The four beast men were still watching her.
Their gazes were different—yet shared one powerful similarity: waiting.
Waiting for the decision of the girl standing in the middle of the room, at the center of a balance she had unknowingly created herself.
The air felt heavy.
Xue Yunxue could sense that subtle pressure. Not a threat… but hope that had been restrained for far too long.
'Sister Xue, you cannot keep ignoring your responsibilities,' Moa's gentle voice echoed in her mind. 'They are your rightful mates.'
Xue Yunxue's brows twitched sharply.
All this time, deep in her heart, she had treated them like family—like the brothers from the orphanage where she had grown up. She was used to caring for, nurturing, and protecting others… but now the situation felt completely different.
'Honestly… I'm not ready yet,' she admitted quietly to herself.
Moa fell silent for a moment before speaking again, calmer this time.
'They are adult men. They have suppressed their instincts and endured their rut for a very long time. You do not have to do anything beyond your limits. Even spiritual soothing alone is enough to help them maintain control.'
Those words left Yunxue silent.
She looked at each man standing before her.
Their relationship had indeed changed. Without her realizing it, the distance between them had slowly faded. Lu Xiao no longer hid his feelings. Luo Shixin openly showed his interest. Lin Yuan… though cold, had gradually been restrained by the guilt she awakened within him. And Yun Wu—though he showed no obvious attraction—this stingy wolf still treated her kindly.
Sometimes she forgot that they shared a soul bond and instead viewed her five beast husbands more like brothers and family.
This was a living family… one that required balance.
Xue Yunxue took a deep breath.
Her chest rose slowly before she exhaled, as though steadying herself for an important decision.
"Alright…" she finally said.
Her voice was not loud, yet clear enough to silence the entire room.
"We will begin tonight."
Four pairs of eyes changed instantly.
There was surprise. Tension. Something that nearly resembled hope too fragile to be spoken aloud.
Xue Yunxue swallowed softly, then raised her hand.
"And tonight…" she said, trying to keep her voice steady despite her racing heart, "…I will begin with you."
Her finger pointed straight ahead.
Toward Lin Yuan.
The merman froze.
For the first time since they had known him, his cold expression completely cracked. His blue eyes widened, clearly unable to believe that he had been chosen.
What is she planning now? Lin Yuan wondered, yet he did not dare object.
Meanwhile, the other three men turned toward him at the same time—the atmosphere instantly becoming far more complicated than before. Disappointment was clearly written on Luo Shixin and Lu Xiao's faces, while Yun Wu remained calm, seemingly unbothered by the arrangement.
---------
Daytime settled over the house with a rare sense of peace.
The aroma of cooking still lingered warmly in the kitchen—the soup freshly taken off the fire, roasted meat neatly stored for dinner, its steam slowly fading. Xue Yunxue had finished everything far earlier than usual. Not only lunch, but dinner as well…
She sat on the living room sofa.
A cup of warm tea rested in her hands, thin steam rising slowly, while an ancient pale leather-bound book lay open on her lap. Intricate Fleur characters filled every page—curved symbols that once felt foreign but which she had now learned to read, thanks to Moa's guidance.
Only two days.
In just two days, she had learned to read a language even the scholars of this world could not decipher.
The effect of the additional heart-blood core was unmistakable. Every symbol seemed to speak directly to her consciousness. Knowledge of the Fleur world flowed effortlessly into her mind, allowing her to easily understand plants and the secrets of the plant element.
Page after page turned slowly.
Her legs were drawn up toward her chest as she relaxed into the sofa. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the large window behind her, falling gently across her long black hair until it shimmered with a golden glow. Her appearance was simple—a loose white shirt and long pajama-like pants—yet that simplicity made her look fragile… and unconsciously captivating.
Peaceful.
Warm.
Upstairs, heavy footsteps sounded softly.
Luo Shixin had just finished a military meeting with his subordinates via video call. The firm aura of a general still clung to him as he descended the stairs—but his steps slowed the moment his gaze fell upon the figure in the living room.
Yunxue.
Sitting alone beneath the sunlight.
Luo Shixin's chest tightened for no clear reason.
His Adam's apple moved subtly. The girl wore nothing special, yet her charm was irresistibly striking.
The scene felt too peaceful for someone who had spent his entire life on the battlefield.
He approached quietly and sat beside her.
Only then did Yunxue start slightly, finally noticing his presence.
"So you didn't hand over all the documents from that laboratory to me after all."
Luo Shixin's voice was calm, but sudden enough to startle her.
Reflexively, the book in her hands snapped shut.
She hugged it tightly to her chest, as if afraid it would be taken away.
"This isn't a research record," she replied quickly, slightly defensive.
Luo Shixin watched her for a few seconds.
His gaze was not sharp like an investigator's… instead, it was far too gentle.
"Relax," he said softly. "I won't take it."
His voice was low, almost like a promise.
Silence fell between them.
Sunlight shifted slowly, dividing the shadows across the floor. From such close distance, Luo Shixin noticed small details he had rarely paid attention to—the faint tremble of Yunxue's eyelashes and the subtle scent of tea mixed with her natural fragrance.
He realized something that caused him to lose focus slightly.
This girl… was becoming harder and harder to see as someone he merely needed to protect.
"What are you reading?" he finally asked, his voice gentler than usual.
Yunxue hesitated.
She looked at the book in her hands as if considering something, then slowly lifted it and showed him the cover.
The book's pale silver leather shimmered faintly, decorated with circular symbols that seemed almost alive under the sunlight.
Luo Shixin's brows immediately furrowed.
The writing… was completely unfamiliar.
Not human language, nor the script of any race he had encountered throughout his military life.
"You can read that?" he asked, unable to hide his surprise this time.
"Yes," Yunxue answered softly. "I'm trying to understand it. This book is very valuable… it contains knowledge about various potions and rare plants."
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
That sincere enthusiasm made her face appear far more alive than usual. She lowered her head slightly, her long black hair falling to the side and covering part of her cheek.
"Did you find a way to neutralize the Gu poison in Lu Xiao's body from that book?" he asked with slight curiosity. The vampire had clearly been dying, yet overnight the man who had once been pale, weak, and on the verge of death had changed drastically. His energy had risen, his appearance far healthier and stronger, and even his aura now radiated an intimidating power.
The transformation was strikingly obvious. Luo Shixin found himself thinking that this girl was becoming increasingly fascinating in her own way.
Without realizing it, he reached out his hand.
His movement was slow, almost careful—as if he himself did not wish to disturb the calm of that moment.
His long fingers gently brushed aside a strand of Yunxue's hair that had fallen across her face.
The tips of his fingers, slightly rough and calloused from years of gripping swords and fighting on battlefields, grazed softly against Yunxue's skin, smooth like warm jade.
The touch was light.
Yet enough to make Yunxue freeze for a fraction of a second.
She lifted her gaze.
They were too close.
Yunxue could clearly see the sharp line of his jaw, his steady breathing, and Luo Shixin's eyes—usually sharp and piercing—now softened without him realizing it.
"That's right. There are many ways to neutralize different kinds of poison here, including Gu poison. You also knew Lu Xiao was poisoned by Gu?" Xue Yunxue tilted her head slightly.
"Mm," Luo Shixin hummed calmly.
He slowly withdrew his hand, as if only then realizing their distance had been too close.
The feeling came without warning.
Subtle—yet sharp like a hidden blade.
Jealousy.
Luo Shixin felt it creeping slowly from deep within his chest, slipping into every breath he struggled to steady. His gaze remained fixed on Xue Yunxue.
His jaw tightened.
The eagle instinct within him stirred—wild, possessive, and primitive.
He wanted to stand right now.
To pull the girl into his arms.
To mark her. To declare to the world that she stood within his territory… that she was his.
"Are you planning to make another potion?" he finally asked, his voice returning to calm, though a faint tension lingered beneath it.
He turned his face slightly, trying to suppress the primitive urges disturbing his thoughts.
Damn it.
The eagle clan's rutting cycle was always the most torturous trial—two full weeks during which his instincts became sharper, more possessive, and far harder to control. Normally, he isolated himself at the military base to avoid trouble.
But now…
the source of temptation sat directly in front of him.
"Yes," Yunxue answered, unaware of the turmoil inside him. "But the ingredients are extremely difficult to find."
The revival potion she was studying was still incomplete. Without the final core ingredient, all her efforts would remain nothing but theory.
"What do you need? Maybe I can help," Luo Shixin said.
His tone sounded casual, though in truth he was already preparing himself for an unreasonable request.
Yunxue lifted her gaze.
"I need the tears of a nine-tailed fox… and phoenix feathers."
The room seemed to fall silent.
Even the breeze entering through the window felt as though it had stopped.
"Do you know where I can get them?" Yunxue continued, her eyes filled with hope.
Luo Shixin's expression slowly hardened.
The tears of a nine-tailed fox were not merely rare—they were nearly legendary. The creature was known for its cunning and intelligence, almost impossible to capture, let alone make cry. Many high-level hunters had never even seen one in their entire lives.
He exhaled quietly.
"I can't help you obtain nine-tailed fox tears," he said honestly.
Yunxue lowered her head slightly, but before disappointment could settle—
"…but maybe," he continued slowly, "I can help you obtain phoenix feathers."
Yunxue's head lifted instantly.
"Really? Where can I get them?"
Her eyes sparkled brightly, full of excitement like a child discovering treasure. The faint blush on her cheeks made her expression look vivid and warm… so warm that Luo Shixin nearly forgot what he intended to say.
He stared at her a few seconds longer than he should have.
Then spoke softly.
"In the southern sky territory… there are ancient ruins belonging to the Fire Eagle clan. Every hundred years, a young phoenix undergoes its molting phase there."
His gaze turned sharp and serious.
"But that place is not for ordinary humans. Even high-ranking generals rarely dare approach it."
He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice.
"And a phoenix… never lets anyone take its feathers without a price."
A gentle silence hung between them, broken only by the soft sound of the book closing in Xue Yunxue's hands.
"Unfortunately… the phoenix molting phase won't happen again for about twenty years," Luo Shixin finally said, his voice flat but honest.
The words fell like a small stone into still water.
The hope in Yunxue's eyes dimmed instantly.
Her shoulders drooped slightly. The fingers holding the ancient book loosened unconsciously. Twenty years… far too long even for a cultivator, let alone someone racing against unseen dangers.
So the potion… was nearly impossible to complete.
She lowered her head softly, letting out a small sigh.
But before disappointment could fully settle—
"Don't worry," Luo Shixin's voice sounded again.
Yunxue looked up.
"I can get you a phoenix feather."
Her eyes widened immediately.
"How will you get it?" she asked quickly, hope rekindling before it could fade.
Luo Shixin leaned back casually against the sofa, as if what he had said was nothing extraordinary.
"I know one of them."
He then rose from the sofa and walked out of the house calmly.
Was the bird-man really going to find a phoenix feather for her right now?
-------
Dinner that evening was filled with subtle tension. Lu Xiao's red eyes glared sharply at Lin Yuan as if he wanted to skin him alive, leaving the merman visibly irritated.
"Do you want me to gouge your eyes out right now?" Lin Yuan finally snapped, no longer able to tolerate Lu Xiao's jealous and possessive behavior. Fortunately, Luo Shixin had not yet returned home, so he did not have to deal with two killing intents at once.
Although he was confident he could defeat both men alone, Lu Xiao was currently in peak condition—and with the Blood Moon phase arriving in two days, his power would increase drastically from the moon's energy. Lin Yuan felt a faint sense of intimidation.
Xue Yunxue looked at the two of them helplessly, unsure how to handle the conflict between her beast husbands. She began to wonder whether spending the night with one of them had truly been the best decision.
"You two… that's enough."
Her voice was not loud, yet strangely it cut through the tension like a thin blade slicing through silk.
Both men fell silent and continued eating in quiet.
------
Night descended slowly, wrapping the house in a strange silence—calm on the surface, yet hiding currents of clashing emotions behind every closed door.
The door to Xue Yunxue's room closed softly behind Lin Yuan. His expression remained complicated, caught somewhere between resignation and exhaustion. The girl's earlier words continued to echo in his mind.
"I'll be waiting for you in my room."
To others, it might have sounded ambiguous, but to him it felt more like a subtle form of punishment.
When the bedding and blanket were tossed toward him, he froze for several seconds. The worst assumptions that had briefly crossed his mind immediately collapsed, replaced by a relief that was almost embarrassing.
"What is this?" he asked, one brow raised.
"You sleep on the floor," Xue Yunxue replied casually while removing her hairpin. "We're not doing anything tonight. Just sleeping."
Her tone was flat, as if it were the most natural decision in the world.
Lin Yuan stared at the bedding for a long moment… then, without hesitation, threw it back.
"No. I'll sleep in the bathroom."
His cold tone sounded firm, though in truth he was merely trying to preserve his dignity—at least, that was what he told himself.
Xue Yunxue simply rolled her eyes lazily, too tired to argue. She climbed onto the bed, pulled the blanket up to her shoulders, and within minutes her breathing became steady—truly asleep, completely at ease.
Meanwhile, behind the tightly locked bathroom door, Lin Yuan soaked quietly in the bathtub. Warm water embraced his body up to his chest. Thin steam filled the room, softening the lamplight until the outside world seemed to drift far away.
His upper body was completely bare.
His shoulders were broad and well-defined, leading down into firm chest muscles that were strong without being excessive—beautiful like a sculpture shaped with patient care. Droplets of water traced the lines of his neatly formed abdominal muscles, pausing briefly at his waist before falling back into the water.
His body held a strange balance between strength and elegance, characteristic of a deep-sea being—not rough, yet radiating a wild charm that was difficult to ignore.
Beneath the water's surface, his mermaid tail moved slowly. Its scales shimmered softly, reflecting light like fragments of living pearls. Each subtle movement created gentle ripples that touched the bathtub walls, producing a calm, soothing sound.
Lin Yuan rested his head against the edge of the tub, wet hair clinging to his neck and shoulders, sharpening the line of his jaw. His cold eyes were half-closed, and in this unguarded moment, his expression looked far younger than usual.
He let out a long breath.
He had locked the door, as if expecting Xue Yunxue to suddenly barge in. Yet deep down, he knew the girl was already fast asleep and not thinking about anything strange the way he had worried she might.
The night felt unusually long.
In another room, Lu Xiao sat quietly in the darkness. His sharp hearing caught every detail—the soft rhythm of Xue Yunxue's breathing, the faint sound of water from the bathroom… and nothing more. It was clear that nothing would happen between them tonight.
Lu Xiao's chest finally relaxed slightly.
The tension that had gripped his mind since dinner slowly faded. He closed his eyes to confirm it once more… then stood.
His body slowly dissolved, transforming into thin black mist that pulsed like a living shadow. In an instant, his form shot out through the open window, merging with the night.
The sky was filled with moonlight that had begun to turn crimson.
The energy of the Blood Moon had awakened.
At the highest rooftop, the black mist condensed again into Lu Xiao's form. The aura surrounding him swirled wildly, stronger than ever before. The Gu poison that once restrained his power no longer blocked the flow of energy within his body.
That power burst forth like a broken dam.
The air trembled.
Red moonlight fell directly upon him, and Lu Xiao drew a deep breath, absorbing the wild energy without hesitation. His muscles tightened, and faint red lines near his eyes glowed softly—the sign of ancient instincts slowly awakening once more.
Tonight, he was in his best condition.
And he was preparing to cultivate.
-------
Near midnight, a dark shadow passed silently across the window of Xue Yunxue's room.
Luo Shixin slipped inside, his aura suppressed until it was almost completely nonexistent. Even the sharp senses of beastmen would struggle to detect his presence. Only a faint whisper of wind bore witness to his arrival.
He stopped beside the bed.
Yunxue was sleeping soundly, her breathing light and steady. Her long black hair spread across the pillow like spilled ink on white silk. Moonlight streamed through the window, falling gently across her face, making her appear fragile… almost unreal.
Luo Shixin sharpened his hearing and sense of smell.
From the bathroom came the steady sound of dripping water.
The merman was not here. And there was no trace of a fishy scent on Xue Yunxue's body.
Nothing had happened.
Luo Shixin's chest finally loosened. A tension he hadn't even realized he had carried since the afternoon slowly faded away. A strange sense of relief filled his heart—far too human a feeling for a war eagle like him.
He sat at the edge of the bed, gazing at her face for a long time.
His fingertips nearly brushed Yunxue's cheek… yet he hesitated, as though afraid even the slightest touch might shatter the peace of this moment.
At last, he gently lifted her.
His movements were incredibly careful, as if he were holding something more precious than his own life. Yunxue instinctively leaned against his chest, her face resting against his shoulder.
Warm.
Soft.
The faint scent of the girl made Luo Shixin's breathing grow slightly heavier.
Without a sound, he stepped toward the window—then, in one light motion, his body shot into the night sky.
Cold wind swept around them.
Below, the world slept in darkness while the moon hung high like a silent guardian.
Yunxue shivered slightly.
Her brows knit together before her eyes slowly opened.
"Shixin…?"
Her voice was soft, still thick with sleep.
She realized she was in the air, carried high among the clouds. Shock silenced her for a moment. Instinctively, her arms wrapped tightly around Luo Shixin's neck.
He glanced at her.
Under the moonlight, his golden eyes appeared deeper than usual—calm, yet holding something difficult to name.
He slowed his flight.
"Don't be afraid," he said quietly, his low voice carried away by the night wind.
His massive wings cut through the air, carrying them higher until the sounds of the world completely disappeared.
Soon, a mountain peak appeared before them. Its cliffs rose steeply, nearly touching the sky. A large cave opened toward the sea of clouds—more like the nest of a giant eagle than a human dwelling.
Luo Shixin landed lightly at the cave's entrance.
The mountain wind blew cold, carrying the scent of night and freedom.
He was still holding Yunxue.
And for a moment… he did not set her down.
As if he wished to stop time just a little longer.
With careful movements, Luo Shixin placed Xue Yunxue onto a soft bed inside the cave.
Its surface was layered with pale, soft feathers, warm and comfortable. The cave lacked any sense of wildness—the floor was clean, the stone walls neatly arranged, and the gentle fragrance of forest flowers filled the air. Every corner seemed maintained with almost excessive care.
As though this place had long been prepared… waiting for someone to arrive.
Xue Yunxue blinked slowly, her gaze sweeping across the modest space.
Wait…
Her heartbeat quickened slightly.
This place—too tidy, too warm, too personal.
Her face gradually flushed.
For some reason, the cave reminded her of a bridal chamber she had only ever read about in stories.
Her gaze returned to Luo Shixin.
The night wind still lingered on his face. His hair was slightly disheveled, his breathing heavier than usual. Beneath his calm demeanor, exhaustion was clearly hidden.
Suddenly, Moa's voice echoed in her mind.
'Sister Xue, I detect that this man is at the peak of his mating cycle. So I won't disturb you. Enjoy yourselves.'
Instantly, Moa's presence vanished.
The peach-shaped tattoo on Yunxue's wrist faded slowly, sinking back into her skin.
"Eh—wait…!"
But it was too late.
Silence filled her thoughts.
Peak… mating cycle?
Yunxue's brows twitched slightly.
She looked back at Luo Shixin.
Now she noticed it—his gaze was different. His golden eyes were no longer merely calm and protective. There was a deep longing within them, something restrained for far too long, now on the verge of overflowing.
Warm… yet dangerous.
Yunxue swallowed softly.
What was this man truly thinking… with such a weary expression?
Luo Shixin stood only inches away. His fingers curled faintly into fists, the veins on the back of his hands tense, revealing the silent battle he was fighting within himself.
At last, he spoke.
"Yunxue…"
His voice was low, rough with restraint.
"I'm sorry…"
He drew a deep breath, as though each word required immense effort.
"I've tried to hold back."
The night wind drifted into the cave, making the small flame in the corner flicker gently. Their shadows swayed against the stone walls, drawing closer and apart like emotions that could no longer be hidden.
Luo Shixin's gaze softened.
His usually sharp green eyes now held something rarely seen—fragility, barely concealed. He looked at Yunxue as though silently pleading, holding himself at the edge of a boundary he had guarded for a long time.
Yunxue met his gaze.
His face was so close she could see every detail clearly—deep green eyes like a forest after rain, a firm high nose, and calm lips hiding restrained passion. Every feature carried the authority of a great general—strong, noble, and difficult to conquer.
But tonight… he looked deeply human.
His gaze slowly drew her in, leaving her mind momentarily blank.
Yunxue remembered something she had once read—the mating season of eagle beastmen was not merely instinct, but a painful phase that consumed both body and mind. The restlessness usually began around the age of twenty.
If counted… Luo Shixin had endured it for more than five years.
Her heart tightened.
Slowly, she raised her hand and touched his face. Her fingers brushed gently across his cheek. His skin felt hot—not just body heat, but turbulent energy simmering beneath the surface.
Luo Shixin's breath faltered at her touch.
He did not move.
Yunxue had once helped Xiang Shuai through his mating cycle with spiritual calming. But the man before her was different. Luo Shixin was far more mature, far stronger… and the suffering he endured ran far deeper.
Spiritual calming alone might not be enough.
Their eyes met again.
There was trust there. Hesitation. And something slowly growing into courage.
Yunxue drew a quiet breath.
"All right…" she whispered.
Her cheeks flushed faintly, yet her hand did not leave his face.
"…but please don't be too rough."
For a moment, Luo Shixin seemed completely still.
As if the world had stopped turning.
His eyes softened entirely, and the heavy breath he had been holding finally escaped. He carefully lifted his hand, gently holding Yunxue's hand still resting on his cheek, pressing it softly as though receiving something precious.
"I won't hurt you," he whispered.
Luo Shixin slowly lowered his face.
His lips touched Xue Yunxue's forehead in a gentle kiss—a touch that felt almost like a promise. Warm and careful, as though he were touching something fragile.
The kiss descended slowly.
It brushed across Yunxue's closed eyelids, lingering there for a moment before moving to her cheeks, which had begun to flush. The man's breathing grew heavier, caught in his throat as he struggled to maintain the control that was becoming harder and harder to hold onto.
When their lips finally met, the kiss remained gentle… but only for a moment.
The passion he had suppressed for so long began to surface.
Luo Shixin's large hand moved carefully to hold Yunxue's waist, yet the natural strength of a mature eagle warrior could still be felt behind that touch. His kiss gradually changed—deeper, filled with emotion, carrying all the longing and waiting he had hidden for so long.
Yunxue's breath faltered. The man became more dominant.
An unfamiliar sensation spread through her body, warm and trembling, making her heart race faster. She could feel how Luo Shixin was still trying to restrain himself, even as the rising desire within him became increasingly apparent.
The kiss trailed downward along her jawline, then paused at her neck—soft yet filled with feeling, causing Yunxue's body to tense unconsciously.
The night wind flowing into the cave felt cold, contrasting with the warmth surrounding them.
In a reflexive motion, Luo Shixin pulled Yunxue closer into his embrace. With a single movement, her clothing tore beneath his grasp, leaving her startled and exposed. Embarrassment made Yunxue stiffen as she instinctively tried to cover herself with the blanket, her face burning red.
Under the dim moonlight, Yunxue appeared so innocent and beautiful that Luo Shixin's chest tightened painfully. His throat bobbed as he tried to calm the surging instincts pressing relentlessly against his restraint.
He removed his shirt.
Yunxue fell silent. Luo Shixin's body was powerful and well-built, shaped by years of military training and countless battles—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and defined abdominal muscles. His physique was flawless, almost unreal, a breathtaking sight before her.
With a surge of spiritual energy, golden eagle wings slowly unfurled from his back. The feathers shimmered softly, vast and majestic, nearly filling the entire cave. They spread like a natural shield, blocking the cold night wind from touching the girl before him.
Moonlight fell across his back.
He no longer looked like an ordinary man, but like a war god descended from the silent heavens.
He gently took Yunxue's hand, guiding it until her palm rested against his chest. His heartbeat was strong and hot, pounding clearly beneath his skin.
Luo Shixin's green eyes gazed deeply into hers.
"If you allow it," he whispered softly, "I want to carve your name here."
It was a confession.
Among soldiers, the chest was a place of honor—reserved only for the most precious name.
He then loosened his belt.
Yunxue froze for several seconds, surprise flickering in her eyes. Luo Shixin was already a towering man, nearly two meters tall, so she had expected him to be imposing… but she had not imagined this.
Can that fit inside?
A flicker of fear crossed her mind.
Luo Shixin seemed to notice her hesitation.
"Don't worry," he murmured gently. "I will be careful."
What followed unfolded like a natural progression neither of them could fully stop. Luo Shixin's restraint finally broke, and the quiet night atop the remote mountain was filled with their mingled breaths and soft cries.
Time blurred.
Tears gathered at the corners of Yunxue's eyes as the night stretched endlessly, the eagle warrior showing no sign of stopping even as dawn nearly arrived.
She no longer knew how much time had passed—the sky brightened, darkened again, and only then did everything finally come to an end, when the eagle warrior at last felt satisfied.