Days passed like ripples on a calm lake—quiet, tender, yet full of hidden warmth.
Since Silas's shedding, something between him and Evan had shifted. Not in words, but in the soft glances they shared, in the way Silas's tail would subtly curl around Evan's waist when they worked side by side, and in how Evan no longer flinched when his mate's scales brushed against his skin.
Their bond had deepened—like the roots of a tree, unseen but unbreakable.
Silas spent his days hunting and gathering, returning with fresh hides and furs to line the cave and keep the cold out. Evan, with the system's quiet guidance, busied himself preparing jerky from different kinds of meat—salty, spicy, sweet-smoked—each batch more perfected than the last. He stitched warm cloaks and thick blankets from the hides Silas brought back, layering them carefully so the cubs wouldn't shiver once the deep frost arrived.
[System Notification: Preparation efficiency – 97%. Winter readiness: Achieved.]
By the time the last of the firewood was stacked and sealed under a dry cover, the air outside had turned sharp, biting, and crisp.
And that morning—
as Evan stepped out of the cave with a small basket of herbs in hand—
a soft flake landed on his hair.
"Ah…" He blinked, watching it melt against his skin. "It's snowing."
Within moments, the entire forest began to glow white, each branch glazed with frost, each leaf carrying the first promise of winter. Leo and Milo came tumbling out, squealing with delight.
"Papa! Mama! Look—it's cold!" Leo laughed, sticking his tongue out to catch a snowflake.
Milo, smaller and more serious, frowned. "Cold means less playtime," he declared solemnly.
Evan chuckled and rubbed his head. "Cold means cuddles and hot soup, little one."
Silas stepped out after them, his long silver-white scales gleaming even brighter under the pale light. The sight of him against the snow was mesmerizing—like a living sculpture carved of frost and emerald.
Leo squinted at him and whispered loudly, "Papa looks even shinier now. Mama, did he polish himself?"
Evan stifled a laugh, while Silas's emerald eyes narrowed playfully. "Watch your tongue, little one, or I'll polish you next."
Milo grinned from behind his brother, "He can use you to reflect light, Leo."
Evan laughed so hard he nearly dropped his basket. Silas sighed, pretending to be offended, and flicked a bit of snow from his tail—sending a soft puff of white straight into Evan's face.
"Silas!" Evan gasped, wiping snow from his lashes.
"You looked too warm," Silas teased, his voice smooth and low. "I thought a little snow might help."
"Then maybe you should sleep outside tonight," Evan shot back, though his lips betrayed a smile.
Leo and Milo exchanged mischievous looks. "Mama scolded Papa~!" they sang together, running circles around them.
Silas leaned closer, his breath warm against Evan's ear despite the cold. "You'll take it back when I warm you later tonight."
Evan's cheeks turned crimson instantly. "Silas!"
The cubs, oblivious to their parents' exchange, began gathering snow with eager little hands, trying to make the season's first snowball. The air filled with laughter—the kind that made even the cold feel gentle.
Inside the cave, the fire crackled, shadows dancing softly across the walls. Evan looked around at their home—stocked, warm, alive—and couldn't help smiling.
Everything they had built together felt real, secure.
For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt safe.
But beyond the trees, far from their laughter, the forest wasn't as quiet as it seemed.
Two figures moved through the snow—both broad-shouldered, with wild eyes and hunger in their voices.
"Hey," one hissed, crouching behind a frosted bush, "did you hear? The cruel snake has a female now."
The other's lips curved into a cruel grin. "Really?"
"Yes. She's tender and beautiful. I saw her from afar—the kind you'd want to taste before winter ends."
A low, ugly chuckle followed. The first snow fell thicker now, hiding their tracks as they disappeared into the white woods—
heading, perhaps, toward the unknown.
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