Eden Transmigration

Melinoe found herself standing before an opulent palace, unlike anything she had ever seen. It was located in the heart of Nyxaris, the Kingdom of the Black Leopards. Towering spires of dark stone gleamed under the sun, intricate silver carvings depicting ancient battles and myths decorating the walls. She felt dwarfed by the sheer scale of it, her heartbeat echoing in her ears as she followed Nyxpanther Draeven through the grand halls.

After their escape from the illegal slaver's den, Nyxpanther had brought her here—straight to the royal palace. He had not explained much along the way, his piercing blue eyes watching her with a mixture of intrigue and possession. The other warriors of his secret knightage had fallen back, knowing their leader's mind was set on dealing with this matter personally.

The large double doors ahead were pushed open by two armored guards, revealing a grand throne room. The air was thick with authority, yet there was an air of warmth within it. On the throne sat a regal woman, her silver-black hair cascading in elegant waves over her shoulders. Her golden feline eyes were sharp yet kind, assessing Melinoe with interest.

"Queen Mother Nyssara," Nyxpanther said as he stepped forward, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "I present to you, Melinoe Karma."

Melinoe stiffened, unsure of how to respond. Should she bow? Curtsy? Before she could decide, the queen stood and gracefully descended the steps toward her. Nyssara's presence was powerful, but unlike Nyxpanther's, it was not intimidating. There was something maternal in her gaze, something knowing.

"You are an anomaly," the queen murmured, reaching out and touching Melinoe's chin, tilting her face up. "A full-blooded human in a world of beastmen. And yet… you are not ordinary."

Melinoe swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

Instead of answering immediately, the queen signaled to an elderly beastman standing in the corner. He wore long robes adorned with symbols, his eyes clouded with age yet sharp with wisdom. He was a royal physician, and he approached Melinoe with cautious curiosity.

"Allow me to test something," he said, his voice gravelly yet patient. "It will not harm you."

Confused but willing, Melinoe allowed him to press his hand over her lower abdomen, his claws retracted so as not to hurt her. A faint glow emanated from his palm, and almost immediately, his eyes widened.

"Incredible," he breathed. "She is… she is fertile beyond anything we have seen. Her body is capable of bearing multiple cubs in one pregnancy, and—" He turned to the queen, his voice filled with reverence. "—she possesses an accelerated healing factor tied to childbirth. Each time she gives birth, her beauty, vitality, and strength will increase. It is as if the very act of bearing children enhances her."

A murmur rippled through the gathered nobility. Even Nyxpanther's normally impassive expression shifted slightly, his jaw tightening.

Queen Nyssara regarded Melinoe with something akin to awe. "You are a treasure," she said softly. "A rarity among rarities. And in a world where females are scarce, your existence will shake the very foundations of our kingdoms."

Melinoe felt lightheaded. This was too much, too overwhelming. She had only just arrived in this world, and now she was being told she was something precious beyond measure?

Nyxpanther stepped closer, his hand finding its way to the small of her back. A subtle yet firm reminder that she was not alone. She looked up at him, his blue eyes dark with intensity.

"You are mine," he whispered in a tone only she could hear. "And I will not let anyone take you from me."

Melinoe's breath hitched. She could feel the possessiveness radiating from him, but deep down, a part of her was not afraid of it. A part of her wanted to embrace it.

Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her journey in Eden—a journey that would lead her to the arms of many, and to a destiny unlike any other.