Chapter 63 - 063: First Den

A few days later, the reconstruction of the village had improved drastically.

Most of the villagers had already settled into their new homes, and for the first time in a while, the village felt alive again.

Sounds and music filled the air.

Servants moved around carrying food and decorations while others hurried from one place to another, making sure everything was ready. The chief’s residence had been decorated since morning, and Kenai, Rylan, and Kai had taken it upon themselves to supervise everything.

"No, put that there."

"Not there. Move it closer to the entrance."

"Why is that hanging like that? Straighten it!"

Their voices could be heard from almost every corner of the residence.

Today was Anaria’s first den celebration.

And judging by the amount of work everyone had put into it, it was clear that the occasion was important.

Back in her room, Anaria was being treated like the main character of the entire celebration.

Her servants had been busy preparing her since morning, helping her dress, fixing her hair, decorating her body, and making sure she looked her best.

Anaria had also used the beauty package she had received from the system.

The difference was obvious.

Her skin looked smoother and brighter, her face seemed more refined, and there was a noticeable glow about her. Even her scent had started improving, becoming sweeter and more pleasant than before.

Her stomach, however, was now much bigger and heavier, making it difficult for her to move around on her own.

With the help of two servants, Anaria finally made her way out of the room.

She slowly walked toward where her mates were waiting.

The moment they saw her, both men stopped talking.

They simply stared.

Anaria looked between them.

"What?"

Rylan was the first to recover.

"You look..."

He paused, apparently trying to find the right words.

"Beautiful," Kenai finished.

Anaria’s cheeks immediately warmed.

"You’re both exaggerating."

"We’re not," Rylan said.

Kenai smiled as he looked her over.

"You really do look beautiful."

Anaria lowered her eyes, unable to stop herself from smiling.

Not far away, one of the bunny servants noticed the way Kenai was looking at Anaria.

Her expression immediately darkened.

The jealousy burning in her eyes was obvious, but no one paid attention to her.

She turned around and walked away.

Anaria didn’t even notice.

Her mates eventually stepped forward and took her from the servants, each staying close as they led her outside.

By then, the villagers had already begun arriving.

The moment Anaria appeared at the center of the residence with her mates, the villagers rose to their feet.

A wave of surprise passed through the crowd.

Anaria looked different.

Better than before.

Her skin seemed to glow under the light, her scent had become more noticeable, and the effort the servants had put into preparing her was impossible to miss.

Then the drums started.

Cheers immediately erupted through the village.

"Lady Anaria!"

"Blessings to the mother and child!"

Anaria smiled as she was led forward with her mates.

They were taken toward the first den that had been prepared for the ceremony.

Anaria’s eyes widened when she saw it.

The den had been decorated beautifully with fresh leaves, flowers, animal furs, carved wooden ornaments, dried grasses, colorful stones, and scented herbs.

She couldn’t stop looking around.

"It’s so pretty," she whispered.

Her mates smiled at her reaction.

An elderly beast woman stood before the entrance, supported by two younger women, and waited until Anaria and her mates were standing before her.

She began explaining the meaning behind the decorations.

"The flowers represent fertility and new life. The woven vines represent the joining of families, while the furs represent warmth and protection."

Anaria listened carefully.

She found herself fascinated by every little detail.

The old woman continued explaining the traditions until she was finally done.

She then picked up a small amount of green powder and gently placed it on Anaria’s forehead.

She took another amount and carefully placed it on Anaria’s stomach.

"May the mother be blessed with strength," she said.

"May the child grow in health. May this den bring them protection, peace, and happiness."

Anaria lowered her head respectfully.

The woman then turned toward the waiting villagers.

"The first den celebration is officially open!"

Cheers erupted again.

The villagers began coming forward one after another.

They brought gifts for Anaria and the baby, offering them while giving their own blessings.

Some touched Anaria’s stomach gently.

"May your baby be healthy."

"Perhaps it will look like the mother."

"No, look at Kenai. It will probably look like its father."

"Maybe it will have Rylan’s eyes."

Anaria laughed at some of their guesses.

Meanwhile, her mates stood beside her, collecting the gifts and placing them together.

After a while, the pile became surprisingly large.

Anaria stared at it.

"Are all these really for me?"

Rylan laughed.

"They’re your gifts."

"But what am I supposed to do with all of them?"

"Whatever you want."

Kenai shook his head.

"They aren’t meant to be shared. They’re blessings given to you and the child."

Anaria looked at him.

"I heard you."

She rubbed her stomach.

"And I’m getting tired."

Rylan laughed.

"The celebration has barely started."

Anaria’s eyes widened.

"What?"

Kenai smiled.

"It’s just getting started."

Anaria sighed.

She already regretted asking.

While everyone remained focused on the celebration, the bunny servant who had previously insulted Anaria stood farther away.

Her hands were clenched tightly.

She watched Anaria receiving gifts and blessings, and the anger in her eyes only continued to grow.

Anaria didn’t notice her at all.

Eventually, the gifting came to an end.

The elderly woman returned.

"Kenai, bring out the food prepared for the celebration."

At once, servants began bringing out trays of food.

Anaria’s eyes immediately brightened.

Finally.

Food.

The old woman took the first serving and handed it to Anaria.

"This food is traditionally given to a pregnant woman. It is believed to nourish both mother and child."

Anaria happily accepted the bowl.

"Thank you."

She took a generous bite.

And immediately froze.

Her smile disappeared.

Her eyes widened.

This was...

Bitter.

Very bitter.

Anaria stared down at the food.

How was this supposed to nourish the baby?

It tasted like something that would drain every last bit of strength from her body.

She swallowed with difficulty and tried not to make a face.

The old woman noticed her hesitation.

"Eat it."

Anaria looked at her.

"I—"

"You must finish it. It is part of the tradition."

Anaria’s eyes began watering.

She really wanted to spit it out.

But the woman was watching her.

With a miserable expression, Anaria forced herself to swallow.

The bitterness remained in her mouth.

She silently questioned every tradition that had brought her to this moment.

After the food, drinks were shared among the villagers, and the celebration continued.

Anaria was then led toward the main stage of the event.

The main den.

This was the final and most important part of the ceremony.

It was where Anaria would enter the den with her mates and receive the blessings of everyone gathered.

The blessing was meant to represent health, fertility, protection, and peace within the household.

As Anaria approached the den, she stopped in surprise.

This den was much larger than the first one.

And it was even more beautiful.

She stared at the entrance, taking in the decorations covering it.

"This is ours?"

Rylan smiled.

"Yes."

Anaria’s face brightened immediately.

She couldn’t wait to see the inside.

With her mates beside her, she was slowly led toward the entrance.

According to the tradition, she would enter first with her mates. Afterward, they would leave her inside for a while as part of the ceremony.

Anaria took another step.

Then the system chimed.

[Warning]

She stopped.

Kenai immediately looked at her.

"What’s wrong?"

Anaria quickly shook her head.

"Nothing."

Her mates exchanged a look but eventually nodded.

The system chimed again.

Anaria frowned internally.

"Where?"

Her eyes moved briefly across the villagers.

"I’m with my mates. Nothing is going to happen to me."

She continued toward the den.

"And stop disturbing me. This is my first den celebration. I’ll call you when I need you."

The system remained silent.

Anaria sighed in relief.

She had waited for this day.

She wasn’t going to let anything ruin it.

With her mates beside her, she stepped toward the entrance of the den, completely unaware that somewhere within the crowd, someone was watching her with something far more dangerous than jealousy.