The Ugly Duckling Of The Tiger Tribe-Chapter 157: Just give the word

"I think we’re done now," I said, getting up. "Now, will you show us the way to your village? If it’s not too much to ask, we would like to settle there for the rest of the night."

Gram quickly straightened up, his ears twitching as he tried to recover from Damar’s icy glare.

"Of course, of course! Please, follow me. Our village is not far—just through the weeping willow veil."

He turned and began to lead us through the forest, his pace brisk. The other rabbits stayed close to him, though Dani kept stealing glances back at me, his face still a light shade of pink.

I walked between Fenric and Damar, my body swaying with exhaustion. The night air was turning truly cold now, the kind of damp chill that settles into your bones. I pulled my wrap tighter around my shoulders, feeling the sticky herb paste beginning to tighten on my skin. Back to being a monster, indeed.

"You know, you really didn’t have to scare him like that," I whispered to Damar, nudging his arm with my elbow.

Damar didn’t look back.

"A long time ago, I heard this. ’Knowledge is power.’ On the other side, that herb is common. Here, it is a miracle. If they know what it is, they will want it. If they want it, they will ask where it comes from. It is better they remain curious than greedy... If they plan on living long, that is."

I sighed. He was always thinking three steps ahead, even when he was half-asleep and covered in lake water.

We soon reached a part of the forest where the trees were draped in long, flowing willow branches that touched the ground like green curtains. Gram parted the ’veil,’ and my eyes finally caught sight of the village.

The village was a cluster of small, circular huts with thatched roofs made of sun-bleached reeds.

To the rabbits, these were sturdy homes, but to Fenric and Damar, they looked like toys scattered across a meadow. The only truly underground parts were the burrows—deep, protected nurseries where the mothers kept the kits safe.

Gram led us to the center of the village, gesturing apologetically to the structures.

"I must apologize," he murmured, his ears drooping. "Our homes are built for our stature. The accommodation might be a little uncomfortable for your size."

I looked at the largest hut—the Council Hut—and shrugged.

"It’s okay. We can manage with this one. It’s no different from the size of my cave back home anyway, so it’ll work out." I mumbled to myself.

Gram thought I was complaining under my breath and immediately tried to pacify me.

"Just give the word," he said, lingering by the entrance. "If you plan to stay for longer, we can have the craftsmen build you an accommodation starting first thing on the morrow."

I nodded, feeling impressed by their hospitality.

"That’s so generous of you, chief. But aren’t you worried about keeping us in your tribe for long? What if we attack you?"

"If you wanted to, you would’ve already done so," he said. Though he sounded confident, I couldn’t help but feel a little unease coming from him.

It was as if he were wishing his beliefs were true and that we were a blessing rather than a danger. That was why he had that much confidence despite his unease.

I let out a small sigh and then smiled.

"If it’s like that then you don’t have to worry about anything," I said, placing my hand over my chest as a sign of promise. "I promise you that we will not bring harm to your tribesmen in any way. But... If you strike first," my eyes grew dangerously cold and dark and the pressure caused them to sink their necks into their bodies. "...then don’t blame me for being bitter."

The dangerous and cold energy disappeared, released with a gentle smile.

"I hope you understand. We will not cause trouble, so please inform your tribesmen not to bring us trouble either."

I did not plan on getting the short end of the stick. If any of them tried to get on my nerves, I wouldn’t look the other way just because they were weak and short rabbits. I would treat them like trash if they gave me a reason to.

Gram bowed his head so low it nearly touched the soft grass.

"I understand perfectly, Savior. I will give the order tonight. No one shall disturb your peace or test your patience for the period that you stay here."

I crossed my hand over my chest, nodding in satisfaction.

"That should do for now. Thank you." I said and he nodded.

He backed out of the hut, ushering the others away.

"We will leave you to rest now."

Finally, we were alone.

It felt like we were being treated like royalty.

It feels weird. But what’s even more weird is how I feel accustomed to this treatment and have no problem playing a big boss.

I didn’t think coming into a weaker tribes land would be like this. If not for the threat they had upon them, I doubt they would’ve welcomed us into their village like this.

They might’ve been respectful since angering us would mean to talk annihilation, but I doubt they would let us into their village.

They’d give excuses like there isn’t anywhere we could fit or stuff like that.

The situation makes the difference.

Inside the council hut, the floor was covered in layers of soft, dried clover that smelled sweet and earthy. They scattered the clover leaves in preparation for us, so this was probably the best they could come up with at the last minute.

It was tight—when Fenric stood up straight his head nearly brushed the ceiling—but it was warm.

Damar lowered his body so his head wouldn’t brush the ceiling.

Fenric let out a long breath and collapsed onto the bed of clover, his massive weight making the floor groan slightly.

"I thought of this before, but you’ve got a really scary side, Arinya," he said and chuckled, his ruby eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.

"Hm, is that bad?" I asked but the corner of his lips tugged up into a grin.

"Of course not. I’m saying I like it."

Damar sat down beside me.

"You did well to set the boundary. Clear rules make for peaceful neighbors."

Look who’s talking. I rolled my eyes.

As if he’s ever been one to abide by rules.

I leaned back against the wall of the hut, the exhaustion finally winning the battle against my consciousness.

I looked at my two husbands—two powerful predators squeezed into a tiny rabbit hut just to stay by my side. It felt funny and I chuckled.

But then it died down as the words Fenric said replayed in my head. Was I cruel? I wonder. I can’t exactly blame my beast nature either so maybe this was how I’ve been from the start, but since I’ve never gotten the chance to bare my fangs or let out my claws, I never knew it.

"I just want a world where I don’t have to growl every five minutes," I whispered, my eyes fluttering shut. "But for now... I just want to sleep."