Kael hadn't slept a wink the night before, his mind too busy spinning plans about the horrifying "Skull Crawler" he'd encountered. But morning brought with it a fresh determination—and a growling stomach. He made his way to the stream where he'd hidden his spoils from the doe, digging up the wrapped hind leg with relief. Still here. Still safe.
Breakfast was the next order of business. He gathered dry branches, struck a spark, and soon had a small fire crackling merrily. The doe's leg sizzled over the flames, its rich aroma curling through the air like an invitation. Kael's mouth watered. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was until now.
And, apparently, he wasn't the only one.
Right in front of him, with a suddenness that made him jerk back, the strange little monkey materialized—again—plopping down cross-legged in front of the fire like an impatient dinner guest. Its wide, gleaming eyes were locked onto the roasting meat with an intensity that bordered on obsession.
Kael blinked. "You've got terrible timing, you know that?"
The creature didn't respond. It just stared. Longingly.
With a sigh, Kael pulled the leg from the fire, using his antler knife to carve off a steaming chunk. He blew on it—once, twice—before tossing it toward the monkey.
The little beast moved. In a blur of fur and limbs, it snatched the meat midair, shoved it into its mouth—
—and immediately spat it back out, fanning its tongue with tiny, frantic hands.
Kael burst out laughing. "Too hot for you, huh?"
The monkey shot him a glare that could curdle milk.
Still grinning, Kael cut another piece, blew on it carefully, and took an exaggerated bite. "See? Like this." He sliced off another morsel and held it out.
The monkey hesitated—then mimicked him, blowing on the meat before scarfing it down.
Kael's eyebrows shot up. "Well, aren't you just full of surprises?"
They ended up splitting the rest of the leg, the little creature devouring every piece like it hadn't eaten in weeks. Kael watched in amusement. "You eat like a beast three times your size," he muttered.
Finished, the monkey waddled closer, sniffing Kael's hand with exaggerated curiosity. Then—lick.
Kael yelped. "Ow! What is that, sandpaper?!"
The creature paused, tilting its head. Then, as if deciding Kael was worth the trouble, it clambered up his arm and draped itself over his shoulders like a living, purring scarf.
Kael froze. "...Okay. This is happening."
He reached up, cautiously patting the creature's head. It responded with a deep, rumbling purr that vibrated through his entire body.
A smile tugged at his lips. At least he wouldn't be alone in this jungle anymore. He glanced at Eva, who floated nearby, utterly indifferent.
"Some help you are," he muttered.
With breakfast done, Kael set to work crafting a crude spear—his antler blade lashed to a long stick. He gave it an experimental twirl, nearly smacking himself in the face. "Okay, maybe less enthusiasm," he grumbled.
The monkey—now comfortably snoozing around his neck like some bizarre fur collar—let out a tiny yawn, its tail twitching in its sleep.
Kael chuckled. "Guess you need a name, huh?" He thought for a moment. "How about… Dryx?"
The creature purred again, snuggling deeper into his shoulder.
Kael took that as a yes.