The fact that she could fly without wings, that she had no tail, no horns, no beast form—none of it had leaked out.

That surprised her.

Because from what she knew, vultures were wild creatures. Gossips. And in her experience, no matter how strong a community was, you couldn’t stop people’s running mouths.

But she had to say—these vultures were really something.

No one spoke of it outside the tribe. Some gave her suspicious gazes when she walked past. Some whispered to each other, conversations cutting off when she got too close. But none of them did anything beyond that.

Maybe it was because she was Veer’s wife now. The tribe leader’s wife. That carried weight she hadn’t fully understood until now.

But then another problem arose.

Kaya stood outside her house, staring at the scene before her with utter shock and disbelief.

Bouquet after bouquet of wildflowers—reds, yellows, purples, blues—were piled against the cave entrance. Beside them sat chunks of fresh meat, still wrapped in large leaves. Wild birds, freshly hunted, tied together by their feet. Carved wooden trinkets. Even a few pieces of jade jewelry.

Courting gifts.

A mountain of them.

She turned slowly to look at Veer, who stood beside her with a smile on his face.

But it wasn’t a happy smile.

It was the kind of smile that promised violence.

His hands clenched into fists. His jaw tightened. "Huh," he said, voice dangerously calm. "Trying to court my wife right under my nose, huh?" He cracked his knuckles. "Give me ten minutes."

And with that, he transformed mid-step, wings erupting from his back, and shot into the sky toward the training ground where the young warriors were likely gathered.

Kaya stood there for a moment, watching him disappear over the rocks.

Then she started laughing.

Slowly at first, then harder, until she was doubled over, gripping her sides.

She had to say—after coming to this place, she was becoming really strange. Because the idea of Veer beating up young warriors for leaving her flowers was objectively ridiculous. And yet here she was, finding it hilarious instead of concerning.

She looked at the piles of gifts again, shaking her head with a grin.

Today, Veer was definitely going to kill them.

And honestly? She wasn’t going to stop him.

....

Kaya was still sorting through the gifts—deciding what to keep, what to return, what to give to the tribe’s families who needed it more—when she heard heavy footsteps approaching.

Veer appeared around the corner, knuckles bruised, shirt torn at the shoulder, but wearing a satisfied grin.

"Ten minutes," he announced. "As promised."

Kaya raised an eyebrow. "Did you kill anyone?"

"No." Veer walked over, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "But they’ll think twice before leaving flowers for my wife again."

"They were just being respectful," Kaya said, though she couldn’t help smiling. "I’m something new. Strange. They’re curious."

"They can be curious from a distance," Veer muttered into her neck.

Kaya turned in his arms, looking up at him. "You’re ridiculous."

"I’m yours," Veer corrected, then paused. "Right?"

Something in his voice—uncertain, vulnerable despite the bravado—made Kaya’s chest tighten.

"Yeah," she said quietly. "You are."

Veer’s expression softened. He cupped her face gently, thumb brushing her cheek. "I know this world is strange for you. I know you didn’t choose to be here, to marry me, to become... whatever you’re becoming." His eyes searched hers. "But I’m glad you’re here. And I’ll spend every day making sure you don’t regret it."

Kaya’s throat felt tight. She wasn’t good at this—at feelings, at vulnerability, at letting people in. But Veer had somehow gotten past every wall she’d built.

"I don’t regret it," she admitted.

Veer smiled—genuine, warm, devastating. Then he kissed her. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Not rushed or desperate, but slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world and wanted to savor every second.

Kaya kissed him back, hands fisting in his torn shirt, pulling him closer. The heat in her chest flared—not painful this time, but warm, spreading through her like comfort instead of fire.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathing harder, Veer rested his forehead against hers.

"Come inside," he murmured.

Kaya nodded.

They left the gifts scattered outside and walked into their home together, closing the door behind them.

Veer guided Kaya inside, the door closing with a soft thud that sealed them away from the world. The feast’s distant laughter faded, leaving only their breathing and the fire’s dying crackle.

He turned to her, eyes dark with hunger, hands finding her waist. "Those warriors leaving you gifts..." he murmured, pulling her close, voice rough with possessiveness. "Think they can just pile flowers at my wife’s door and I’ll let it slide?"

Kaya smirked, feeling the heat flare in her chest—this time pure desire, not pain. "Jealous, are we?"

"Damn right," Veer growled, kissing her hard, hands sliding up her back. "You’re mine." His fingers dug in, pulling her flush against him as he backed her toward the bed.

Kaya pushed him down first, straddling his hips, taking control. Veer’s hands gripped her thighs, eyes flashing with that mix of want and jealousy. "No one else gets to look at you like this," he said, voice low and dangerous, thumbs pressing into her skin.

She leaned down, nipping his jaw. "Then show me."

Clothes vanished—his shirt ripped open, her dress pooling on the floor. Kaya’s hands roamed his chest, nails scraping as she ground against the hard bulge straining his pants. Veer groaned, hips bucking up, hands cupping her breasts roughly, thumbs circling her nipples until she gasped.

"Veer," she breathed, freeing him from his pants, stroking his thick length before positioning herself above.

He watched her every move, jealous fire in his eyes. "All mine," he repeated, gripping her hips as she sank down slowly, taking him inch by inch. They both moaned at the stretch, the heat, the perfect fit.

Kaya set the pace—rolling her hips deep and deliberate, riding him with control. Veer’s hands roamed possessively, one sliding to her ass, squeezing, the other finding her clit, rubbing firm circles that made her clench around him.

"Faster," he demanded, thrusting up to meet her, jealous edge sharpening his voice. "Show me you want only me."

Kaya obliged, grinding harder, faster, nails digging into his chest as pleasure built. "Only you," she gasped, though they both knew Cutie lingered in the background of their lives. The jealousy fueled him, hips snapping up relentlessly, hitting deep.

She shattered first, crying out as waves crashed through her, walls pulsing around him. Veer followed with a guttural groan, spilling inside her, hands bruising her hips as he held her down through every aftershock.

They collapsed together, panting, sweaty. Veer pulled her close, kissing her forehead possessively. "Mine."

Kaya smiled against his chest.

.

.

.

The next morning, Kaya woke wrapped in Veer’s arms, feeling more rested than she had in weeks. The constant ache in her chest had dulled to a gentle warmth, and for the first time since the changes began, her body felt like it belonged to her again.

Veer was still asleep, face peaceful, one wing draped protectively over them both.

Kaya carefully extracted herself and got dressed, stepping outside into the cool morning air.