Chapter 37 --37
And soon, they would reach the sheep beastman tribe. Cutie said the sheep people were gentle and full of warmth. They believed in energy, in kindness, and they always treated travelers with care. Kaya hoped that was true. Her heart needed a place like that.
She still wasn’t sure if this world was a dream, some fantasy her mind made up, or a new reality she had to live with. But deep down, she already knew the answer.
One evening, while resting near the trees, Kaya’s curiosity got the better of her. She reached out and lightly touched Cutie’s soft, furry ear.
"Eek!" he yelped, jumping back with his face bright red. "Don’t touch them! They’re... they’re really sensitive!"
Kaya burst into laughter. "You’re so dramatic," she teased, smiling at his embarrassment.
Cutie turned away, muttering something under his breath, ears twitching wildly.
.
.
.
After walking for what felt like hours, Kaya finally reached the river. The path to this place had been wrapped in shadows—dense trees blocking out most of the light. It had been dim and quiet, almost suffocating. But now, standing before the wide stretch of water, she found herself blinking under the open sky.
The sunlight hit the river just right, breaking into shards of gold that danced on the surface. The water glittered like stars scattered across a black velvet sky. If not for the urgency pressing at her—finding shelter before nightfall—Kaya might have sat down right there, letting the moment swallow her whole.