Page 35 of Monster's Maiden

Zyrith remains still, his imposing form radiating an aura of intense determination and focus. His eyes glow softly in the dim light, a silent testament to his ancient wisdom and strength. My friends see him as a monster; I see him as something more—an enigma that has become my sanctuary.

Aiden's jaw tightens as he struggles to process the scene before him. "This can't be real," he mutters under his breath, shaking his head as if trying to dispel a horrible nightmare.

Maya reaches out tentatively, her fingers brushing against my arm in a gesture of solidarity. Her touch is warm but hesitant, reflecting her internal conflict.

I meet her gaze, my eyes filled with unspoken truths and silent pleas for understanding. But how do I convey the depth of my bond with Zyrith without words? How do I make them see that he's not just a creature but a part of me now?

The silence stretches between us like a taut string ready to snap at any moment. The strain of their expectations bears down on me, yet I remain anchored by Zyrith's steadfast presence.

As we stand there in the dimly lit cavern, worry and confusion etched upon their faces, I realize that some things can't be explained—they can only be felt. And in this moment of suspended reality, all I can offer is my strong conviction that what I've found here is real and worth fighting for.

The echoes of our breaths fill the cavern as we stand on the border of understanding and acceptance—or perhaps something else entirely.

20

ZYRITH

Aiden and Maya stand before me, wide-eyed and shocked beyond belief. I hold back a chuckle, pitying the poor humans. I don’t blame them for shivering in my presence. My heart pounds with a surge of protectiveness and anger as they reach out to Lara, urging her to come with them. They do not understand; they cannot understand.

"She stays," I growl, my voice reverberating through the cavern like thunder. The air around us thickens with tension. My gaze locks onto Lara's friends, my fists balling up as my gaze hardens with resolve.

Their eyes widen at the sound of my voice, a flicker of fear crossing their faces. Good. They need to grasp the gravity of the situation.

"You don't understand," Aiden says, his voice trembling yet defiant. "We're here to save her."

Save her? From what? From me? How dare they think they can take her away? Lara belongs here, with me.

"You think you can just waltz in and take her?" My voice drops to a dangerous whisper, barely restrained fury seething beneath the surface. "You have no idea what she means to me."

I glance at Lara, who stands between us, torn and unsure. Her presence soothes my anger but fuels my determination. She cannot leave; I will not let her.

"Tell them," I urge Lara, my eyes boring into hers. "Tell them you belong here."

She hesitates, glancing between me and her friends. The conflict within her is palpable, but she must see the truth. She must choose us—choose me.

Or else, nothing good awaits the three of them.

"I won't allow you to take her," I state with finality, each word a promise etched in stone. "Lara stays with me."

The cavern falls silent except for the echoes of our breaths and the distant drip of water from unseen crevices.

They may not understand now, but they will see soon enough: Lara's place is here by my side.

Aiden's defiant eyes meet mine, his hand twitching near his weapon. But before I can act upon my instincts, he quickly lunges at me, his sharp blade piercing my skin. Pain sears through my shoulder, white-hot and relentless. A raw, primal roar escapes my throat, reverberating through the chamber like a storm unleashed.

I stagger back, clutching at the wound. Blood—thick and dark as the deepest caverns—oozes between my fingers. The agony slices through me, sharp and unyielding. My skin, impervious for centuries, now betrays me with its vulnerability.

"What have you done?" My voice echoes with a blinding rage and utmost bewilderment. How could they be so foolish?

The scent of damp rock and blood fills the air. The wound throbs in time with my heartbeat, each pulse a reminder of their audacity.

Aiden stands frozen, the weapon covered in blood in his hands. Fear and regret flicker across his face, but it’s too late for remorse.

I fight to keep my vision clear as shadows dance at the edges. Pain threatens to overwhelm me, but I cannot falter now—not in front of Lara.

Maya's gasp breaks the tension. She rushes to Aiden’s side, her eyes wide with shock and horror at what they've done.

"Lara..." I turn to her, my voice strained yet pleading. She remains rooted to the spot, her face pale and eyes wide with confusion.

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