The moment I shifted to get out of Allmer’s lap, it happened.

My hand, searching for balance as I awkwardly maneuvered, landed on something firm—unfamiliar but solid. My fingers instinctively curled around it for support before my brain caught up to what I was touching. And then, with horrifying clarity, realization struck.

It wasn’t his thigh.

A sharp intake of breath escaped me as my entire body froze. My face erupted in heat, and I jerked back so suddenly I nearly knocked over the plate Felix was holding. Scrambling to my feet, I kept my gaze locked firmly on the floor, cheeks burning red-hot.

Allmer didn’t say anything at first, but when I dared a glance, I saw the faint curve of his lips—a smirk. Oh no. Here it comes.

“Shira,” he drawled, his voice smooth and far too amused. “You’re going to hurt yourself rushing like that.”

“I’m fine!” I yelped, my voice coming out much too high-pitched to be convincing. My heart was pounding in my ears, from the kiss or what happened just now, I don't know, and I frantically busied myself, desperate to look anywhere but at him.

But I couldn’t stop my eyes from darting back—just for a second!—before snapping away again. Stop it, stop it, stop it! My brain was in overdrive, desperately trying not to think about what had just happened.

“Stop staring, little one,” Allmer teased, his smirk growing into a full-blown grin. His ruby-red eyes gleamed with mischievous amusement.

“I wasn’t staring!” I shot back, trying to sound serious.

“Hmm.” He tilted his head slightly, studying me like a cat with a cornered mouse. “You’re curious, aren’t you?”

He leaned back casually. “It’s perfectly natural. All snake beastmen have two.”

I blinked, my mind stalling as it tried to process his words. Two.

My jaw dropped, and my face went nuclear. “I didn’t need to know that Al!”

Allmer chuckled, his deep voice rumbling with amusement. “You seemed curious, so I thought I’d save you the trouble of asking.”

“Your curiosity is endearing, though,” he added, the teasing lilt in his voice making me groan in mortification.

I mumbled something unintelligible, burying my face in my hands. How was I supposed to recover from this?

Felix chose that moment to stride over with a plate of food, shoving it into my hands like a lifeline. “Here. Eat before you implode from embarrassment.”

Grateful for the distraction, I grabbed the plate and shoved a bite into my mouth without even looking at what I was eating. The moment the familiar taste hit my tongue, I froze.

“Rice?” I stared at the plate in disbelief.

“You’re welcome,” Felix said smugly as he sat down across from us. “Took me a while to find some, but I figured you’d want something familiar. Can’t have you surviving on just fruit anymore.”

“You had rice this whole time?” I exclaimed, taking another eager bite. “This is amazing! I haven’t had it since I got here.”

Felix shrugged, looking ridiculously pleased with himself. “I added a few medicinal herbs too. Good for females.”

I paused mid-bite, eyeing him suspiciously. “Medicinal herbs? Like what?”

“Relax,” he said, waving a hand. “Just some calming roots, salt, fever balm, and a sprinkle of strength berries.”

I sighed, shaking my head. Beastmen and their obsession with turning everything into medicine. The healer here once tried to cure my period cramps with honey water, calling it a “universal remedy.” Sweet? Yes. Helpful? Not even a little. But atleast it made the rice taste delicious.

“You like rice, little one?” Allmer’s deep voice cut through my thoughts.

I nodded enthusiastically. “It’s amazing! This is the best thing I’ve eaten in weeks.”

His expression softened, and he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Then I’ll make sure to bring more for you. I should’ve known sooner what you liked.”

The sincerity in his tone made my chest tighten. He was trying so hard, despite how new all of this was to him too.

“Thank you Al,” I said gently, my lips curling into a small smile. “You have done so much for me. I know I'm such a handful and far from perfect but thank you for still accepting me and loving me.”

His ruby eyes locked onto mine, filled with an intensity that made my breath catch. “I’m glad you’re mine, Shira.”

My cheeks warmed again, but this time it wasn’t from embarrassment.

Felix cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. “Speaking of food preferences,” he began annoyed, clearly eager to launch into a monologue just to put a stop to our cozy moments, “you should make sure she gets more variety in her diet. Not just fruit.”

Allmer hummed thoughtfully, his tail curling lazily behind him. “Tell me more.”

Felix blinked, surprised by the genuine interest. Then, realizing he had an attentive audience, he dove headfirst into details about every grain, vegetable, he’d ever encountered and which are good for females.

I sat back, watching in stunned disbelief as they had an actual conversation—peaceful, even. For once, there was no bickering, no sarcastic remarks.

“What’s happening?” I muttered under my breath, but I couldn’t help but smile. Felix might be a smug showoff, but he was undeniably a fantastic cook.

“You’re a awesome cook,” I admitted aloud, earning a rare genuine smile from Felix.

“Definitely loads better than the sanke here” he quipped, only to trip over his own feet when Allmer casually stuck out his tail.

“Watch your tongue,” Allmer said, not even looking at Felix.

Felix grumbled saying it's true, picking himself up, but I noticed the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. Maybe, just maybe, these two were starting to get along. Or at least tolerate each other.