The square went silent, those that have been discussing among themselves, seized their discussion, there was no denying that it’s a fact that Mei Xiu had suppressed the females.

Chief Garon sat like a statue of granite, his emerald eyes fixed on Mei Xiu as she stood before the central fire. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Lin Wan’s heart hammered. She had presented the evidence, the scent of the Bitter-root, but she had underestimated Mei Xiu schemes.

Mei Xiu didn’t flinch. Instead, she let out a soft, broken laugh that sounded like cracking ice. She looked at Wang, her eyes brimming with a masterful display of hurt and betrayal.

"I never thought it would come to this, Wang," she whispered, her voice carrying to the furthest edges of the crowd. "I knew you were enchanted by this strange female, but I didn’t think you would tarnish my image, my very life. . . Just to hide the truth of what she has done."

A murmur of confusion rippled through the warriors. Wang’s growl was low, a warning vibration in his chest. "Speak clearly, Mei Xiu, or do not coat your words with fake sweetness."

Mei Xiu turned to the crowd, her hands trembling. "Haven’t you ever thought about why the Scorpion rogues... why did they attack now? They have ignored our borders for seasons. They attacked because she led them here! She is a beacon of bad omen, a female from a place we do not know, who appeared and, within one day, our walls were breached."

She turned to Chief Garon, dropping to one knee. "Chief, I did not want to ruin Wang’s face. I only told you my suspicions in private, hoping that when Wang returned, you could speak to him and save him from this... this demon. I wanted to protect our brother, but instead, he stands here and accuses me of his mate’s crimes!"

The crowd gasped. The atmosphere shifted instantly. The curiosity that had followed Lin Wan all day turned into a cold, sharp suspicion.

"She has been here the longest!" a warrior shouted. "Mei Xiu is our own! The stranger brought the fire and the roar!"

"She’s lying!" Liya stepped forward, her voice high and frantic. "Wan’er gave us food! She healed the. . ."

"Silence, Liya!" an elder barked. The young girl was shoved back into the shadows. Susu tried to speak, but her mate’s hand clamped over her mouth, pulling her away.

The elder looked at the Chief. "Chief Garon, is it true? Did Mei Xiu come to you with these concerns before the raid?"

Chief Garon’s eyes locked onto Wang. The disappointment in his gaze was like a physical weight. He gave a slow, solemn nod. "She did. She spoke of the female’s strange scent and the danger it might bring."

Wang’s face went pale with fury. He looked around the circle of men he had bled for.

"Kael!" he roared. "Tell them! Tell them what happened at the crevice!"

But Kael didn’t step forward. A female had grabbed him by the arm, dragging him back into their stone dwelling, her eyes wide with the fear of being associated with a "traitor."

The other males, warriors who had called Wang ’brother’ only yesterday, turned their backs on him.

Lin Wan opened her mouth to argue, her modern logic screaming at the unfairness, but Wang’s arm snapped around her, pulling her flush against his chest. He covered her mouth with a gentle hand, shaking his head.

"I never knew," Wang’s voice was like grinding stone, carrying a coldness that silenced the entire village. "I never knew the people I called my own would turn their backs on the truth for such an obvious deception.

But it is fine. Since you do not believe me, and you do not believe my female... then there is nothing left for me in this tribe."

"Wang, wait!" the Chief shouted, his face suddenly full of panic. "You are the second most powerful warrior, in our tribe! We don’t blame you, Just... send the female away! Cast her out and stay. Choose another. Mei Xiu would. . ."

Wang didn’t wait to hear the rest. He hoisted Lin Wan into his arms and sprinted toward their cave, leaving the panicked shouts of the elders and Mei Xiu’s triumphant, yet frozen, smile behind. They had wanted to send Lin wan away, but they never expected to lose Wang in the process.

When they arrived at their cave, it was dark and cold, as if never held any warmth before. Wang set Lin Wan down on the stone bed, his movements gentle and efficient. He didn’t look at her; he simply began grabbing the hides and the few tools he owned, packing them into bundles with a frantic, quiet energy.

"Wang," Lin Wan whispered, her eyes stinging, with hit tears. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t want you to lose your home because of me. I... I can go. I can find my way. You shouldn’t be an outcast."

Wang stopped. He turned to her, and before she could say another word, his mouth was on hers. It wasn’t a gentle kiss; it was possessive, desperate, and full of a finality that took her breath away. He pulled back, his hands framing her face.

"Shut up, Wan’er," he rasped. "Things are not as simple as you think. This tribe is rotting from the inside if they choose a snake over the truth. I will not stay where my female is hunted by whispers."

He went back to packing, but Lin Wan didn’t stay on the bed. She stood up and grabbed a heavy hide, helping him tie the knots.

"I’m helping," she said firmly. "This is our family, I’m not letting you do this alone. We are together, Wang. You’ve never abandoned me, and I will never abandon you. You are mine... even in death, you belong to Lin Wan."

A rare, genuine smile broke across Wang’s face, a look of pure, unadulterated pride. He reached out, squeezing her hand briefly before they returned to their work.

A shadow darkened the entrance. It was Liya. She didn’t say a word; she simply walked in, picked up a gourd of water and a bundle of dried meat, and began helping them pack. She was choosing her side, even if it meant she would be the one left behind to face Mei Xiu’s wrath.

Within the hour, they were ready. Wang stepped into the moonlight and let out one final roar, not of anger, but of farewell. He shifted into his massive silver leopard form. Lin Wan worked quickly, tying their belongings to the sturdy harness on his back before climbing up and burying her hands in his thick fur.

The tribe was gathered at the base of the hill, watching in stunned silence. They had expected a plea; they had expected him to cave. Instead, they watched as their strongest defender turned his back on the only home he had ever known.

Wang didn’t look back. With a powerful leap, he sprinted into the dark forest, leaving the Leopard Tribe and the scent of Bitter-root in the dust.

[Ding! Hidden Quest Triggered: The Path of the Founder.]

[Objective: Establish a new territory. Level up your mate’s Beast Core.]

[Current Status: You are now ’Rogue.’ The world is open.]