The crowd fell silent.
All eyes turned to the Great Leader—
waiting.
Watching.
The Owl rose slowly.
"Precious," she said, her voice calm,
"your words have been heard."
A pause.
"But they must be tested."
Precious lowered her head slightly.
"I understand."
The Owl turned her gaze.
First to the child.
Then to the Leader.
"Do we agree?"
Envy stepped forward.
"Strength is what makes this tribe great," he said.
"We should test theirs."
Silence returned.
Heavy.
The Great Leader stood.
He raised his hand.
At once, the guards straightened.
"Free them."
A ripple moved through the court.
"Let them rest."
His eyes locked onto Greed.
"The next moon…"
A pause.
"…they will be tested."
Chains loosened.
But the tension did not.
Greed jumped slightly, unable to contain himself.
"This feeling…" he said, almost laughing,
"…it is called happiness, right?"
He turned to Precious.
She smiled softly.
"Yes, little boy."
Before they could leave—
The Owl approached.
Her presence quieted everything.
"Precious," she said,
"make sure they rest."
"I will," Precious replied.
Sloth lifted his head slightly.
"Wait… we're going with her?"
"Yes," Precious said.
"Go," the Owl added.
Precious turned and waved.
"Come."
They walked through the village.
This time—
No stones.
Only eyes.
Greed looked around, absorbing everything.
"Precious… what is that?"
He pointed at a small structure.
People moved in and out.
Smoke rose from it.
"That," she said,
"is where people buy food."
Greed's eyes widened.
"Food?"
He stared at her.
"Can we go in?"
Sloth spoke without looking.
"I'm hungry."
Precious paused.
Then smiled slightly.
"Only if… from now on, you call me aunt."
Greed blinked.
"…Aunt."
He hesitated.
"…Precious."
Sloth didn't hesitate.
"Aunt."
She laughed softly.
"Come then."
Inside, Greed froze.
His eyes locked onto the fire.
On the meat.
"They're… burning the prey?"
Sloth sighed.
"Quiet."
"Can we get one?" Greed asked.
Precious looked at him.
"Aunt," Sloth corrected.
Precious nodded.
She bought them roasted chicken.
Greed held it carefully.
"My question has not been answered."
Precious smiled.
"It will be."
She broke off a piece and handed it to him.
"Your mouth will answer for you."
Greed took a bite.
His eyes widened.
Light filled them.
"…!"
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then—
"Yum."
He smiled.
A real one.
Sloth leaned forward.
"Let me try."
He took the biggest bite.
The sun dipped below the horizon.
Shadows stretched across the village as they walked.
Soon, they arrived at a small home.
Warm light spilled from inside.
Sloth stepped in first, glancing around.
"Where do I sleep?"
Greed suddenly turned.
"Who's there?"
Sloth didn't even look.
"Let it go," he said.
"It isn't a threat."
Precious smiled slightly.
"Oh… that's my little sister."
"Rose," she called gently,
"come here."
A young girl stepped forward.
Around their age.
She wasn't shy.
She looked at them closely.
Studying.
"Wild beasts," she said.
Sloth shrugged.
"Sure."
He dropped to the ground—
and fell asleep instantly.
Precious blinked in surprise.
"What's wrong with him?"
Greed shook his head.
"Let it be…
that's just Sloth being Sloth."
He looked at Rose and gave a small nod.
"Nice to meet you."
Then he, too, collapsed beside Sloth.
Rose frowned.
"You brought hell into our house."
Precious knelt beside them.
"You're wrong, my beautiful Rose," she said softly.
She looked at the two boys—
now fast asleep.
"They are our angels."
She pulled a cloth over them gently.
"Let them rest."
A pause.
"Tomorrow…"
"…they will be tested."