Page 27 of Heatbound Hearts

I nod against his chest, unable to speak. We stay like that for a long moment, my tears slowly subsiding. I should feel vulnerable, exposed. Instead, I feel safe for the first time in years.

I take a shaky breath, wiping the last of my tears away with the back of my hand. The weight of my past, a burden I've carried for so long, feels lighter now. I've never shared so much of myself with anyone before, and the vulnerability is both terrifying and exhilarating.

I look up at Zyx, my heart skipping a beat as our eyes meet. His silver gaze holds mine, filled with a depth of understanding that takes my breath away. There's no pity there, no judgment - just acceptance and... something more. Something that makes my pulse quicken.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice hoarse from crying. "For listening. For understanding."

Zyx's wing tightens around me, a comforting cocoon of warmth and safety. His hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining as if they were made to fit together.

"You're incredible, Bronwyn," he says, his voice low and intense. "Your strength, your resilience... I've never met anyone like you."

A warmth blooms in my chest, spreading through me like wildfire. For the first time in years, I feel truly seen. Not as a survivor, not as a healer, but as me - Bronwyn, with all my scars and struggles and hopes.

The admiration in Zyx's eyes makes me feel beautiful, powerful. It's as if he can see past the hardened exterior I've built up over years of survival, right to the core of who I am. And instead of being repelled by what he finds there, he's drawn to it.

I lean into him, savoring the feeling of safety and acceptance. The horrors of my past seem distant now, overshadowed by the warmth of this moment. Here, in Zyx's arms, I feel like I've finally found a place where I belong.

I look up at Zyx, my heart racing. The thought of being alone with my memories terrifies me more than any orc ever did. "Will you... stay with me?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zyx's silver eyes soften, and he nods. "Of course," he murmurs.

I can't help but think how his presence seems to chase away the darkness of my past. Just for tonight, I'll give in to this comfort. I'll allow myself this moment of peace.

"I'll keep you safe, Bronwyn," Zyx promises, his words wrapping around me like a warm blanket. "We should get some sleep."

I let him help me to my feet, already feeling more tired than before now that he's chased away the memories that plague me. He moves to pull our bedrolls together, and I watch, his movements always so fluid.

It makes me wonder in what other ways he can move so well…

When he's done, he turns to me, opening his arms in invitation. I don't hesitate, sliding into his embrace as if I've done it a thousand times before.

Zyx pulls me against him, and I sink into his warmth. His body is solid and strong, a stark contrast to the harsh, unforgiving world I've known. I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my cheek, a soothing rhythm that slowly begins to quiet the chaos in my mind.

His wing unfurls, draping over us both like a living blanket. The soft membrane is surprisingly warm, and I want to reach up and touch them. But I hold back.

As sleep begins to claim me, I burrow deeper into Zyx's embrace. His scent surrounds me, like the soft spring rain. It's intoxicating, and I find myself breathing it in deeply, committing it to memory.

My last coherent thought before drifting off is that I never want to give this up. This feeling of safety, of belonging, of being truly seen and accepted. For the first time in years, I fall asleep without fear, wrapped in Zyx's protective embrace.

15

ZYX

We make it a few days without incident. We're nearing the coast now, where we can take a boat to Caelus. Nearly out of the deadliest part of the realm.

But not quite.

I tense, my wings flaring slightly as the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Something's off. The forest is too quiet, the air thick with an unnatural stillness. My eyes dart around, scanning the dense foliage surrounding us.

"Wait—" I start to say, but it's too late.

They burst from the undergrowth like shadows given form. Bandits. At least six of them, armed and dangerous. My body moves on instinct, positioning myself between the attackers and my companions.

"Get behind me!" I snarl, my claws extending as adrenaline surges through my veins.

The first bandit lunges at me, blade glinting in the dim light. I dodge, my wings snapping out for balance as I counter with a swift uppercut. He stumbles back, giving me a split second to assess the situation.

Kairos has taken a defensive stance, his demonic nature evident in the way his eyes glow with barely contained power. Naia's hands are raised, magic crackling at her fingertips. But it's Bronwyn who catches my eye. She's grabbed a hefty branch, holding it like a club, her face set in grim determination.

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