Page 33 of Monster's Maiden

"Then what do you want?" I ask, my voice barely above a rumble. The question hangs heavy in the air, demanding an answer she may not be ready to give.

Lara’s gaze softens as she looks up at me. "I want to understand this," she says quietly. "I want to know why they’re here and what they intend to do."

Understanding. It's a simple request, yet fraught with complexities given our situation. My instincts scream to protect her, to shield her from any potential problems these humans may cause. But I also recognize the need for clarity—for both of us.

"Very well," I reply, nodding slightly. "But remember, Lara, no matter what happens, you are not alone.”

19

LARA

"Lara! Where are you?"

Aiden's voice cuts through the cavern. Maya echoes his call, her tone laced with urgency. My heart clenches, caught between the thrill of their presence and the dread of what it means.

I step forward, "I'm here!" My voice wavers, but the relief of seeing them again settles in my chest.

"Lara?" Maya's silhouette emerges first, her eyes scanning the darkness. "Thank goodness, we found you."

Aiden rushes to my side, gripping my arms as if to confirm I'm real. "We thought we lost you," he breathes, his face etched with concern.

Their warmth envelopes me, but a cold dread gnaws at my core. Behind me, Zyrith's massive form looms in the shadows. My friends haven't seen him yet, and part of me wants to keep it that way.

"You... you shouldn't have come," I murmur.

"Are you hurt?" Maya asks, her eyes wide with worry.

"No, I'm fine." My gaze flickers toward Zyrith. His presence is a comforting weight against my back but also a stark reminder of the life I've been living down here.

"Lara," Aiden's voice softens, "we're here to take you home."

Home. The word hangs in the air like a phantom. What is home now? The bustling villages of Kantor? The familiar faces of my friends? Or this dark sanctuary where I've found an unexpected solace?

"I..." Words seem to falter on my lips.

"Lara," Maya steps closer, her hand reaching for mine. "It's okay. We're here now. I bet you went through a horrible experience down here, all alone. But everything will get better now."

Their intentions are pure, their concern genuine. But they don't understand what lies in the darkness behind me.

"There's something you need to know," I begin, my voice trembling with unspoken truths.

Aiden tilts his head, confusion clouding his features. "What is it?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for their reactions. "I've... I've found someone down here."

"Someone?" Maya's voice is a whisper, disbelief etched across her face. “What do you mean? This place looks barren?”

Aiden frowns. "Lara, what are you talking about? Are you okay? Have you hit your head or something? We need to get you out of here."

The bioluminescent moss casts an eerie glow, making the shadows dance around us. The cavern walls seem to close in, suffocating me with the weight of their concern. I can feel Zyrith's presence behind me, a silent guardian in the darkness. My heart twists with conflicting emotions—gratitude for my friends' devotion and a deep-seated loyalty to Zyrith.

"Lara," Aiden pleads, his voice strained. "Come on, we have to leave now."

I shake my head, my eyes flickering to the massive figure hidden in the shadows. "You don't understand," I murmur. "He's... he's not what you think."

Maya steps closer, her eyes searching mine for answers. "Who is he, Lara? Why are you hesitating? I… I thought you would’ve wanted to come home with us."

The words catch in my throat. How do I explain the bond that has formed between us? How do I convey that leaving him feels like abandoning a part of myself? The memories of Zyrith's gentle touch and his unwavering presence flood my mind, and I struggle to find the right words.

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