So what happens after you kill an ancient Grimm, what is essentially considered the apex predator of the world?

A celebration?

Of course there was a celebration after my return to the main camp, and naturally everyone cheered my name before a title emerged in their chants: the Behemoth Slayer.

Adam Taurus, Chieftain of Menagerie, High Leader of the White Fang, son of Ghira Belladonna, and now Behemoth Slayer.

Funnily enough, I can't help but imagine if I will be collecting even more new titles as time marches forward.

But one cannot celebrate and be lost in euphoria forever, as eventually celebration gives way to grief when I gather with the brothers and my second in command to take note of our casualties from this operation.

From the initial platoon of 50 soldiers, including the Aura users, we suffered 24 casualties. That would be 49% casualty rate.

Normally, at first glance that would be considered a terrible casualty rate, but considering this came from a three-way war - fighting Prometheus, Atlas, and the Grimm - and considering that Atlas suffered at least 80% death rate and the PMCs were completely annihilated... that casualty rate turns out to be good from a tactical perspective.

Besides, casualties don't just mean a death toll, but wounded as well.

Those 24 casualties turned out to be 14 KIA, and 10 wounded - but all the wounded have good diagnoses, meaning they will live to see another day. Still, they need to be sent home for much better medical treatment and a well-deserved rest.

Which provides the perfect excuse for my triumphant return to Menagerie as the Behemoth Slayer. People wanted me to stay in the outpost for a while longer, which while I wouldn't mind taking charge of, I still have plenty to do in Menagerie as a whole.

Although, I don't leave without giving orders, particularly about dealing with the Behemoth's body that, as predicted, didn't dissolve into black mist like normal Grimm. It stayed in that spot. That's why Pod had to stay and take charge in harvesting the body for potentially useful materials, among other things and so far his analysis found promising results, so everyone is currently busy in the harvesting.

Perhaps I should be worried about Atlas' presence, that they might be licking their wounds and asking for reinforcements, but they simply left, according to our informant. It makes sense, since they had no reason to stay anymore in this region. Winter will talk about our meeting with the General, and from that point, I don't know what he will do with that discovery.

However, I have a hunch that he won't open his mouth, based on political reasons.

Either way, we are still going back home.

Those being Trifa, Ilia, and the villager. The shipgirls, Kawakaze and Asanagi, are also coming with us, but they are acting as escorts of our vessel.

It won't be a long voyage, just a day at most by ship.

Although, it seems pointless and maybe even a waste of time since I can just open a portal and be in Menagerie instantly.

But that doesn't stop me from choosing this travel option. I want to be a little selfish, to use this time to forget everything and take a break - kinda like disconnecting from the world.

That's why I find myself in the captain's cabin, where the gentle swaying of the ship creates a soothing rhythm against the hull. The room is surprisingly spacious, with dark wooden panels lining the walls and a large window that bathes everything in soft afternoon light. A decent bed sits against one wall, while a sturdy mahogany desk occupies the corner, its surface scattered with naval charts and navigation instruments. The leather couch we've claimed feels worn but comfortable, and the salt-tinged air drifting through the partially opened window carries the familiar scent of the ocean.

But none of these materialistic comforts truly matter, as I happily rest my head on Ilia's soft lap. I notice how her fingers have been absent-mindedly playing with my hair, almost like making a few knots in there. She must have done this while I was lost in thought. The gentle touch of her fingers through my hair had been so natural I barely registered it.

I'm just lying there enjoying the peace and silence. She's sound asleep and has been for a while, her head resting on a pillow she grabbed. Her breathing is steady and calm, a subtle counterpoint to the distant sound of waves against the hull.

She looks pretty cute like that - the way her freckles catch the light, how her features have softened in sleep, free from all the stress we have been dealing with these past days.

No, Ilia is pretty cute in general.

I chuckle softly to myself and stare at the wooden beams crossing the cabin's roof again, letting time pass as eventually my eyelids become heavier and heavier. The combination of the ship's gentle movement, Ilia's warmth, and the ambient sounds of the ocean create a perfect lullaby. I let sleep claim me to get more rest.

After all that mess we just went through, we all deserve that sweet sleep.

-Days Later-

They have been cleaning, that I can tell, as there is no dust gathering on any surface inside my office - well, at least on any visible surface. Either way, this place is clean, which is a detail I can appreciate.

I'm back to work behind a desk, overseeing everything. Well, mostly, everything about Menagerie, since I have other people in charge of other affairs.

Like Sienna, who is currently seated in front of my desk.

"It was a big shock to hear the news," Sienna leans forward, her golden eyes intense. "The Behemoth's death... when word reached us, I could hardly believe it. Though I suppose I should expect such feats from you by now."

"In all honesty, it was a group effort," I respond, noting the mix of pride and something else - perhaps envy - in her expression. "I alone wouldn't have been able to do much. And as much as I dislike admitting it, Atlas... specifically Penny's involvement was essential in bringing it down."

Also that she has been successfully captured earning another 12 credits, but that's something for later.

"But it was your semblance that delivered the killing blow," she presses, her tone carrying that familiar edge of wanting to emphasize my achievements. "Your father would have been proud."

"It was my last option, Sienna," I say quietly, knowing how she uses Ghira's memory. "There was nothing else I could do besides prolonging the fight and risking more lives. The Grimm would have swarmed the place."

Her ears flick back slightly, showing her concern. "I understand that, Adam. But using it in front of those Atlesians..." She pauses, frowning. "They'll connect the pieces now. They'll know who was behind the mask."

"While not ideal, I believe the General will maintain his silence. There's been no news of my survival so far."

"Then let's not test that assumption," she says firmly, her protective instincts clearly extending beyond just herself now. "We have too much at stake."

"That's the last thing I want, Sienna. You know that."

"Speaking of Kuo Kuana," Sienna shifts in her chair, retrieving several folders from her bag. "I've drafted some proposals for the southern district's expansion. The population has grown again with the influx of our returning people."

I take the folders scanning through the first few pages. The details are quite thorough, as expected from her.

"The housing situation needs immediate attention," she continues, tapping one specific document. "We've managed to clear more land for construction. The builders say they can work with the terrain, though their methods are... unconventional."

Yes, that's a way to call it.

"Their 'unconventional methods' gave us a functioning port when everyone said it was impossible," I remind her, examining the numbers. "Though we'll need to consider the impact on the jungles. Those roots help prevent erosion and the downpours in the island can be dangerous."

"They assured me they can work around that." She points to their rough sketches. "Something about using the natural formations to our advantage. I've learned not to question their expertise, even if their explanations sometimes sound more like riddles."

"And the water supply?" I ask, as we still lack proper plumbing, but we are working on water treatment facilities instead of relying entirely on the river. Then we can shift focus on proper plumbing.

"Second folder. That's... more complicated. The sanctions make it extremely hard to procure any decent equipment. However, our builders think they can modify what we have. It won't be pretty, but they say it'll work."

Probably a wooden dam and mill.

I lean back in my chair. "At least the port's holding steady. That was worth every resource we put into it."

"True," Sienna nods. "The smuggling routes are stable now, thanks to that. Not that we have much choice and options to negotiate with some smugglers." She pauses, tapping the third folder. "Though we might need to consider expanding the resource extraction if we want to expand the city."

"Let's focus on the housing first," I decide, setting aside the other folders. "We haven't finished building all the city planned city blocks, then we can focus on other things."

"I understand…."

Our discussion continues through various matters regarding the city and then shifting to the few settlements as they have continued building roads to connect them with the city, until Sienna's scroll suddenly buzzes, breaking the steady rhythm of our conversation. I watch as she picks it up and her expression shifts from confusion to surprise, her amber eyes widening slightly while her ears perk up, a telltale sign that something significant has occurred.

"Adam..." She pauses, glancing at her scroll one more time before continuing. "You need to come with me to the meeting room."

Her tone makes me curious about what she just read and wants to show me, but I can see it is important enough to have her act like that.

So I nod and we both get up from our chairs and head outside.

We walk through the corridors in silence, our footsteps echoing against the wooden floors. The afternoon sun streams through the high windows, casting long shadows across our path. An ambience where I notice Sienna's ears flickering every so often, another sign which only builds anticipation of what is waiting for me in that place.

When we reach the meeting room's double doors and step inside, I raise my brow at the unexpected sight before me. The room is filled with a strange air of ceremony, no…it smells of a fragrant incense burning and it's coming from all over the room.

However, what really catches my attention is that there are five faction/clan leaders from Vacuo already waiting inside, old enough but not quite yet to be considered an elder. A scarred tiger faunus with graying stripes across his face and arms. Beside him stands a tall antlered deer faunus with features weathered by decades of desert winds. A stocky bear faunus with battle-worn arms and dozens of scars visible on his exposed skin. And a pair of wolf twins complete the gathering - their gray hair nearly white with age but their postures still proud.

If I were to throw them on a side, they would be on the conservative side, the radical fringes.

I still hate that stupid denomination, conservatives and liberals. But its the best one so far to describe them as a whole.

All of them rise immediately upon my entrance, pressing their fists to their chests in perfect unison. The sound of their boots against the floor echoes in the sudden silence of the room.

I say nothing, walking past them to the main seat at the head of the round table. It's finely carved from a single piece of heartwood, not that I notice. This is a fine craftsmanship. I settle into the chair, resting my head against my fist as I observe them in silence and wait for them to speak or do what they want to do.

After a tense moment, they slowly approach and kneel before me, surprising me for a second. Their movements are deliberate, ceremonial even.

The old tiger is the one who moves forward and extends a sword, its curved blade gleaming, its hilt wrapped in red leather worn smooth. I don't recognize this weapon, but it must be important enough if they are presenting it to me. With so many tribes joined from all over the world, it is just impossible to keep up with their tradition and costumes.

"Adam Taurus, Chieftain of Menagerie, High Leader, son of Ghira Belladonna, and the Behemoth Slayer. " He finally speaks, as he presents the sword with both hands, his head bowed low. "We pledge ourselves to your complete authority. Our people, our resources, our lives - all are yours to command. Our ways end today. Menagerie must stand united under one true absolute leader."

The others echo his words in a solemn chorus, their heads bowed in total submission to my rule.

I blink, never actually expecting that to occur.

And behind Sienna is standing faltering in her stance as she looks equally surprised as me, no more like she is shocked by what is occurring.

I frown, studying their kneeling forms as my mind works through the implications. This isn't just submission - it's an offer sealed in the old ways.

The tiger raises his head slightly, though still maintaining his submissive posture. "By slaying the Behemoth, you've proven your strength beyond any doubt. Our people have always followed the strong, and none have shown greater strength than you. Today, our clans cease to exist as separate entities. We become one under your rule." His voice remains steady as he continues, "If you deem us unworthy, our heads are yours to take. This is our way, the strong claims all. Should you choose to end us here, our people will follow you without question, as is our law."

Vacuo's beliefs, although altered.

I grasp the offered sword, testing its weight. The craftsmanship is exceptional, an old blade that makes me think it has seen countless ceremonies and is likely just as many battles. The balance is perfect, the edge still keen despite its age. So this must hold a lot of significance for these people.

Rising from my seat, I glance at Sienna. Her expression is conflicted, but she gives me a small nod, silently agreeing with whatever is my choice. No wonder she was shocked at the beginning. She understands the importance of this step towards Menagerie.

So without any more doubts I move forward, bringing the sword's edge to the man's neck, and narrowing my eyes, scrutinizing him, yet he remains the same. In one swift motion, I swing to slice his head off, but stopping just as the blade grazes his skin, drawing a thin line of blood.

The old leader doesn't even flinch. Don't even blink. His resolve remains unshaken, his submission absolute. The others maintain their positions just as steadfastly. No deception here, no political maneuvering, just genuine surrender to full conviction of their beliefs.

"Rise," I command, stepping back. "All of you."

As they stand, I look at each of them in turn.

"Today marks a new chapter for our people," I begin, my voice carrying through the room. "My father, Ghira Belladonna, was the first to show us that unity was possible in darker times. He brought the White Fang together, gave our people hope when we had none and the world was against us. He showed us that we were stronger together than we ever could be apart."

I pause, letting the weight of his memory fill the room. "But his dream was never fully realized. Even as we united under the White Fang's banner, old divisions remained. Clan rivalries persisted. Factionalism resurfaced after his tragic demise. We fought among ourselves while our real enemies prospered from our discord."

Moving away, I look out over the map of Kuo Kuana, the city my father helped build. "No longer. The world has pushed us to the edges, sanctioned us, tried to break us - yet here we stand. Together, we will build something greater than clan rivalries and old feuds. Every faunus in Menagerie deserves a future worth fighting for - and that future requires absolute unity."

Turning back to face them, I continue, "Your loyalty will not be forgotten, nor will your sacrifices be in vain. The strength you've shown today isn't in offering your deaths, but in choosing to live and serve a greater purpose. From this day forward, we move as one people, one nation, under one sole purpose."

I lift the ceremonial blade, letting it catch the light. "This sword will not taste blood today. Instead, it will stand as a symbol of our new covenant. The world will know that Menagerie stands united, and they will learn to respect our strength."

"Under Ghira's leadership, we learned to stand together. Under mine, we will learn to thrive together. This is my promise to you, and to all of faunuskind"

The leaders drop to their knees, heads touching the floor in deep gratitude. The sound of their foreheads meeting the wooden floor echoes through the chamber.

"Thank you for your mercy, High Leader," Rajah speaks for all of them, his voice thick with emotion. "We will not disappoint you in our new roles. Our people will know of your strength and wisdom."

I nod, gesturing for them to rise. "You may go. We'll meet another day to discuss your new responsibilities in detail."

One by one, they file out of the room with measured steps, their backs straight but heads slightly bowed in respect. The heavy doors close behind them with a soft thud, leaving only Sienna and me in the meeting room.

"I was certain you would kill them," Sienna says after a moment, moving to stand beside me. Her tone carries a lingering surprise. "The old customs practically demanded blood. Ghira never managed to get them to drop their old ways."

"I would have taken their heads," I confirm, running a finger along the old blade's edge. "If I had detected any falsehood in their words, any lack of conviction in their ideals. If they had flinched at the blade or tried to manipulate the situation…." I pause, meeting her gaze and letting her finish the sentence in her mind. "A person reveals their true nature right as they are about to die."

Sienna remains silent for a long moment before sighing in acceptance. Her ears flickering again. "Slaying the Behemoth has done more than rid the world of a dangerous monster. It's become a powerful political tool for us." She paces around. "This display of both power and mercy will ripple through the rest. Others might…no, they will follow suit, especially those bound by old traditions and customs. Even the most radical elements will have to reconsider their positions."

"Precisely. Having control over these factions means we can finally address the radical fringe." I set the sword down carefully on the table. "We will get to work to deradicalize them or simply remove them from the equation entirely."

My right hand nods in understanding.

"Well," I say, straightening my coat, "there's more work to be done. I want to inspect the new apartment complex construction in the southern district. After that, we should check what the prospectors have found in the east, if there are any new discoveries. We need to expand the extraction to keep up with the demand."

Sienna nods, already pulling out her scroll to adjust the day's schedule. "I'll have the reports ready for your review by the time we reach the construction site." She pauses, a slight smile playing at her lips. "You handled yourself perfectly."

I merely nod.

After all, we all share the same common goal, just not the same methods.

Either way, we have plenty of work to do and catch up.

Days have passed since the ceremony.

I'm back at my desk, getting ahead of schedule with paperwork. Kuo Kuana managed well during my week-long absence - a good preliminary test of the foundation I've established. Perhaps I should plan for a month away next time, to better analyze where improvements are needed.

Right now, I'm reviewing Sienna and Kali's drafted plan for mandatory education. The proposal sits before me, detailed and ambitious. I pause, considering how crucial this could be for nurturing talent and preventing the brain drain that's plagued us for generations.

The budget isn't an issue - we can afford it. But qualified teachers... that's our biggest hurdle. We'd need to actively hunt for talent, but where to start?

Unless...

I lean back in my chair, contemplating the obvious but problematic solution: human teachers. The thought alone brings a host of potential issues. Even if we found non-discriminatory instructors, that wouldn't guarantee acceptance from our people. Some might lash out, fight against the very concept of human teachers, demand Faunus instructors only. Worst-case scenario - violence against the very people trying to help us.

This would require careful handling. I'll need to discuss alternatives with Kali. We can't progress by isolating ourselves - it would go against the White Fang's founding principle of peaceful coexistence.

It's a challenge, but a feasible one. This has to work for everyone's future.

I sign my approval of the proposal. We'll start small, while Kali and Sienna search for teachers - even if that means bringing in humans. It's a calculated risk, but a necessary one.

My pen stops moving as Nine's report surfaces in my thoughts...

It was about Blake and her time in Beacon, just over a month, and it went really bad. Just thinking about it sours my mood.

I still don't know how to break the news to Kali. The whole situation is tragic, and it could easily spiral out of control.

I could stop it. I should stop it.

But then I shake my head, deciding to push it all aside. Better to ignore it completely. Some wounds are better left unopened and I trust Nines will know what to do. Let that girl's face the consequences of her actions.

I turn back to the education proposal, trying to focus on the future rather than dwelling on ghosts from the past that have no importance.

A knock at the door interrupts those troubling thoughts.

"Come in." I say, straightening my back.

It is Sienna who enters my office, and immediately I notice the change in her demeanor. Her usual proud stride is hesitant, her ears slightly lowered and her golden eyes darting around the room.

So something is clearly eating up in her mind.

"Sit down," I offer, gesturing to the chair, but she shakes her head, walking up to my desk instead and her fingers drums against her thigh.

I wait, watching as she takes several deep breaths, her striped arms crossed tightly across her chest.

"My period hasn't come…" she speaks up, causing my eyes to widen as I know exactly what that means.

"I'm pregnant!" The announcement rushed out like a dam.

And that announcement leaves me without words, despite knowing from that day that she was already pregnant. But that doesn't change the surprise of hearing it, a direct confirmation from her.

However, the tiger woman begins pacing in circles, her feline ears twitching. "We now need to consider oncoming political issues, the timing of the announcement, security arrangements will need to be adjusted, even if I already have people of trust I need to double check them and look for other alternatives…"

I rise slowly from my chair; the wood creaking softly beneath my movement. In three steps, I'm around the desk and pulling her into a hug, stopping her anxious pacing.

The future mother stiffens for a moment, her muscles tense under my touch, before gradually relaxing into the embrace.

"I will take responsibility. That was my promise," I say quietly against her hair.

Sienna remains silent in my arms, and something - perhaps the vulnerability of the moment, perhaps an instinct to provide comfort - compels me to kiss her.

Her amber eyes widen in shock as she pushes away immediately, her striped markings seeming to darken with her blush. "What are you doing?"

I shrug, maintaining my composure. "Thought it might help calm you down."

She frowns, the blush still evident against her dark skin, then sighs, rubbing her arm. "Well... it did work. I do feel more relieved now." Her hand moves to her stomach, gently caressing it.

"Have you thought of a way to break the news?"

"We should just tell her outright," Sienna suggests, her natural authority returning to her voice. "Better than letting her figure it out on her own. She'll notice the changes soon enough."

"Especially since she'll be the grandmother… well, step-grandmother." I add, watching how Sienna's ears perk up at the word.

"The heir to both Menagerie and the White Fang," Sienna says, her voice growing more animated. "Our child will need proper education, training, protection-" Her ears twitch as she starts pacing again. "The factions, Adam, they will want involvement in the upbringing. They'll push their traditions, their customs. No, what if the baby turns out to be a girl? Others will rush to try to stake claim as to secure marriage or worse, diminish the authority based on that since their ancient ways are an obstacle…"

She is getting worked up again.

Her steps quicken, her hands gesturing more frantically. "We'll need to announce it properly, prepare a ceremony to placate a good number of the factions. Some might see this as an opportunity to-"

I stand and catch her mid-stride, one hand gently cupping her face. This time when I kiss her, she doesn't push away immediately. Her lips are soft, yielding, and I feel the tension slowly leave her body.

When we part, her amber eyes are half-lidded, a slight flush darkening her face. "Y-you need to stop doing that," she whispers, but there's a tremor in her voice. "This was meant to be purely political. I don't want to be confused about-"

I silence her protests with another kiss, deeper this time. And her hands grip my coat, whether to push me away or pull me closer. She seems unsure. But she melts into the kiss all the same.

Her lips part ever so slightly, inviting me in. My hand traces down her back, drawing a quiet gasp.

When we break the kiss, she's panting, her beautiful amber eyes unfocused, almost dazed.

"We shouldn't… we should talk first." Her voice is breathless, lacking conviction in that... request.

"You're getting too caught up in the details." I murmur, kissing the corner of her mouth. "Sometimes the best course of action is no action."

"Then I'll leave the decisions up to you," Sienna whispers, leaning in and capturing my lips on her own.

Her hand grips the nape of my neck, pulling me closer as she guides me backwards towards the desk. It's a surprise to see her taking the lead in our passionate encounter. My fingers confidently unclasp her belt, allowing the cloth to fall around her waist.

The heat of her skin radiates against my palm as I rest it on her bare hip.

She is now pressed against the desk's edge, and I can feel her kisses growing more urgent. She breaks away from our kiss, her lips brushing against my cheek. "Do it," she whispers.

My fingers grip onto her waistband, and I skillfully pull down her pants and underwear until she is fully exposed. This sight is only meant for me.

I push her body forward, laying her flat against the desk and spreading her legs. My eyes roam across the patterns on her skin, tracing each stripe over her thighs and hips. I notice how responsive her body is to my touch - how she tenses when my hand glides up her inner thigh, how her amber eyes darken as I brush against her center.

She lets out a soft moan, arching her back and grinding her hips against my hand.

A playful chuckle escapes my lips as I tease her clit with slow, deliberate strokes. Her breath hitches in response and I revel in the way she responds to my touch. With a gentle motion, I slip a finger inside of her. She's tight, hot, and wet - a perfect combination.

She grasps the edge of the desk tightly, her fingers digging into the wood as her eyes close and her brow furrows in pleasure. My fingers move slowly, steadily, drawing soft whimpers and moans from her parted lips.

"Harder," she breathes, urging me on.

I comply, picking up speed and intensity as her hips meet with each thrust. Her breaths come in ragged gasps now, her face flushed with desire.

I can tell she's getting close by the way her body trembles beneath my touch, the increase in volume and pitch of her cries.

But instead of pushing her over the edge, I pull my fingers out, eliciting a sharp gasp of surprise from her.

With calculated movements, I unbuckle my belt and free my throbbing erection. The tip brushes against her slick folds, teasing her further.

Her eyes fly open, revealing pools of amber that widen with excitement. A silent nod is all I need before plunging myself deep inside of her. She gasps as I fill her completely, her body tensing around me and her back arching off the desk in pleasure.

I give her a moment to adjust, but she doesn't need it. The anticipation in her eyes is palpable as she urges me to move with a gentle sway of her hips.

My fingers curl into the soft curves of her waist, holding her weight and guiding her movements.

At first, my pace is slow and deliberate, a gentle rhythm that elicits a series of low moans from her parted lips. But as our bodies relax into each other, I pick up the tempo, drawing sharp cries and gasps from her mouth.

Her hands reach up, tangling in my hair, as she pulls me down for a hungry, desperate kiss. It's a far cry from the tentative one we shared moments ago - now there is an urgency, a primal need driving us both.

However, she sneakily undid the knot from my blindfold, letting it fall and revealing my blue eyes to her, which made her coo in appreciation.

I respond eagerly, my tongue exploring every inch of her mouth as our bodies move together in perfect sync.

She breaks the kiss, gasping for air, but her amber eyes are still locked on mine with an intensity and fire that sends shivers down my spine.

"Harder," she demands, her voice thick with desire as her fingers dig into my back.

I'm only too happy to oblige.

With a firm grip on her hips, I thrust harder and faster, pushing her into me with each movement. The force is enough to knock reports and folders off the desk, scattering them across the floor in our wake.

A choked moan escapes her lips as she arches her back in delight.

My fingers tighten their hold on her hips, leaving faint marks as I drive into her relentlessly.

"Yes! Oh gods, yes!" she cries out, her voice cracking with ecstasy.

Her eyes roll back and her entire body shakes as she reaches the peak of pleasure.

My own breathing becomes more laboured as I continue my urgent thrusts, pushing us both closer to release.

The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of our lovemaking - a mixture of sex, sweat, and arousal filling the room.

Her nails dig into my back, her teeth sinking into her lower lip as she rides out the waves of pleasure.

Her legs wrap around my waist, pulling me even deeper inside her.

With one final thrust, I lose all control and let out a guttural groan as I release everything inside her pregnant pussy.

She shudders and arches her back, clinging to me as the last waves of pleasure ripple through her body.

For a long moment, neither of us speaks. We simply hold each other, basking in the afterglow of our shared orgasm.

Then she sighs, letting go and falling back against the desk.

"That was... unexpected." She says in a raspy voice, clearly affected by our time together.

I merely give her a wolfish grin. "Good thing you left it up to me."

"Indeed," she replies, her eyes narrowing. "And if you tell anyone about this, I will personally kill you and then end myself.."

Laughing, I reach out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and give her a simple kiss on her lips.

Blushing madly, she turns away, and I can't help but find it adorable as she went back to her inexperienced shy woman. "Now, we should probably get dressed and get back to work," I say, gesturing towards her disheveled appearance. "Lots to do today."

Sienna nods in agreement and I step back, giving her space to slip off the table and start getting dressed again.

Bonus scene: A test of loyalty

-Trifa-

So the High Leader claimed a mate, and that special one was Sienna Khan, fitting.

Trifa stood silently beside the office door, her keen hearing - honed through years of espionage - picking up the conversation within and the subsequent moans. Her spider-silk threads wove between her fingers as she processed what she'd just overheard.

The news didn't surprise her as much as it should have. Pregnancy wasn't exactly part of the political arrangement she'd initially expected, but it made sense in its own way. After all the strong had the right to spread their line.

Adam would need heirs to secure his claim, and a strong bloodline would help smooth over the transition of power. It would also provide a stable future for Menagerie. So who would be next? Or would he follow in Ghira's footsteps and stay with a single mate?

Aside from the political benefits, the child would be an opportunity for her people, and she should inform the patriarch about it as to prepare accordingly, but... she decided to keep this piece of information for herself.

Wouldn't that be treason against her family and clansmen?

Perhaps.

With a smile, the spider faunus simply grabbed the documents that were drafted by her patriarch and ripped it to pieces scattering over the floor.

Her smile only grew wider at the sound of shredding paper, knowing that it was a good call.

After all, she was loyal to Adam Taurus, the rightful leader of Menagerie and the White Fang.

Everything else was secondary.

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