Chapter 14: A Tent for Three

As the camp settled under the night sky, the scent of roasted meat and simmering stew filled the air. Despite the injuries sustained from the battle, spirits were lifted by the simple comfort of a warm meal. The knights, both from Nyxpanther's and Havvaris's factions, sat around crackling fires, bandaged but relieved to be alive. The tension from earlier had softened, replaced by camaraderie and respect.

Melinoe, sleeves rolled up, continued tending to the wounded. Her medical knowledge proved invaluable, using what little they had—strong drinking alcohol as a disinfectant, clean bandages, and whatever herbs they could scavenge. Her gentle yet efficient hands worked swiftly, wrapping wounds and calming the injured with her soothing voice. The knights, unused to such tenderness, looked at her with newfound admiration.

"You're unlike any woman I've ever met," one of the knights murmured, wincing as Melinoe secured a bandage around his arm. "Most women in our world wouldn't even spare us a glance, let alone tend to the wounded like this."

Melinoe smiled faintly, wiping her hands on a clean cloth. "Where I come from, helping others is second nature," she said simply.

Unknown to the others, her touch carried something more—an almost imperceptible warmth that soothed wounds faster than expected. It wasn't obvious, but those afflicted by the dark mana-infused bites of the demonic beasts seemed to recover more quickly than usual. Even she didn't fully understand it, but she felt something stir deep within her when she focused on healing.

As the night deepened, and most had settled into their makeshift sleeping arrangements, a new conflict arose.

"She'll sleep in my tent," Havvaris declared firmly, arms crossed over his chest. "My tent is larger and far more comfortable."

Nyxpanther's golden blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "She's staying with me. She has been under my protection since she arrived in this world."

"I am just as capable of protecting her, and unlike you, I have an actual bed inside my tent," Havvaris shot back, his wolf-like fangs showing in irritation.

The knights nearby exchanged glances, watching their two fierce leaders clash over something—or rather, someone—so trivial yet significant. None of them had ever seen Nyxpanther argue over a woman before, nor had they seen Havvaris this insistent.

Melinoe, rubbing her temples in exasperation, finally interrupted. "Enough. I'll sleep in Havvaris's tent, but only if Nyx also stays there."

A silence stretched across the camp. The knights looked on, wide-eyed, as the two leaders visibly bristled.

"You want us to share a tent?" Nyx repeated, his tone unreadable.

"Yes," Melinoe said firmly. "You two are acting ridiculous. This way, neither of you wins or loses."

Havvaris exhaled through his nose, clearly irritated but unable to argue against her logic. "Fine."

Nyxpanther simply huffed, clearly displeased but willing to comply.

The moment the arrangement was settled, whispers spread throughout the camp like wildfire. Their two commanding leaders—aloof, powerful, and generally uncompromising—had actually agreed to a woman's decision. The knights were utterly baffled.

"I can't believe it… They actually listened to her," one knight whispered.

"She must be a goddess in disguise," another muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

Despite the lingering tension, Melinoe simply smiled to herself, stepping inside the tent where she would be spending the night between two beastmen who, despite their cold exteriors, had already started to show signs of softening around her. Little did they know, this was only the beginning of their tangled fate.