**Just realised I've put ONLY ONE pic of Ace till now. So here's another one. . ... ...... .........

I finally found a spot by the smaller bonfire, exhaling as I settled onto one of the makeshift seats around the crackling flames. The evening air was thick with the scent of smoke and roasting meat, mingling with the earthy aroma of pine and soil. The rowdy energy surrounding the bonfire seemed to pulse in the air, blending with the distant sounds of cheers and shouts.

The beastmen had apparently started one of their traditional wrestling matches near the main bonfire, and judging by the intense roars, it was no casual competition. Curious, I glanced over to see a figure at the center of the brawling arena, standing firm against a crowd of other beastmen. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I felt my heart skip a beat.

It was Ace.

He was up there, muscles taut, his entire body in motion, fending off challengers like they were little more than nuisances. His usually calm and watchful face was focused, his jaw clenched with an intensity that made his every movement sharp and powerful. He was practically radiating with focus, each move calculated and precise as he knocked beastman after beastman off the platform.

"Well, that's... one way to blow off steam and clear your mind," I muttered to myself, surprised by the unexpected sight. I couldn't help but laugh a little under my breath; it was like he was pouring all his frustration into the fight. But then, watching him move with such fluidity and strength, I realized I'd never seen him look like this before.

I thought about it for a moment, feeling a little smug for my improved vision, because, wow... Ace looked good. His tall frame and the muscle beneath his skin were all on full display, accentuated by the thin layer of sweat gleaming on his skin. His every movement was deliberate, his arms and legs cutting through the air with an elegance that made him seem untouchable. Sure, most beastmen had well-built bodies and strong physiques, but seeing Ace up there, mid-fight, was a different level of eye candy.

The old healer beastmen, who had helped me with medicine few days back during my periods, was sitting nearby and seemed to catch on to my line of sight and laughed. "You got your eyes on Ace, huh? He's a good one, that boy. Strong, smart. And that temper of his makes him one hell of a fighter."

I chuckled, a little embarrassed to be caught staring, but I shrugged. "Well, it's hard not to watch. He's... impressive out there."

The man smirked knowingly. "You're not wrong there, four striped are on a entire different level."

If Ace was so good at fighting, I wonder how Allmer will look. He seems to be many times stronger than Ace but I've only ever seen him dispose and dump beastmen using that huge tail of his. Though it's probably for the best as I'll most likely just faint if I saw his snake form, covered in blood and fighting in full force.

Ace was still up there, battling fiercely as his opponents got increasingly tired. As they took turns challenging him, Ace dispatched each with a force that left them sprawled on the ground before they even knew what hit them. Finally, when the last opponent went down, he turned his head just enough for our eyes to meet across the crowd. I felt a warm flush spread across my cheeks, and for a moment, it seemed like the crowd faded away.

Ace gave a quick nod and a half-smile, just barely there before his expression turned serious again. It was a brief exchange, but it was enough to make my heart skip a beat.

Suddenly, a loud, teasing voice pulled me back to reality. "Ah, enjoying the show, are you?" Felix's tone was light but with that familiar smirk.

I rolled my eyes, leaning back with exaggerated nonchalance. "Isn't everyone?" I shot back, crossing my arms. "Besides, Ace is... well, let's just say he's good at what he does."

Felix raised an eyebrow. " Maybe I should get up there next time and give him a run for his money."

"Sure, if you want to end up flat on your back," I resorted back.

"You're doubting the skills of a four striped tiger beastmen!?" Well guess this bruised his ego. It's better to just ignore him.

I kept watching Ace's match, thoroughly absorbed by the way he moved across the stage. But then Felix got up, brushing off his clothes. Wait is he seriously going up there cause of my remark? Or just to get food? Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed him by the tail to stop him. "Wait-"

The effect was instant and far more dramatic than I expected. Felix froze, his entire body going rigid as though he'd been struck by lightning. Then, without a word, he whipped around, flinging my hand off as if I'd just doused him in cold water. He turned to glare at me, eyes blazing, and muttered sharply, "Keep your hands to yourself," before storming off toward the food stalls.

I watched him go, blinking in disbelief. Seriously? He had no problem pushing me around, dragging me through the festival earlier like I was a rag doll, and here he was snapping at me over a small, innocent grab?

"He can shove me all he wants, but the moment I grab his stupid tail..." I mumbled, still annoyed.

A low chuckle broke through my thoughts. I glanced over to find Iker strolling toward me, clearly struggling to hold back laughter. His eyes were twinkling with a mischievous spark as he dropped down beside me at the bonfire, watching me with that same amused grin. "You really don't know, do you?" he asked, smothering another laugh.

"What you're getting at?" I asked, already bracing myself for some ridiculous explanation.

He leaned back, enjoying the moment, before finally replying, "It's actually the spot you grabbed that's the problem."

I gave him a blank look, and he smirked. "For beastmen, the tail's... well, it's an erogenous zone."

It took a full second for the words to sink in, and when they did, my face went up in flames. "Wait, you mean...?"

Iker nodded, his grin widening. "Yep. Just the lightest stroke can... ah, get a reaction out. And you went and grabbed it like you were ringing a bell!"

He burst out laughing, no longer bothering to hide it. "I swear, Felix probably needs a whole minute to cool down after that one. Just give him some time."

"Oh, great," I muttered, feeling my cheeks go an even deeper shade of red. I could practically feel the heat radiating off my face. I had embarrassed myself enough for one night, but apparently, I'd somehow managed to top it. "I had no idea."

Iker was still chuckling as he leaned back, wiping a tear from his eye. "Well, now you do. So if you want to keep Felix on his toes, just give that tail a little tug now and then."

I shot him a look, and he held up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, just some friendly advice. But by all means, if you want him snapping at you, go for it."

The awkwardness lingered, but I wasn't about to let Iker think he'd flustered me completely. Trying to brush off my embarrassment, I asked, "Okay, but what are you doing here, anyway? You know this bonfire's for females and mates... or, well, potential mates," I added.

Iker shrugged, as nonchalant as ever. "In the winter, none of that matters. The whole city gathers here so there's always a shortage of bonfires, so sharing is more common. But normally..." he let his words trail off with a knowing look.

"Normally, it gives off a whole different meaning," I ended his sentence, sighing, shaking my head. Just another layer of beastmen customs that no one thought to explain to me.

. .. ... .... **Glad I was able to complete the final editing of this chapter today !! Else it would have been postponed till next week :((