“Then, get the leader to agree.” Damien stared at Bluepool, and the viciousness he had been suppressing rose to his eyes once again. “She’s my mate!”

Bluepool’s heart softened, and he said, “I can bring this up to the leader, but I can’t be sure if he’ll agree or not.”

Only then did Damien hand the food over.

…

After returning to the village, Bluepool went to the nursery and found King there.

King was upright in the water, staring at a bundle of seaweed in a daze. His golden hair moved with the waves, but his gaze was lifeless.

He had been the male that Jean adored the most,...