Page 35 of Wed to the Gargoyle

In that moment, as we stood there, our bodies entwined, our hearts beating as one, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead, together. Our love would be our anchor, our beacon, in the darkest of times.

The day stretched into twilight, painting the sky in hues of purple and gold. I spent hours transforming our cave into a sanctuary of romance, my heart fluttering with anticipation. Fragrant candles flickered, casting a warm glow on the stone walls. A feast of Kuzar’s favorite delicacies filled the air with mouth watering aromas. I adorned myself with care, slipping into a sheer gown that shimmered like moonlight.

As dusk deepened into night, my excitement turned to anxiety. Kuzar was late. Minutes turned into hours. Nevertheless, he didn’t return. Doubt gnawed at my heart. What happened to him? Did he change his mind about our romantic evening?

I tried to quell my unease, pacing restlessly around the cave. Every creak of the wind outside made me jump, every rustle of the tapestries made my heart pound. Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, I wrapped myself in a warm blanket and curled up in front of the fireplace, hoping to ease my troubled mind.

Exhaustion eventually overcame me, and I drifted into a fitful sleep. In my dreams, I saw Kuzar, his eyes filled with sadness and regret. He was slipping away from me, disappearing into the shadows. I reached out to him, desperate to hold on, but he was already gone.

I woke with a start, the room dark and silent. The fire died down to embers, casting eerie shadows on the cave walls. Panic surged through me as I realized how late it was. Kuzar still wasn’t home.

Just then, I heard footsteps echoing through the tunnel leading to our cave. My heart leapt in my chest. Kuzar! He finally returned.

I rushed to the entrance, my bare feet cold against the stone floor. Kuzar stood there, his broad shoulders slumped, his head bowed. He looked exhausted, his eyes rimmed with dark circles.

“Kuzar!” I cried as I ran to him. “You’re back.”

He didn’t respond, just stood there, staring at the ground.

“Kuzar, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice laced with concern.

He lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine. “Evie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“What happened?” I asked, my heart sinking.

“It was the patrol. A group of rogue gargoyles ambushed us. It was a fierce battle, and I...” He trailed off, his voice thick with emotion.

I reached out and took his hand in mine. “It’s okay,” I breathed. “You’re safe now.”

He shook his head. “I’m not sure I am. I... I did something I’m not proud of.”

My heart pounded in my chest. “What did you do, Kuzar?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice.

He hesitated for a moment. “I killed them, Evie. I killed the rogue gargoyles. I lost control. I... I became a monster.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of his pain and turmoil. I pulled him into a tight embrace, my arms wrapping around his broad back.

“It’s okay,” I whispered, my voice choking with emotion. “You were protecting yourself. Protecting your clan.”

He held me close, his body trembling. “I don’t know, Evie.” His voice muffled against my hair. “I’m not sure I can live with this guilt.”

“You don’t have to live with it alone,” I said firmly. “We’ll face this together. We’ll heal.”

He nodded against my shoulder, his grip on me tightening.

After a long moment, he pulled back, his eyes searching mine. “I need a shower. And then I need to sleep.”

I nodded in understanding. “Of course,” I said. “I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Thank you, Evie. You’re my salvation.”

With that, he turned and walked towards the back of the cave, his footsteps heavy and weary. I watched him go, my heart aching for him. I wanted to comfort him, to take away his pain, but I knew he needed time to process the horrors he witnessed and committed.

I went to our bedroom and crawled into bed, my body heavy with exhaustion and my mind tormented by worry. As tears streamed down my cheeks, I whispered a silent plea to the universe, begging for guidance and strength. I couldn’t bear to see Kuzar in such pain. I would do anything, anything at all, to help him heal.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Kuzar

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