Chapter 30 - 030: Unexpected Rut 101
She sank onto the edge of the bathing area and stared at the ceiling, she stayed there for a while, trying to make sense of everything the System had told her. She had finally completed the food objective, earned the village leader’s trust, and was supposed to receive her appreciation token before leaving Ravenfall. Now everything had changed. Kenai was her third destined husband, and his upcoming rut was somehow connected to her compatibility with him.
Anaria groaned "Why does everything become complicated the moment I think I’m finally done?"
Before she could answer her own question, the door opened. A female servant entered carrying a fresh set of clothes.
"My lady, these were sent by the village leader."
Anaria looked at the clothes. "For me?"
The servant nodded. "The appreciation gathering has been prepared. Kenai asked me to help you get ready."
Anaria sighed. She had almost forgotten about the gathering "Fine. Give them to me."
She took the clothes, changed quickly, and followed the servant through the residence. By the time they reached the council room, evening had settled over Ravenfall. The room was quieter than earlier. Kenai was already seated with three high-ranking council members. Servants stood nearby preparing the food.
When Anaria entered, Kenai looked toward her "Little fox, you’re here."
She nodded. "Apparently, I am."
One of the council members chuckled. "You sound unhappy about being invited."
Anaria sat down. "I’m not unhappy. I’m just hungry."
The council members laughed softly. Food was placed before them, and Anaria immediately began eating. She had spent most of the day dealing with Ravenfall’s food supply. Now she finally had a chance to enjoy some herself.
As the meal continued, the council members discussed the changes she had introduced. "The servants have already begun using the storage system," one of them said.
Anaria nodded. "Good. Just make sure they don’t go back to their old habits."
The beastman who had argued with her earlier looked away and Anaria noticed "You especially."
He cleared his throat. "I understand."
Kenai watched her for a moment before speaking. "You’ve done a great deal for Ravenfall."
Anaria shrugged. "I only helped with your food problem."
"You still helped."
She gave him a small smile. "Then you’re welcome."
For a short while, everything felt peaceful then Kenai turned toward her "There is something I would like to ask."
Anaria paused. "What is it?"
"I know very little about you. After everything you’ve done for Ravenfall, I would like to know more about the female who helped us."
Anaria sighed. "I’m Anaria." She gave them her clan name, then immediately added, "Don’t ask about my clan."
Kenai nodded and did not push. Instead, he asked, "Did you come to Ravenfall alone?"
"No." Anaria shook her head. "I came with two mates. They went to find somewhere for us to stay while I came into the village to look for money and supplies. Then your villagers caught me."
Kenai’s expression tightened. "And they haven’t found you?"
"I don’t know what they’re doing."
Kenai looked thoughtful, then lowered his gaze. "I’m sorry you were kept here for so long."
Anaria waved her hand. "It’s fine. I’m free now."
Kenai nodded. "If you need anything while you’re in Ravenfall, don’t hesitate to ask."
Anaria smiled politely. "I’ll remember that." she returned to her meal. For a little while, everything remained calm.
Then Kenai suddenly stopped eating and Anaria noticed the change. His hand tightened around the bowl, his breathing grew heavier.
One of the council members looked at him. "Sir?"
"I’m fine," he said.
Anaria didn’t believe him. Something about the air had changed. Then she felt it that overwhelming beast aura. The same strange pressure she had felt before.
Kenai stood. "I need to rest." He looked at Anaria for only a moment before turning away. Anaria watched him leave. Something was wrong. She was certain of it.
The moment the door closed behind him, the System appeared.
[Warning.]
Anaria froze.
[Rut detected.]
Her eyes widened. "Already?"
[Yes host.]
Anaria stared at the notification. Her face slowly paled. The System had warned her this would happen and it has begun.
[Compatibility opportunity detected.]
Anaria swallowed. "So this is it?"
[Correct.]
The notification disappeared. Anaria remained staring at the doorway, with no idea what she was supposed to do next, she took a slow breath and tried to calm herself. She wasn’t going to panic. At least, she told herself that.
She looked toward the door Kenai had disappeared through "Why does this have to happen now?"
The System gave no answer.
Anaria frowned. "Of course. You tell me the important part and then disappear." She looked around the room. The council members were still finishing their meal. Anaria forced herself to relax. She needed some fresh air. "I’ll go outside for a little while."
One of the council members nodded. "Of course."
Anaria stood and left the room. The moment she stepped into the corridor, she let out a long breath. She didn’t know what to do about Kenai, but she couldn’t solve it while standing there panicking. She needed time to think.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only one looking for someone that evening.
Far across Ravenfall, Rylan and Kai had finally reached the village leader’s residence. They stopped in front of the entrance. Several guards immediately blocked their path.
"Stop. You cannot enter."
Kai frowned. "We’re looking for our mate."
The guards looked at them. "Leave."
Rylan stepped forward. "Her name is Anaria. She was brought here."
One guard shook his head. "No one is allowed inside without permission."
Kai’s expression darkened. "We don’t have time for this."
He took a step forward, but Rylan immediately caught his arm "Don’t."
Kai looked at him. "They’re keeping her in there."
"I know." Rylan looked toward the entrance. "That’s why we can’t start a fight."
One guard pointed toward the road. "You need to leave."
Kai clenched his fists. Rylan pulled him back "Come on."
They stepped away from the entrance. Kai looked toward the residence "How are we supposed to get inside?"
Rylan studied the large building. "There has to be another way."
They walked around the side of the residence. Kai glanced toward the walls "Maybe we can climb over."
Rylan looked at him. "And alert the entire household?"
Kai frowned. "Then what do you suggest?"
Rylan thought for a moment. "We find another entrance."
Soon, Rylan and Kai finally spotted a smaller entrance at the rear of the residence.
Kai smiled. "There."
Rylan nodded. "Let’s see where it leads."
They moved toward it, neither knowing that the person they were desperately trying to reach was only a few walls away.