The cave felt strangely quiet after the excitement of finding the salt lake.
Evan rubbed his arms as a cool breeze swept in through the entrance. The air here was sharper, cleaner — or maybe that was just his imagination running wild with thoughts of salt.
Silas walked ahead, checking the corners. "We'll camp near the entrance," he said, placing his spear down. "The air is fresher here."
"Got it." Evan clapped his hands once and turned to the cubs. "Alright, team! Operation Camp Setup begins now!"
Leo tilted his head. "Operation what?"
"...Just help your papa gather wood," Evan said quickly.
Milo giggled. "Mama says strange things again."
Evan grinned. "That's part of my charm."
---
They cleared the area, laid down dry leaves and hides, and built a small fire pit. Silas sprinkled crushed herbs and snake scales near the cave mouth. The cubs watched curiously as he murmured a quiet chant.
"It's for safety," he explained when he noticed Evan staring. "Keeps bad spirits away."
Evan raised a brow. "Herbal pest control. I like it."
Silas didn't know what that meant, but he accepted it with a small grunt.
Once the fire caught, the orange glow painted the stone walls in soft light. Evan set down their stone pots, already planning his "experiment." He filled the biggest one with water from the pale lake, careful not to touch too much of it.
Silas frowned. "That water burns the tongue."
"I'm not drinking it, promise," Evan said. "I'm cooking science."
"Cooking what?"
"...You'll see."
---
The pot began to boil, steam rising and filling the cave. The cubs sat in front of it like they were watching a story unfold.
"What's happening, Mama?" Leo asked.
"The water's running away," Evan explained, stirring with a stick. "When it's all gone, something will stay behind. That something is treasure."
Milo gasped. "Treasure?!"
"Yup. Edible treasure."
The first attempt failed miserably. The pot turned muddy, and the crystals that formed were brown and sticky. Evan grimaced. "Okay… not edible treasure."
The cubs laughed, and even Silas cracked a smile.
Evan rinsed the pot, filled it again, and tried once more — slower this time. The second batch came out better. Clearer. Crisper.
When the last of the steam faded, a layer of sparkling white crystals clung to the bottom.
"Ha!" Evan lifted the pot with a triumphant grin. "Behold! Salt!"
Leo's eyes widened. "It's shining!"
Milo reached out. "Can we eat it?"
Evan chuckled. "In a bit. Let Mama test it first."
He dipped his finger, touched the crystals to his tongue — and nearly moaned. "Ohhh, yes. That's it. Civilization!"
Silas blinked slowly. "You call this… civilization?"
"Absolutely," Evan said proudly. "This is the line between bland food and happiness."
They ended up making three pots full by the time the fire started dying down. The cubs cheered every time the crystals formed, and Silas quietly helped move the pots aside to cool.
He wasn't much of a talker, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched Evan fuss over his "white treasure."
---
When evening fell, the cave smelled like roasted meat.
Evan had marinated it with wild fruit juice and sprinkled salt over it. The aroma was heavenly — rich, savory, smoky. The cubs sat cross-legged near the fire, eyes shining with hunger.
"Alright, dinner time!" Evan announced. "Taste test begins!"
Leo took a bite and froze, eyes wide. "It's… sharp!.Mama it's delicious."
Milo nodded quickly. "It makes my tongue dance!"
Evan laughed. "That, my little ones, is flavor!"
Silas ate quietly, chewing slowly. His expression softened, something almost tender in his gaze. "It tastes… good and alive," he murmured.
Evan blinked. "alive? That's… yeah, I guess that's one way to put it."
They laughed and ate until their stomachs were full. The cubs ended up lying on their backs, hiccuping and giggling. Silas leaned back against the cave wall, his tail coiled loosely.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Evan felt a strange calm settle in his chest. Warm fire. Full bellies. A family that—somehow—felt like his.He accepted his fate as a mate now.
---
At dawn, Silas woke them quietly. "We should go before the sun climbs high."
Evan nodded, stretching. "Right. Let's pack up."
They sealed the salt pots carefully, wrapped them in hide and leaves and packed their other belongings. Silas stacked stones and branches over the entrance, hiding the place completely.
"We'll return when we need it," Silas said, brushing his hands. "No one should find this."
Evan smiled softly. "Our secret."
The cubs copied him, whispering, "Secret!"
Silas gave a small nod of approval before shifting partway into his serpent form. His scales glimmered faintly in the morning light. "Climb up. It will be faster this way."
"Wait, what?" Evan blinked, already being scooped up by the tail.
He yelped as he was placed gently on Silas's broad back. Leo and Milo scrambled up behind him, squealing in excitement.
"Hold tight," Silas said simply.
The ground blurred as he moved. Evan clung on for dear life, wind rushing through his hair. "Why didn't we do this sooner?!"
Leo laughed. "Papa's fast!"
Milo whooped. "We're flying!"
By the time they reached their den, Evan's legs were jelly. He slid off Silas's back and groaned dramatically. "Ten out of ten ride. Would recommend. Would not repeat."
The cubs laughed until they hiccuped again.
---
Back home, the den felt warmer — familiar.
Evan tucked the salt away in the back corner, where it would stay dry. He helped the cubs tidy the place while Silas went hunting.
When Silas returned with fresh meat, Evan was already stirring something in a pot.
He threw in chopped greens, a handful of herbs, and—of course—a generous pinch of salt.
The smell filled the den. Silas paused in the doorway, inhaling deeply. "It smells good."
Evan grinned. "It's called seasoning. Get used to it."
They ate together, the cubs half-asleep by the end of dinner, mumbling about "magic salt."
Silas cleaned the fire pit, his movements calm and practiced.
Then, as they sat near the dimming fire, Silas spoke quietly.
"The nights are getting colder," he said. "Winter will come soon. We'll need more food, and more wood. Salt will help us keep meat longer, but it won't be enough."
Evan nodded. "Then we'll start early. Store food, dry it."
Silas tilted his head. "Hm"
"Dried meat. You'll see." Evan smiled. "We'll be ready."
Silas watched him for a moment longer, then gave a rare, small smile. "With you here… maybe this winter won't be so harsh."
---
Later, as everyone slept, Evan stared at the fire's last flickers.
He thought about the coming cold, about the salt hidden in the cave, about Silas and the cubs curled up close.
Then it hit him.
"Jerky," he whispered. "We can make jerky. Smoked meat with honey, dried fruit… we'll eat like kings."
Sigh"How good it would be if we have some chills too ?
He grinned to himself, closing his eyes.
For the first time, surviving didn't feel impossible.
It felt like building something—together.
.....