Lila’s POV
It suddenly dawned on . Kael had mistaken Jasper for an invader trying to seize his territory.
"Kael," I said gently, stepping forward. "You’ve misunderstood. We’re just passing through, searching for a hidden enemy. We an your tribe no harm. Besides..."
I pointed at Jasper and said with a smile, "He might be an overbearing Wolf King, but he’s also a very reasonable person."
Jasper’s mouth twitched when he heard the word "overbearing," but he didn’t argue.
Kael looked at , then back at Jasper, as if trying to gauge the truth in our words. Finally, he let out a long sigh and completely dropped his guard. "Alright. Since you’re also Werewolves, I’ll take you to see the elders. However..."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "The elders can be... difficult. Please... try to keep a low profile."
"Don’t worry, I’m used to dealing with difficult elders." Jasper ruffled my hair, his gaze softening to its usual tenderness. "As long as they don’t provoke , I won’t bite."
Kael gave a wry smile and turned to lead the way. "Well... please follow . The tribe isn’t far from here."
This ti, Kael didn’t take any detours. We followed him over several massive sand dunes until a rare desert oasis finally appeared, and we could see the faint glow of lights.
It was a settlent of countless animal-hide tents and simple stone houses, looking primitive and ancient. A few bonfires burned in the center of the camp, illuminating the busy figures of its people.
"We’re here." Kael stopped at the entrance to the camp and took a deep breath. "This is... our ho."
Jasper took my hand, lacing our fingers together, and whispered, "Lila, how are you feeling? Should we set up camp here for now?"
I smiled and nodded, looking at the exotic lights with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. ’Even though that confrontation was a bit tense, at least we’ve found a place to stay and a clue to Derek’s whereabouts.’
"Let’s go," I said. "Whatever lies ahead, we’ll face it together."
We followed Kael into the tribe. The mont we entered the camp, countless eyes turned toward us. Their gazes were filled with curiosity, vigilance, and a hint of barely perceptible hostility.
Several young warriors holding spears blocked our path, loudly questioning Kael in a language I couldn’t understand. Kael answered with a few words, pointing at and then at Jasper.
Upon hearing Kael’s words, one of the warriors’ eyes instantly grew fervent. He pushed Kael aside, strode up to , and knelt on one knee. "Are you... the Goddess who can make the sand glow?" he asked in halting common tongue.
I glanced at Jasper, embarrassed. ’Just as I thought. Kael must have hyped up to be so kind of deity.’
Jasper’s expression darkened instantly. He stepped in front of , blocking the warrior’s view, and said coldly, "Move."
The warrior didn’t seem afraid of Jasper. Instead, he stood up and looked at him defiantly. "Who are you? Why are you following the Goddess?"
Just as Jasper was about to lose his temper, an old, commanding voice echoed from deep within the tribe. "All of you, stand down."
The crowd parted automatically as an old man leaning on a staff and draped in an animal-hide cloak slowly walked out. His gaze was as sharp as a falcon’s, sweeping over first, then landing on Jasper, before finally settling on Kael.
"Kael," the Great Elder’s voice was hoarse and deep, "are these the... honored guests you spoke of?"
Kael nodded nervously. "Yes, Great Elder. This is... Ms. Lila, and Mr. Jasper."
The Great Elder narrowed his eyes, sizing us up, his gaze finally fixing on Jasper’s handso but cold face. "Outsiders, what business brings you to the Sand Sea Tribe?"
Jasper was about to speak, but I quickly cut in. "Respected elder, we’re looking for a traitor. He hard our people and stole sothing important. We tracked him here and heard he went toward Death Canyon."
The Great Elder’s brow furrowed slightly. "Death Canyon... that cursed place?"
"Yes." I nodded. "We only wish to pass through, find him, retrieve what is ours, and then we will leave. We won’t disturb your lives."
The Great Elder was silent for a mont, his gaze shifting between the three of us. Finally, he sighed and said, "Since you’re here, you are our guests. Co in and have a cup of hot tea first. As for this traitor you speak of..."
He gave Jasper a aningful look. "Death Canyon is not an easy place to travel to. You’ll need help."
Hearing the words "need help," the corner of Jasper’s mouth curved into a barely perceptible smile. He knew the negotiation had only just begun.
————
Inside the tent, a bonfire crackled in the central stone pit. The orange flas danced, casting reflections on the inner walls of the hide tent that looked like countless nimble beasts whispering to one another. The air was filled with the scent of dried herbs and roasted at, mixed with the sll of the earth, creating a primitive and rugged atmosphere. I sat on the thick fur blankets covering the ground, with Jasper pressed close beside . His body heat seeped through my clothes, a silent, protective presence.
The Great Elder sat in the seat of honor, holding a Bone Staff carved with ancient runes, his eyes as deep as an old well. Kael stood to one side with his head bowed, his expression reverent. Outside the tent, I could faintly sense several presences lingering—it was the young warriors, filled with curiosity about our arrival.
"Please, have so tea." The Great Elder motioned for a servant to serve us steaming Sea Buckthorn Tea. The liquid was amber-colored, with a sweet aftertaste that followed a hint of bitterness.
I took a small sip. The warmth slid down my throat and into my stomach, chasing away the night’s chill.
"We an no offense," Jasper said, rely holding his cup without drinking. "If you are willing to offer us shelter and allow us to rest, we will certainly reward you."
The Great Elder slowly raised his eyes. His gaze, sharp as a knife, swept over before landing on Jasper. After a long mont, he finally spoke. "A reward? What kind of reward can you offer?"
I was about to speak, but the Great Elder raised a hand to stop and continued, "Our tribe has a prophecy—when the moonlight spills over the Desert Sea, a Goddess will co from afar, bringing healing and new life. Last month, our King was gravely injured in a battle with a mutated giant scorpion. The poison seeped into his bones, and he eventually fell. Our Queen, who is with child, went into a difficult labor out of grief and shock, and her life is now in grave danger."
He paused, his voice low and heavy. "Just a few days ago, we felt a strange healing power, like moonlight washing over the Desert Sea. It also eased so of the Queen’s suffering. And today, you arrived. Goddess, it was you."
My heart jolted, and I instinctively looked at Jasper. His brow was slightly furrowed, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
"So," the Great Elder said, looking directly at , "we are willing to let you stay, but on one condition—you must save our Queen and help her deliver the child safely. If the child is born safely, you will be the benefactors of the Sand Sea Tribe. We will provide you with a guide, supplies, and even an escort to Death Canyon."
Before I could respond, Jasper let out a cold laugh. "’Must save’? That’s not how you ask for help. I refuse."
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