Page 47 of Monster's Maiden

His features soften further, revealing the vulnerability hidden beneath his rugged exterior. He’s battling against eons of survival instincts, trying to carve out space for something new—something fragile and precious. His love for me.

The scent of pine and fresh snow mingles with the aroma of smoke from our fire. The air is cold, biting at my cheeks, but Zyrith’s presence radiates a newfound warmth that anchors me in this moment. His massive hand reaches out to grab mine. It feels like a lifeline.

Aiden and Maya stand motionless, their expressions a blend of shock and relief. I can sense their confusion, their struggle to comprehend the bond I share with Zyrith. Yet, in this moment, there is no room for explanations—only a tenuous understanding that binds us together.

My mind races with thoughts of what comes next. Can this peace last? Will my friends ever truly accept Zyrith as I have? The uncertainty gnaws at me, but I push it aside. Right now, all that matters is that they are safe.

Zyrith’s gaze shifts from me to Aiden and Maya. The fire in his eyes gone completely now, replaced by a weary acceptance. He takes a deep breath, his massive chest rising and falling like the ebb and flow of the tide.

The ground beneath us seems to steady, mirroring the calm that has settled over our small group. The forest around us resumes its gentle rustling, as if acknowledging our truce. Even the nocturnal birds resume their calls, filling the air with their haunting melodies.

I breathe deeply, letting this moment cleanse me. I hold Zyrith's hand tighter, conveying my gratefulness through our touch. His rough skin feels comforting against mine—a welcome reminder of the bond we share, forged in darkness and strengthened by love. Inside of me, a warmth blossoms—a faint hope kindled by Zyrith’s willingness to change for me.

He’s made his choice clear: love over rage, understanding over vengeance. And in this decision lies our path forward. A path fraught with unknowns but also filled with possibilities.

Relief washes over me completely as I run to encompass Aiden and Maya in a tight embrace. Their familiar scent mixes with the cold air, grounding me in this special moment. Tears flow freely from my eyes, a blend of joy and sadness. The thankfulness I feel for Zyrith’s restraint is overwhelming.

"I’m so grateful you’re safe now," I murmur, my voice trembling with the strain of our shared ordeal.

Maya pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine. "Lara, are you sure about this?" Her voice wavers with concern, her gaze flicking to Zyrith who stands a short distance away, his presence silent but reassuring.

I glance at Zyrith, my heart swelling with love and certainty. "Yes," I whisper, wiping away my tears. "I love him, Maya. He’s not just a monster; he’s... everything to me."

Aiden’s grip on my shoulders is firm but gentle. “We didn’t get it, Lara,” he says, his voice trembling slightly. “But now… seeing how he looks at you, how you look at him… it’s different.”

Maya nods, her eyes reflecting the doubt that still lingers. “I guess he’s not what we thought. Not just a monster.”

Aiden nods slowly "If he was as bad as we thought he was, he would have killed us with no remorse. So I guess he has some redeeming qualities. If you’re sure about him," he says, sucking in a breath. "We’ll respect your decision to be with him."

I look over my shoulder at Zyrith, standing a few paces away. His gaze is fixed on me, and the warmth in his eyes reassures me.

“You understand why I have to stay?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aiden exchanges a glance with Maya before answering. “Yeah, we get it now. It’s… unconventional, but if you’re happy and safe… that’s what matters.”

Aiden and Maya exchange glances before turning back to me. "We trust you," Maya says finally. "And we trust him now—because you do."

I nod, tears blurring my vision once more. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for understanding."

“We should go,” Aiden says reluctantly, his eyes darting to Zyrith. “He’ll take care of you.”

As they turn to leave, my heart aches with the bittersweet reality of our parting. Yet, amidst the sadness is an overwhelming sense of gratitude—gratitude that my love for Zyrith has spared their lives and brought us all to this moment of peace.

26

ZYRITH

The crisp forest air bites at my skin, a reminder of the world I’ve avoided for so long. I stand a few paces away, watching the scene unfold before me. Lara's friends, Aiden and Maya, surround her like a protective shield. The air is heavy, each of them grappling with their own emotions. She clings to them, tears streaming down her face, whispering words that I cannot hear but can feel in the depths of my ancient heart.

“Don’t be scared. Don’t worry about me,” I hear her say. But then, the rest is lost to whispers.

Aiden’s eyes are pools of sorrow, reflecting the pain of parting with someone dear. Maya’s face is a mask of mixed emotions—fear, sadness, and a touch of worry. In their embrace, Lara's hair gleams like spun gold. She pulls back from Aiden and Maya, wiping her tears with trembling hands.

Aiden’s hand moves from Lara’s shoulder to her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. His lips move, forming words I cannot hear but can guess at—words of comfort, promises that they will always be there for her. It’s almost endearing, if it didn’t make my stone heart clench with possessiveness.

The scent of pine needles and snow swirls around us, mingling with the saltiness of her tears. The golden light filtering through the canopy creates an ethereal glow around her. Each flicker of sunlight that touches her delicate skin makes my need to claim her even stronger.

Yet, I stand resolute, the weight of centuries behind me. My heart tightens with each passing second. They had no right to take her from me in the first place. She belongs with me. There’s no doubt about that.

---