Lula and her overbearing husband

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Thorne family's bean fields. After the gathering, the peaceful rhythm of picking beans was a welcome reprieve. Lula helped Maya, handing out food to family.

"Thank you, Lula," Xavier said, his voice filled with warmth.

"Your mother is a splendid cook. I only helped prepare the ingredients," Lula replied shyly, avoiding his gaze. Her cheeks burned as her eyes flickered to his tanned skin, unique among the others, making him seem as if he belonged to the sun itself. It was hard for her to remain composed around him.

Xavier carried a heavy casket of beans over his shoulder, while Lula plucked the ripest pods, their movements companionable.

Unbeknownst to them, Samuel watched from afar. His frustration grew with every passing second, the sight of Lula and Xavier together igniting a jealousy he could no longer contain. He stormed back to his father.

"Father, I want Lula to be my wife!" he demanded.

The Chiefdom sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. His youngest son was as reckless as ever. "My son, your wife is ill, and your other wife is nearing the end of her pregnancy. Have you considered how these actions will reflect on you when it is time to take my place?"

Samuel's father's voice was stern, laced with disapproval. "Do not overstep, especially not against the Thornes. She has Xavier by her side."

With that, the Chiefdom dismissed Samuel, leaving him stewing in frustration. He knew his father's word was final, but the desire for Lula gnawed at him.

Meanwhile, at the field, the day drew to an end to their harvest, they prepared to head home.

The breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and the sweetness of nearby blossoms. As they walked back, Xavier gently took Lula's hand. "Mother, we'll be right behind you," he called out.

Maya glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "Alright, just be safe."

Once they were alone, Xavier's excitement was palpable. "There's a place I want to show you," he said, his voice soft but eager. "Do you trust me?"

Lula nodded without hesitation.

Xavier pulled a cloth from his pocket, a makeshift blindfold. "Close your eyes," he whispered. Lula tensed slightly as he tied it around her head, her senses heightening without her sight. She felt his warmth close to her, she caught a whiff of a faint musky scent.

"Are you ready?" Xavier's breath brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Carefully, he guided her forward, his hands steady at her waist. The blindfold made every sound sharper—the crunch of grass underfoot.

"Almost there," he murmured.

When they stopped, Xavier untied the cloth, at first, Lula only saw the swaying grass, but then Xavier stomped his foot lightly on the ground.

A gentle tremor spread beneath them, startling the ground. Tiny golden lights rose from the grass, flickering like embers.

Fireflies swirled upward, filling the sky with their soft, glowing magic. Lula gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice thick with awe.

Xavier turned to her, his gaze tender. He held out his hand, and she took it. Slowly, he drew her into his arms, guiding her into a soft sway as the fireflies danced around them. The cool night breeze played with her hair as they moved together.

Overwhelmed by the beauty of it all, Lula looked up into Xavier's warm eyes. Her heart pounded as he leaned closer, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was gentle.

When they pulled apart, Xavier hesitated, his expression vulnerable and uncertain. "Lula," he said softly, "If you're alright. I want you to see me. I want you to meet my true form."

Slowly, she nodded, her heart beating wildly.

The fireflies continued their dance around them, casting a warm glow over the grass and trees. He stepped back, creating space between them, and exhaled deeply.

"Lula," he began, his voice steady but low, he prayed she would not look at him in fear.

Lula nodded to assure she was ready, giving him some comfort. Her gaze never left him, her curiosity mingling with a hint of worry.

Xavier straightened, his body seeming to radiate energy. A faint shimmer surrounded him, his tanned skin began to darken, taking on a rich, smooth sheen.

A ripple running through his body as his hands elongated, fingers blending together to form sleek, powerful scales.

His shoulders shifted and narrowed, his chest flattening as the human lines of his body began to meld into something entirely serpentine. His legs fused together, forming a long, muscular tail that coiled on the ground. The sound of scales brushing against grass sent a chill down Lula's spine.

The most striking change was in his face. His sharp jawline softened, his nose receding slightly as his features transformed into those of a majestic serpent. His eyes, once warm and brown, now gleamed with a golden, almost hypnotic light, their slitted pupils narrowing as he fixed his gaze on her. Around his temples, small, horn-like ridges emerged.

Xavier stood—or rather, coiled—before her, a creature of shimmering black and gold scales.

Lula took a step back, her breath caught in her throat. It wasn't fear that held her—it was awe.

"Xavier?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

The serpent tilted its head slightly, as if to assure her. Then, with a controlled motion, Xavier lowered himself, his tail curling beneath him, his gaze level with hers.

Lula hesitated, then slowly stepped closer. Her hand hovered above the scales of his body, unsure if she should touch him.

Xavier remained still - not moving an inch, seeing her hand just above his head. He leaned into her touch. His golden eyes softening.

She traced her hand lightly on his coiled form, and her fingers felt a cool, smooth texture. The scales were surprisingly soft under her touch, like polished stone warmed by the sun.

"You're... beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder.

Xavier let out a low, rumbling sound, almost like a contented sigh.

They stayed in the clearing for a while longer, the fireflies swirling around them as Lula explored the marvel of his transformed body. For Xavier, her acceptance meant everything.