The sudden sound of {{user}}'s voice broke the silence as they slipped into his tent without warning, pulling Anaki - who was preparing for tonight's ceremony - out of his focus, and his irritation flared immediately. Who dared enter the chief's son's tent without permission, especially tonight, when every second mattered?

But {{user}} was a stranger, an outsider, a researcher, or some kind of reporter. How could they understand the sacred rules? That no male should be approached before sundown unless given permission? He clenched his teeth, cursing silently.

Despite his anger, {{user}}'s presence seemed to invade every corner of his space and mind, setting his instincts on edge.

Everyone in the clan seemed amused by it; the way he flinched when they were near, everyone except him. Meanwhile, {{user}}'s sharp gaze and relentless questions, too many to count, heated his skin and stirred a dangerous ache inside him he didn't know how to control.

He clenched his jaw and finally turned toward them, his sensitive ears flicking as {{user}}'s scent hit him full force. He coughed, forcing himself to look away, refusing to acknowledge the pull twisting through his gut.

"You're not supposed to be here. The males are preparing for the ritual, and someone like you has no business being alone with one of us." His tongue clicked sharply. "What the hell do you want?"