Serena first headed to the campfire since it was where she had left Kiro with the two tiger beastmen. As she walked over to the campfire, scanning the area for the young cub, she noticed an increase in beastmen hanging around the camp.
A few glanced over at her as she weaved passed them before returning back to their own tasks. Serena guessed that the group sent hunting had returned thus there were more beastmen around now.
A faint scent of cooking meat hit her nose along with a mix of body odor and blood. Her nose subconsciously twitched, trying to adjust to the overwhelming smells.
Serena knew she should probably be used to her enhanced senses by now, but there were still times when they overwhelmed her. Perhaps it was something that would take a lifetime to get used to…
Or her mind was purposely focusing on certain things. Raising her instincts to be on high alert for any possible danger. She rubbed the side of her forehead, trying to calm her on edge nerves.
Everything was fine. It was safe within the campsite.
"Sister!" A voice called out, snapping Serena's attention back to reality.
Serena glanced over to the direction of the voice and watched Kiro running over to her. He had somehow managed to get himself even more dirty with bits of soot blackening parts of his hair, face and body.
But despite looking like he just rolled though the ashes of a campfire, he had the biggest grin on his face. The sight made Serena forget her need for cleanliness for a moment as she watched him run towards her with arms wide open.
She could always have another bath later…
Serena gave him a small smile in return and edged closer to greet the cub. However, a second before Kiro could reach her, someone grabbed him by the shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
Serena's smile turned as she bared her teeth to the person stopping Kiro from coming to her. Only to go still as she recognized the face and voice.
"I think you need a bath before you go hugging your sister." Theo murmured, glancing down at Kiro as he removed his hand from the cub's shoulder. "You're going to make her dirty again when she just had a bath."
"Oh…" Kiro looked at his soot covered hands, seeming to realize for the first time that he'd gotten dirty.
The joy he had a second ago slowly disappeared, making Serena want to sigh. Theo's words weren't wrong, but she wasn't really worried about getting dirty again when Kiro was so happy.
Now the cub was acting like he was about to make a huge mistake.
"It's fine." Serena finally said. "A little dirt hurt no one… Besides, the important thing is you had fun. Those beastmen were nice to you right?"
As she said that last part, her eyes wandered over to the campfire where the two tiger beastmen from earlier were sitting and tending to the fire. Their backs were turned to her, chatting to one another about something.
"Yes!" Kiro exclaimed, his excitement coming back and drawing Serena's full attention to him. "They showed me how to build the fire with wood and dry grass and even let me light it!"
Serena couldn't help but smile at his words. It was clear nothing bad had happened when Kiro was learning from the older beastmen. She was glad for it, even if a little doubt lingered in her mind.
But that was because she could never be sure with anyone's intentions. Still, if Kiro was happy about the whole thing, then she was going to leave it at that.
"That sounds like fun." Serena murmured, gently patting the young cub's head. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Kiro nodded his head. "Yes, it was really great!"
He looked like he was about to continue speaking, but Theo quickly jumped in and said, "Why don't you get cleaned up now. Lunch will be ready soon and you can tell your sister everything then."
Serena pursed her lips at his words, but didn't argue with them. It was better if Kiro washed up before they had lunch. She didn't want him eating with dirty hands if possible.
"Hmmm… okay." Kiro mumbled, eyeing Theo for a second. He then suddenly grabbed the older male's hand and declared, "We'll go clean up quickly Sister."
"…"
Serena was at a loss for words at her brother's actions. She never expected Kiro to want Theo to take him to the river to bathe. She would always go with him and wait nearby while Kiro washed up.
Not to mention, she wasn't sure if Theo was okay with taking him to the river. She glanced over at the tiger beastman, not sure what to say.
"We'll be back soon. Don't worry." Theo said, eyes gleaming, seeming to understand what she was thinking. "I'll keep at eye on him."
Serena numbly nodded her head. "Alright thanks."
Theo smiled at her words before walking off with Kiro. They picked up some cleaning items before heading to the river. Awkward silence filled the air as the two walked though the forest.
However, Theo did not say a word to cut through the silence. He knew the cub was up to something, asking him to take him to the river instead of going with his sister like usual.
Normally, he wouldn't follow with whatever scheme he saw though, but Kiro was no real danger to him. Besides, there was a part of him that was curious to what he cub was up to.
So he quietly played along.
When they got to the river, Kiro finally let go of Theo's hand and turned to gaze up at the older male. Theo felt his lip curl, immediately sensing that the cub was trying to intimidate him with that stern look in his eyes.
The cub may be young, but he's got guts… Theo quietly mused to himself, wondering what Kiro wanted looking at him like that.
Finally Kiro asked, "Do you want to be my sister's mate?"