By the time I polished off my third helping of rice, I was thoroughly full. Leaning back with a contented sigh, I stretched my arms lazily and let the warmth of the crackling fire wash over me. “I don’t think I can eat another bite,” I murmured, patting my stomach as a satisfied smile crept onto my face.

Allmer, who had been silently watching me with an amused glint in his ruby eyes, stood and stretched his tall frame. “If you’re done, it’s time to sleep,” he said in his deep, steady voice.

Meanwhile, Felix had already begun clearing away the dishes, his movements swift and efficient. I stood to help, grabbing the stone bowl I’d been eating from and heading toward the water storage near the back. The bowl was heavy, carved from sturdy stone, but I appreciated its craftsmanship. As I washed it, I made a mental note to ask Allmer about crafting more wooden and stone utensils. Sharing whatever Felix brought from his family didn’t feel right, and we needed our own supplies anyway.

Felix noticed me and, in true Felix fashion, intervened with a brusque, “Give it here.”

“No, it’s fine,” I replied, determined. “I can at least wash the dish I ate from.”

He huffed, clearly unimpressed. “Don’t annoy me, kid. I want to sleep, and I’ll be faster.”

I froze, narrowing my eyes at him. “Kid?” I echoed, incredulous. “Felix, we’re the same age.”

He arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into an infuriating smirk. “Are we?” he asked, his tone dripping with mockery. “Because from the way you fumble around with chores, I’d swear you were just learning how to walk.”

My jaw dropped, and indignation flared up inside me. “Excuse me? For your information, I know plenty about housework! I may rely on Allmer for things, but I’m an excellent cook and perfectly capable of handling chores!”

Felix crossed his arms, smirking with that infuriating air of superiority. “If you say so,” he replied with a shrug, his tone practically dripping with disbelief.

The nerve of him. My fingers tightened around the edge of the stone bowl I was holding. He didn’t know what he was talking about. I obviously loved being pampered, who doesn't? But that doesn't mean I some clueless, pampered girl who didn’t know her way around a kitchen. I’d cooked every single day during my mom’s illness, learning the hard way how to make meals that were not just edible but nutritious enough to help her stay as strong as she could.

I hated cooking back then, damn even now I never like to cook, but back then, I hated the weight of responsibility that came with it. Every dish I made carried the unspoken fear that it wouldn’t be enough to keep her going and I'll lose her even before I turn an adult. But somehow ,I managed. My whole family managed. Those years were a blur of burnt pots, late nights, and recipes on YouTube, but I’d figured it out because I had to.

And now Felix had the audacity to look down on me as if I was helpless?

I glared at him. “Don’t underestimate me,” I snapped, my voice firmer now. “I’ve done more than you think. Just because I don’t go around showing off doesn’t mean I’m clueless.”

His smirk faltered, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of guilt in his expression. Maybe he finally realised he crossed a line unintentionally. He opened his mouth like he was about to say something, but then he just shrugged again, clearly retreating back into his usual nonchalance.

“Fine,” he muttered, glancing away. “If you say so.”

I let out a small huff, deciding to leave it at that. There was no point dragging it out, especially when the memories were already pressing too close. I wasn’t going to give Felix—or anyone—the satisfaction of seeing how much those memories still hurt. Remembering them just steels my resolve more to return to my world.

With a final glance at him, I walked back inside, leaving him to finish cleaning up.

As I stepped into the warmth of the room, I let out a slow breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension. It wasn’t Felix’s fault he’d hit a nerve—he didn’t know anything or what those years had been like for me and how I still can't let them go. But still, the sting of his words was hard to ignore.

I glanced at Allmer, who was rearranging some things near the fire. He looked up as I entered, his sharp ruby eyes immediately locking onto mine.

“Everything alright?” he asked, his voice calm but tinged with quiet concern.

“Yeah,” I replied with a small smile, brushing it off. “Just Felix being… Felix. He’s harmless, really. Just irritating.”

Allmer tilted his head, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re more patient with him than I would be.”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “You’re not wrong. He’s lucky he realised it wasn't a topic for me to joke about, or I might’ve thrown the bowl at him.”

Allmer’s smirk widened, amusement flickering in his gaze. “I wouldn’t stop you.”

His teasing eased the tension in my chest, and I found myself relaxing as I settled down near the fire. The thick wool blanket was neatly laid out, its softness inviting. I ran my fingers over it, marveling at the craftsmanship.

“I got it from the sheep beastmen,” Allmer explained, his voice steady and warm. “Their village is far, and weaving something like this takes time. I’ve been meaning to get it for you for a while.”

My heart swelled, a mixture of gratitude and warmth spreading through me. He’d thought of this—thought of me—even with everything else going on.

I brushed a strand of hair out of my face, ducking my head slightly.

My chest tightened with gratitude, and before I could stop myself, I leaned up and kissed his cheek. It was a quick, impulsive gesture, but the moment my lips brushed his skin, I felt his body stiffen in surprise.

His ruby eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush dusted his cheeks. For once, the unflappable Allmer looked caught off guard. But he quickly recovered, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a warm embrace.

“I’m glad you like it,” he murmured, his voice softer than usual. “Now, rest.”

“Thank you, Allmer,” I said softly, my voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside me.

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You deserve comfort, little one,” he murmured, his touch light but steady.

I slipped under the blanket, and the warmth it provided was immediate and comforting. It was large enough to cover me entirely, even tucking in under my feet. I stretched out with a contented sigh, the firelight casting soft, flickering shadows across the walls.

As Allmer settled beside me, his arm draped protectively around my waist, I couldn’t help but notice how cold his body felt against mine. His scales, smooth and oddly soothing to touch, didn’t radiate much heat. But between his solid presence and the thick woolen blanket, I felt safe and cozy.

“Winter’s coming,” I murmured sleepily, my mind already drifting toward plans for the coming months. “We’ll need to stock up on food and supplies. Maybe more warm clothes like this. And utensils. We’re going to need those too. I'll ask Ace too where herbivore females collect food supplies from.”

Allmer hummed in agreement, his hand gently stroking my hair. “I’ll take care of it. Just tell me what you need.”

I smiled against his chest, my eyelids growing heavy. “I’ll make a list tomorrow,” I mumbled, my words slurring as sleep pulled me under.

The last thing I heard was the steady rhythm of Allmer’s heartbeat, a comforting lullaby that carried me into a peaceful slumber.