Page 42 of Monster's Maiden

Maya touches my arm gently. "Lara, please. We can help you get through this."

"You don’t get it," I say softly but firmly. "He’s going to find me."

Aiden sighs heavily and pokes at the fire again. “And when he does?”

The image of Zyrith’s form emerging from the darkness flashes through my mind—his eyes burning with fury and pain at being separated from me.

“Just... promise me you’ll let me talk to him first,” I plead.

Aiden looks skeptical but nods slowly. “Fine, but if he makes a move?—”

“I know,” I cut him off, unable to bear the thought of them hurting each other further.

Maya looks between us before speaking up again. “Lara... do you really love him?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation, feeling the weight of truth settle on my shoulders.

Aiden mutters something under his breath and shakes his head. “This is madness.”

The wind rustles through the trees around us as if echoing his sentiment.

Maybe it is madness—but it's a madness I'm willing to embrace if it means saving both Zyrith and my friends from a devastating clash they might not survive.

The night stretches on, heavy with unspoken fears and fragile hopes hanging by a thread as thin as spider silk glistening in the moonlight above us.

As my thoughts continue to whirl in a storm of conflicting emotions, the ground beneath us trembles. It sends a jolt of fear through my veins. The fire flickers wildly, casting erratic shadows on Aiden and Maya's worried faces.

“What the hell?” Aiden mutters, gripping his weapon tighter.

Maya’s eyes dart around, wide with panic. “Is it an earthquake?”

I know better. My heart pounds as I feel the deep, rhythmic vibrations. This isn’t just the earth shifting. It’s Zyrith.

“We need to stay alert,” I say, my voice strained.

“For what?” Aiden snaps, his frustration bubbling over.

“I think I know what’s causing this,” I whisper, though dread churns in my stomach.

Maya grabs my arm, her grip firm. “Lara, what do you mean?”

“It’s him. It’s Zyrith.”

Aiden’s face pales. “You’re saying that thing can make the ground shake?”

“He’s not just a ‘thing,’” I shoot back, anger and fear mixing in my voice. “He’s ancient and powerful.”

“Great,” Aiden groans, “Just great.”

The ground shudders again, more violently this time. The trees around us sway, and snow tumbles from their branches.

“He’s coming to get me,” I say matter-of-factly.

“Then we need to protect you,” Maya says, grabbing my arm tightly.

I pull away from her grasp. “No! We need to talk to him.”

“You’re out of your mind!” Aiden exclaims. “You really think we can reason with that monster?”

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