With no hope and no other way, Ana swallowed hard.
"O-Okay… fine. I'll accept my punishment."
Her voice trembled as she lowered her head, shoulders shaking. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She didn't dare look at him, fearing what cruel fate awaited her.
Xavier watched her for a long moment, then sighed. Perhaps he had drawn out his little game for too long.
"Your punishment is…" He paused dramatically. "Tell me your name and your clan."
Ana's head snapped up. "H-Huh?"
For a second, she just stared at him, completely dumbfounded. Then, as his words sank in, she let out a huge sigh of relief.
"My name is Anabella. Ana means 'gracious' and Bella means 'beautiful.' Everyone calls me Ana."
Xavier smirked. "Then I'll call you Bella."
She blinked at him. "Wait, what? But—"
"Bella suits you." His golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "What clan are you from?"
Ana hesitated. Humans didn't exist in this world. If she told the truth, he might see her as weak or… worse. So she blurted out the only option she could think of.
"I-I'm an ape."
Xavier raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. "An ape, huh? Interesting."
He stretched lazily before standing up. "Now that we've sorted things out, let's eat. I caught a cute little rabbit just for you."
Ana's stomach twisted.
She followed him into the cave, watching in horror as he sliced open the rabbit with a single sharp nail. Blood dripped onto the stone floor as he tore off a piece of raw meat and handed it to her.
Her hands shook as she took it.
She stared at the dark red flesh, her stomach churning.
'Oh god… I can't eat this. But if I refuse… will he force me?'
Not wanting to anger him, she forced herself to take a bite.
The moment the cold, slimy meat hit her tongue, her body revolted.
Her stomach clenched, and before she could stop herself, she turned to the side and vomited.
Xavier immediately panicked.
"Bunny?! What's wrong? Are you sick? Do you need a doctor?"
Ana wiped her mouth, her whole body trembling. "I-I can't eat this."
Xavier frowned. "Why? Are you a herbivore?"
She shook her head. "No, I eat meat… but I can't eat it raw."
He was silent for a moment, processing her words. Then, without another word, he stood up.
"Wait here. I'll make fire for you."
Ana's eyes widened. "But… aren't snakes cold-blooded? Don't you hate heat?"
Xavier simply smirked. "I do. But if it's for my Bella, I can tolerate a little discomfort."
Her heart skipped at those words.
Not long after, he returned with firewood, creating a small fire despite his own clear discomfort. The orange flames flickered, casting shadows on his sharp features. His golden eyes reflected the light like molten gold.
Once the rabbit was roasted, he handed her a piece.
Ana took a cautious bite. The meat was cooked, but without salt or spices, it was bland and awful. She forced herself to swallow it, feeling like she was chewing rubber.
She ate only a little before stopping.
Xavier noticed. "Still hungry?"
Ana hesitated. He had made an effort for her, but… she couldn't eat this.
She licked her lips, debating whether to ask.
"Xavier… can I ask for a favor?"
He leaned closer, his golden eyes watching her intently. "Anything for my bunny."
Ana frowned. "I told you, I'm not a bunny. I'm Anabella."
Xavier chuckled. "But you're as cute as one."
She crossed her arms. "Then are you going to eat me?"
His smirk widened. "Not in the way you're thinking."
Ana's face burned.
He laughed at her reaction, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
"Fine. I'll call you Bella."
She cleared her throat, trying to shake off her embarrassment. "Can you get me some fruits later?"
Xavier tilted his head. "Fruits?"
"Yeah. I like them."
His expression softened. "Then wait here. I'll go get some."
As he turned to leave, he glanced back over his shoulder. His golden eyes darkened slightly.
"And Bella… don't even think about running away."
His tone was deceptively sweet, but the warning was clear.
"No one can fight me single-handedly. I'm a feral. And a four-striped beast."
Ana froze.
She knew about the markings on a beastman's body. But she hadn't noticed his until now—the dark, tattoo-like stripes trailing down his neck and arms.
Four stripes.
That meant… he was an exceptionally powerful beast.
He could wipe out an entire village alone.
Her stomach dropped.
'That means… no one can save me from him.'
Xavier left, disappearing into the trees.
The moment he was gone, Ana curled into herself, her breath shaking.
"What if he forces himself on me at night? What if I really… become a breeding machine at sixteen?"
Her chest tightened painfully.
She had always wished—just once—to be truly loved.
But now, that dream seemed more impossible than ever.
A silent tear slipped down her cheek as she realized…
She was completely trapped.