Page 11 of Beauty and the Grendel

I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. “I promise. I’ll come back to you, no matter what it takes.”

We stayed like that for a long moment, clinging to each other as if our lives depended on it. When we finally pulled apart, I saw a fierce determination in Harlow’s eyes that matched my own.

“Okay,” she said, her voice steady. “But I’m not just going to sit here and wait. I’ll keep researching, see if I can find anything that might help you. And if you need me, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

I nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Harlow.”

I gathered my trapping gear, laying out the intricate mechanisms and sturdy chains on the table before me. Harlow watched intently as I explained my plan. Her brow furrowed with concentration.

“The Camazotz is a formidable foe,” I said, my voice low and serious. “But if we can lure it into these traps, we might have a chance of capturing it.”

Harlow nodded, her eyes scanning the array of equipment. “And once it’s trapped, I’ll call in the reinforcements. The police and the sheriff will be ready to haul it away and put it somewhere safe.”

I grunted in agreement, my mind already racing with the details of the plan. “We’ll need to be strategic about where we set the traps. The Camazotz is cunning, and it won’t fall for just anything.”

Harlow and I pored over maps of the surrounding area, marking potential locations for the traps. We discussed the creature’s habits and preferences, trying to anticipate its movements and predict where it might strike next.

As we worked, I marveled at Harlow’s dedication and intelligence. She asked insightful questions and offered creative suggestions, her mind working in perfect harmony with mine. It was a strange feeling to have someone so wholly on my side, so willing to fight alongside me.

Hours passed as we toiled over the traps, carefully constructing each one to my exact specifications. Harlow’s hands were nimble and precise, her focus unwavering as she worked. I stole glances at her when she wasn’t looking, admiring the determined set of her jaw and the fire in her eyes.

Finally, as the last trap clicked into place, I straightened and wiped the sweat from my brow. “That’s it,” I said, my voice rough with exhaustion. “We’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

Harlow stood beside me, her shoulder brushing against mine as she surveyed our handiwork. “You really think this will work?” she asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her tone.

I turned to face her, my gaze locking with hers. “It has to work,” I said, my voice firm with conviction. “We can’t let the Camazotz terrorize the community any longer. We have to stop it, no matter what.”

Harlow nodded, her expression softening as she reached out and took my hand in hers. “I know,” she breathed. “And I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way.”

A rush of warmth flooded through me at her touch, and at the strength of the bond that had grown between us. In such a short time, Harlow had become more than just an ally - she was a true partner, someone I could rely on and trust with my very life.

Chapter 9

Harlow

My heart pounded as I watched Griiq gather his weapons, his face set with grim determination. The thought of him facing the Camazotz alone, the very creature that had terrorized the community and cast a shadow of fear over the land, filled me with dread.

“Griiq, please,” I begged, my voice trembling. “Let me come with you. I can’t bear the thought of you facing that monster alone.”

Griiq turned to me, his eyes softening for a moment. He reached out and gently cupped my face with his large, calloused hand. “Harlow, I can’t risk putting you in danger. The Camazotz is a formidable foe, and I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you.”

I shook my head, tears stinging my eyes. “But what if something happens to you? What if you get hurt, or worse? I can’t lose you, Griiq. Not now, not ever.”

Griiq pulled me into his arms, his embrace strong and comforting. I clung to him, burying my face in his chest, inhaling his scent of pine and earth. He stroked my hair, his touch gentle and reassuring.

“Listen to me, Harlow,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I would rather die a thousand deaths than see the Camazotz lay a single claw on you. You mean everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

I pulled back, looking up at him through tear-filled eyes. “But I can’t just sit here and wait, not knowing if you’ll come back to me. I want to fight by your side, Griiq. I want to help you.”

Griiq’s jaw clenched, and I could see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes. He knew how much this meant to me, how desperate I was to stand with him, but his desire to protect me was just as strong.

“I need you to trust me, Harlow,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “Believe in me, in my strength and my ability to defeat the Camazotz. I promise you, I will come back to you. I will always come back to you.”

I swallowed hard, my heart aching with the weight of my emotions. I knew Griiq was right, that I had to trust him, but the fear of losing him was almost too much to bear.

“Promise me,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Promise me you’ll come back to me, no matter what.”

Griiq leaned down, his forehead touching mine. “I promise, Harlow. I will always find my way back to you.”

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