CHAPTER 191: CHAPTER-191.

That night, Veer massaged Kaya’s feet with warm oil, rubbing slow circles over the redness and swelling until her skin stopped trembling under his fingers. After that, he sat with her in his lap, wrapped gently in his arms like she was something fragile—something that might shatter if he let go.

He didn’t sleep.

Not even for a second.

He just sat there, watching the fire flicker low and dim, holding her close through every soft breath, every tired shift.

By the time morning arrived, soft light slipping into the mouth of the cave, Kaya stirred.

She blinked slowly, and as her eyes opened, the first thing she saw was Veer.

He was still there. Still holding her.

His head had dipped slightly forward, his shoulders slouched, and his eyelids were half-closed—clearly in the middle of dozing off. The dark circles under his eyes were deep, his skin dull, and there was an almost haunted tiredness about him. But his hands... his hands were still gripping her like he hadn’t allowed himself to relax even for a second.

Kaya stared at his face.

Just for a minute.

And with that quiet gaze, a strange weight settled in her chest.

She didn’t understand.

Why was he here?

She had heard he was a tribe leader. Important. His people respected him. His parents adored him. He had food, fire, safety—everything he needed. He didn’t have to follow her. He could’ve stayed back in the comfort of his cave, never getting involved.

So why was he here now?

Why did he follow her?

And even more confusing—why hadn’t he taken her back to his cave, if he was so worried? Why stay here, risking himself, freezing with her?

What was his problem with her?

But no matter how many times she asked these questions in her head, there were no answers waiting for her. Just that same stubborn silence in her mind.

Kaya sighed softly.

There was no point in overthinking. Not now.

She shifted slightly—just a small movement to stretch her leg—and Veer jolted awake instantly, like he’d been hit.

His eyes snapped to hers, wide, worried. "Are you okay? Do you feel afraid? Dizzy? Cold?"

Kaya just blinked, quietly watching him fuss over her like a scared child.

Then she nodded faintly. Her voice was still hoarse, the words stuck to her throat, but there was more color in her face now. She looked... better. Still worn, still weak—but better.

Veer exhaled with relief, and for a second, he just stared at her

Veer tilted his head, the corners of his mouth twitching like he was trying really hard not to grin. His tone turned slightly playful as he asked,

"Hey... do you belong to the Caterpillar Tribe or something?"

Kaya blinked. "...Huh?"

But he didn’t stop there. Oh no. He was on a roll now.

"No, no—wait! Maybe you’re from the Squirrel Clan? Or like, I don’t know... some Small Dog Tribe? Something tiny, cute, shivery?"

Kaya’s fist clenched. Very slowly.

Her voice came out cracked and hoarse, "...What?"

Hearing that edge, Veer finally glanced at her, but instead of backing down, he only looked more amused.

"I’m just saying," he said, shrugging. "You’re cold. And sick. But you don’t transform. No fur, no tail, no wings, no ears—not even claws! So... what’s going on? You could warm yourself up if you just shifted into your beast form, right?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, this time with a bit more seriousness. "So... is it that you’re too weak to transform?"

Kaya’s heart stopped for half a second.

She stared at him.

Had he figured it out?

Did he... know?

Did he somehow realize that she wasn’t a beast at all?

That she was human?

Her throat tightened. Panic flickered in her chest. What would he do? Would he abandon her here? Report her? Mock her?

But then—

Veer leaned in, frowning in exaggerated confusion, and said,

"Or... are you just secretly hairless and too embarrassed to show me?"

He burst into a ridiculous little laugh.

Hairless.

This bastard just called her hairless.

Kaya froze.

Her face went blank.

There was no emotion—none at all—just the deadest of stares.

Inside, though?

She was ready to commit a full murder. With a frozen rock. Slowly.

.

.

.

Back to Nikala beastmen tribe...

It had only been about four or five days, but some of the beastmen were already waking up. The cold had lessened just a little, and since many of them hadn’t gone into full hibernation, they were now slowly getting back on their feet.

And the first thing they all thought of after waking was Kaya.

She had been living alone through the winter, even though they’d offered to stay with her—to protect her. But she refused. And now, after all these months, no one had seen her. Naturally, they were worried.

Six of them had woken up so far. One of them was Cutie.

But something felt off.

Since the moment Cutie opened his eyes, he hadn’t spoken a word. No greetings, no smile—nothing like his usual self. Just silence.

Sparrow, standing nearby, couldn’t help but tremble slightly. His eyes followed Cutie with a mix of worry and fear. Something about him felt... different.

As the gates slowly creaked open, the doors of three nearby houses opened too. From each, two people stepped out, their faces showing quiet concern. Without needing to say much, they all began walking together toward Kaya’s house.

They stood there for a moment, waiting—listening—hoping to hear something. Anything. A voice, a cough, even a soft step. But there was nothing. Just heavy, cold silence.

They knocked. Once. Twice. Three times. Still no answer.

Rin, one of the beastmen in the group, called out, "Ms. Kaya?"

He knocked again, this time louder. "Ms. Kaya? Are you there?"

Still no response.

Everyone’s eyes stayed fixed on the door, worry starting to creep across their faces. But Cutie stood at the back, quiet, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. He didn’t say a word. His eyes remained on the door, still and sharp.