By this time, the sun had already dipped behind the trees. The sky glowed in orange and purple bands, and the air was thick with the scent of damp leaves and wildflowers.
Evan laughed, lifting the woven basket in his hands. "If you behave, I might let you taste the magic later."
The kids gasped dramatically, already bouncing around the fire pit. "Magic food?!"
Silas walked past them with his usual calm, carrying the enormous beast they had hunted earlier slung over one shoulder as if it weighed nothing. "We'll eat well tonight," he said simply, his emerald eyes glinting in the low light.
Later...
Inside, the cave still smelled faintly of stone and fur. Evan quickly set the chili pods and ginger roots on a flat stone surface to dry. Their bright colors—red and golden-brown—looked almost out of place in the earthy tones of the cave.
"These," Evan said proudly, "are going to change everything."
Milo tilted his head. "They don't look that special,Mama."
Evan grinned. "Wait until you taste them."
While he cleaned the plants, Silas crouched near the beast, slicing it open with smooth, practiced motions. His long fingers worked with quiet precision, separating meat, organs, and bone. It was almost… graceful.
Evan caught himself watching. "You make that look easy."
Silas smirked without looking up. "Years of practice. Besides, I'd rather you not try it—you'd end up covered in blood again."
"That was one time!" Evan protested, cheeks puffed, which made Silas chuckle.
When the hide came free, Evan's eyes lit up. "Wait—don't place it away. It's big and soft; we can use it as a bed mat."
Silas paused, raising an eyebrow. "You want to sleep on that one ? I can hunt another beast with soft fur,it will be ok..."
"Of course you can.But we can use this one to lay on the bottom .It will be more warm, and I can line it with grass and fur. Trust me, it'll be amazing."
Silas's tail twitched, the corner of his lips curling slightly. "Ok I will process it.Then our bed will finally be worthy of my mate."
Evan froze. "I—It's not… you mean our shared room, right?"
"Mm." Silas pretended not to notice his stammer, but the faint smirk gave him away. "Whatever helps you sleep, little one."
Evan's face turned crimson, and he busied himself with the ginger before Silas saw his expression.
---
As the evening deepened, everyone pitched in. The cubs helped move small hides and baskets while Silas used his strength to drag heavy stones to divide the cave into neat chambers.
Soon, the den felt… different. More like a home.
The children's room was lined with soft furs and bits of dried grass, their tiny sleeping spots marked by pebbles and feathers. The storage chamber now held bundles of herbs, smoked meat, and fruits tied up in vines. And in the back, their new shared room glowed softly with reflected firelight—the fresh hide spread across the floor, furs layered on top.
Milo bounced in excitement. "Mama! Our home looks so big now!"
Leo proudly declared, "It looks like a real house now!"
Evan laughed, pretending to scold. "You two have way too much energy."
Silas, from where he leaned against the cave wall, added with a small smile, "They take after you."
That earned him a half-hearted glare and a soft chuckle from Evan.
Evan wiped sweat from his brow, smiling. "A warm house for a cold winter."
Silas, leaning against the wall, nodded. "You've changed this place, Evan. Before, it was just a cave. Now it feels alive."
Evan's heart warmed at the words. He ducked his head shyly, pretending to arrange a pile of furs. "I just like making things comfortable."
"You make us comfortable," Silas said quietly. The tone was soft enough to make Evan's hands still for a second.
---
By nightfall, the fire crackled merrily and the scent of cooking filled the air. Evan stirred a small pot, adding thinly sliced ginger and crushed chili. The steam carried a spicy warmth that made Silas's nostrils flare in surprise.
"Smells strong," Silas said. "Is it supposed to sting my nose?"
Evan laughed. "That means it's working! You'll see."
When the food was ready, he handed out portions—roasted meat sprinkled with salt and chili, and a stew gently flavored with ginger.
Leo took one bite, his eyes widening. "Hot! Hot! My tongue's on fire!"
Milo fanned his mouth dramatically. "Mama, it's burns! Why would you do this to me?"
Evan snorted, trying not to laugh. "You'll thank me when it gets cold. It warms you up inside."
Silas ate quietly, eyes half-closed as he chewed. "It's different," he said after a moment. "But good. My body feels… warm and alive."
Evan smiled softly. "That's the ginger. Helps fight cold and keeps your blood strong."
Silas's gaze flicked up to him. "You think of everything."
Evan shrugged, pretending nonchalance. "I just don't like seeing you all freeze."
For a while, they ate in companionable silence, the warmth of the fire making shadows dance across the walls. It felt peaceful — like this small family had carved out a tiny world of their own.
---
After dinner, the cubs curled up in their corner, already half-asleep, murmuring about "magic food" and "fire-tongue flavor."
Evan stretched, exhausted but content. "They'll sleep well tonight."
Silas's deep voice rumbled softly behind him. "And you?"
"I think I will too," Evan said, glancing toward their shared room. "If I don't freeze to death first."
"You won't." Silas's tail brushed his arm lightly as he passed, the touch sending a strange shiver up Evan's spine. "Not when I'm beside you."
Evan blinked, heart skipping. "You're getting bold, Silas."
"Maybe I'm just being honest," Silas replied, tone low but playful.
Inside the bedroom, the firelight cast a warm glow over the new hide bed. Evan sat down first, running his hand over the soft texture. "It's actually nice," he murmured.
Silas joined him, the bedmat dipping slightly under his weight. "You were right."
Evan smiled, looking proud. "Told you so."
For a long moment, they sat there in silence. The crackling fire was the only sound. Then Silas turned slightly, his emerald eyes reflecting the flicker of light.
"You've done much for us, Evan. You didn't have to."
Evan looked at him—really looked—and saw something soft in those usually guarded eyes. "You've done more for me. I'd probably be dead if you hadn't found me."
Silas's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then we'll call it even."
He leaned closer—close enough that Evan could feel the warmth of his breath. Then, gently, he brushed his lips against Evan's cheek. Just a soft kiss. Careful, deliberate, and fleeting.
Evan's breath caught. His heart stuttered in his chest, and he turned slightly, his face warm. "You… shouldn't do things like that without warning."
Silas chuckled, low and rough. "Next time, I'll warn you."
Evan smacked his arm lightly, trying to hide his fluster. "Who says there'll be a next time?"
But his voice was too soft, too uncertain—and Silas heard the smile in it.
When they finally lay down, Silas curled an arm loosely around him, protective and steady. Evan didn't move away.
Outside, the night wind whispered through the trees. Inside, the cave glowed softly, filled with warmth, the smell of smoke and spice, and the quiet rhythm of two hearts finally at rest.
---