Ethernal Bounds: Love in the Beastmen's Domain

Chapter 1 Arriving

In the heart of a winter wonderland, a girl found herself lying amidst a pristine blanket of snow with no memory of how she ended up there. As she opened her eyes, the world revealed itself in a symphony of white. The snow-covered landscape stretched endlessly in all directions, glistening under the soft touch of the morning sun.
The snow sparkled like a million diamonds, each crystal catching the sunlight and reflecting it back in a dazzling display of brilliance. The snow-laden branches of ancient trees stood as sentinels, adorned with delicate frost that shimmered like delicate lace. The air was crisp, and every breath she took seemed to weave itself into the icy tapestry of the surroundings. At first, a profound sense of awe and wonder washed over her, a mix of confusion and enchantment as she absorbed the ethereal beauty around her.

As she sat up, her surroundings painted a breathtaking panorama. The distant mountains, cloaked in a serene veil of snow, stood majestically against the azure sky. The sunlight played upon the frozen landscape, casting a warm golden glow over the icy expanse. In the silence, the only sound was the gentle crunch of snow beneath her as she stood and took in the vastness of this enchanted winter realm.
The girl marveled at the untouched beauty that surrounded her, a world of quiet magnificence where time seemed to stand still. Yet, beneath the surface of admiration, a subtle current of uncertainty and disorientation pulsed through her.
With each step, she left imprints on the pristine canvas, a testament to her presence in this magical land. The cold air tingled against her skin, awakening her from her daze.

Reflecting on her day, she remembered brewing herself a comforting cup of plum tea and immersing herself in a book after a prolonged day at work. The notion of potentially drifting into a dream persisted in her thoughts, while clearly remembering choosing to remain on the couch. Convinced that fatigue had settled in after her demanding workday, she knew she made the conscious choice to embrace sleep after savoring the last sips of her tea.

As the cold seeped through her night attire, the girl shivered, and the stark embrace of the chill enveloped her. Recognizing the need to escape the biting cold, she decided to venture out of the snow. Seeking refuge, her eyes caught sight of a dark opening amidst the snowy expanse—an inviting cave. Determination overcame the cold, and the girl, with each step leaving a trail of small, hesitant footprints, made her way towards the cave.

As she entered, the temperature shifted, and the cave embraced her with a comforting warmth. The walls, adorned with intricate ice formations, sparkled in the soft glow of the girl's breath, creating a magical ambiance. The silence within the cave was interrupted only by the occasional drip of melting icicles.
She continued deeper into the cavern, discovering a hidden world beneath the frozen surface. Glowing crystals adorned the walls, casting ethereal hues of blue and violet.
Choosing a spot near the heart of the cave, the girl settled on a natural ledge. As she looked back toward the entrance, she witnessed the snowfall outside, transforming the landscape into a serene white canvas. The cave shielded her from the biting cold while offering a front-row seat to the beauty of the winter spectacle.
Realizing the dampness of her clothes, she decided to shed the wet layers, placing them carefully near her.

As time passed, the girl noticed a soft glow emanating from a distant recess of the cavern. She approached the source of light and, to her surprise, discovered another entrance. The light beckoned her, and with a curious heart, she stepped through.

To her amazement, the scene outside was vastly different. Instead of the snowy landscape, she found herself in a breathtaking glade bathed in the soft glow of a luminescent flora. The air was filled with a sweet, floral fragrance, and the ground beneath her feet was covered in a carpet of vibrant, otherworldly blossoms.