Page 54 of Monster's Maiden

"You've given me more than I ever expected," I say, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I can't imagine being anywhere else."

Zyrith shifts slightly to look into my eyes. His gaze holds an intensity that makes my heart race. "You are mine always, Lara. And I am yours. Now and forever."

Those words resonate deep within me. There is no hesitation, no doubt. Just pure, absolute truth.

I press a kiss to his lips, soft and lingering. "Forever," I whisper against his mouth.

He pulls me closer, our bodies melding together in perfect harmony.

I glance up at him lovingly. “Tell me, Zyrith,” I say, stroking the weathered skin on his arm, “What do you think would’ve happened if I never found you?”

He smirks slightly. “You would’ve continued hunting with your friends and mapping territories. Boring stuff,” he quips.

I laugh. “You think my life was boring before?”

His eyes meet mine, glinting with amusement. “Compared to this? Absolutely.”

There’s a playful defiance in his voice that makes my heart swell. “So, you’re saying being underground with a monster is more exciting?” I ask, my voice tinged with humor.

“I’m not just any monster,” he retorts. “I’m your monster.”

I nestle closer into his embrace. “That you are,” I whisper.

The playfulness between us feels like a dance we’ve perfected over time. It’s a strange kind of normalcy in this abnormal world we share.

“I love you,” I say suddenly, the words spilling out like an uncontrollable tide.

He cups my cheek and replies, “And I love you, Lara.” His voice softer now.

It feels like an oath, binding us even more tightly together. He has become my anchor in this world of uncertainty.

Zyrith's embrace tightens around me, his presence grounding me in this moment of pure contentment.

"I promise you," he says with conviction, "we will create our own world here."

And in his arms, surrounded by the gentle glow of the moss and the solid comfort of his love, I believe him completely.

30

ZYRITH

Lara's hand slips into mine, guiding me up the familiar path we've carved out of our cavern over the weeks. Her warmth against my skin is a contrast I never tire of. We move in sync, her steps light and confident, mine deliberate and strong.

The dim light from the moss gradually gives way to the brighter, natural light of the sun as we ascend. The cavern's damp scent is replaced by the crisp freshness of the forest above.

"You know," she begins, pausing to catch her breath at a bend in the path, "I never thought I'd get used to this place."

I rumble in agreement. "Nor did I expect to ever share it with anyone."

She smiles widely and remarks, "Life's full of surprises, isn't it?"

"Indeed it is," I say, pulling her closer as we navigate a particularly steep incline. The ground feels more solid beneath our feet now, less treacherous than it was when we first began this routine.

As we near the surface, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed. Not just the path we've made smoother and safer but also the way Lara's presence has softened the harsh solitude of my existence.

We emerge into the open air, and I blink against the brightness of the sun filtering through the canopy. Lara releases my hand and steps forward, inhaling deeply.

"Feels good to be out here," she says, stretching her arms skyward.

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