Two hours later.
In the serene garden next to Alex's villa, the tranquil air was broken only by the soft purring of Lionara, Alex's lion-beast companion. Alex ran his fingers through her thick, golden fur, his expression calm yet introspective, unlike the rage and coldness from two hours ago. Lionara growled softly in contentment, her eyes half-closed as Alex leaned back against her.
'I finally won.' She purred inwardly as she had won, but what did she ask in reward? Well, it was clear from what Alex was doing right now—she had asked for a long petting session with Alex.
Yes, she was the same being who would always scoff at Nyxia for asking for cakes as rewards instead of something that could help her grow, but right now, she was wasting such an opportunity herself without care.
'I will ask for something that could make me stronger next time,' was what she told herself since she could always win another match with other beasts.