#18

The coming days after Zobi asserted his dominance as the head of the tribes marked the merging of the Dharzir and Skelkin into the SkelDhar. Amidst the burial spikes of the fallen, Zobi felt the weight of past losses linger.

"Thank you, my friend," Krervel's voice echoed, acknowledging Zobi's pivotal role in forcing acceptance. They stood amidst the solemn spikes, a silent tribute to the melding of their destinies.

While Zobi and Krervel shared a reflective moment, Hen're'it, seated cross-legged, consumed the marauders as an offering. Their actions revealed a brutality worse than beasts—killing for sheer pleasure. Memories flashed before her eyes, a young female surrounded and assaulted.

In her attempt to help, a scream escaped Hen're'it's lips, shaking the earth and thickening the air. Geo'rgge felt the pain and turmoil, pushing through the dense air. As he reached out, their connection deepened; he absorbed her experiences.

"My shining star, the pain will pass. There will never be another like that child, not as long as we are their gods," Geo'rgge reassured her. In that moment, Hen're'it vowed to protect children, using her essence to shield them.

Screams interrupted her clarity—a child running for her life, pursued by beast-like men. The marauders and huntsmen, now brothers and sisters of the hunt, reacted swiftly. The original three huntsmen, along with three formidable females, attacked with unmatched unity, swiftly defeating the beastly pursuers.

As the battle concluded, one of the female warriors, stout and lithe, examined the fallen, her eyes tracing the markings on a lifeless body. With a mixture of disgust and anger, she spat before driving her spear into its head repeatedly—a moment she wished never happened.

Approaching the scene, Zobi recognized the markings—they belonged to the Ghezzak, a nomadic and quiet people. Geo'rgge and Hen're'it stared with wonder and dread, their eyes reflecting changes in their own codex.

Hen're'it, however, felt a different response—a volatile and defensive demeanor. Moving forward, she seemed possessed, spending the next four minutes not only consuming but also butchering the fallen Ghezzak, leaving their severed heads behind.

Staring in shock and horror, Zobi attempted to speak, but Hen're'it's voice, laced with the essence of a wild predator, cut through the air.

"Another predator has entered what is mine, and now that predator is my prey."