight, she had learned something important.
Aunt Averin was dangerous.
But she was also someone who might protect her.
That thought both comforted and unsettled her.