Page 7 of Her Dryad Dom

I channeled my anger into my powers, commanding the trees and brambles to yield before us. But even as I did so, I could feel the curse and town's spirit fighting against me, its force pulsing through the forest like a heartbeat. Every few feet took more exertion.

"Please," Aspen whispered, her grip on my arm tightening. "Don't push yourself too hard."

"Can't afford not to," I gritted out, my control over the forest slipping as sweat beaded on my brow. "You have to share what's happening in the outside world with the mayor."

"Can I help?" she asked, her eyes locking onto mine with a fierce determination that made my heart swell with pride, and ache with longing.

Aspen wasn't mine to claim. She was my fated mate, but she had to choose to go back to her life, not give it up to be trapped here with me.

As we advanced deeper into the forest, my frustration continued to grow. The curse was relentless, and so far, we had made little progress. I felt Aspen's concern for me, but there was nothing she could do to ease my burden.

"Dom," she said softly, "you've got this. I don't have to know the intricacies of what's going on to know you can do this."

Her words were like a balm to my soul, soothing the raw edges of my anger and fear. As much as I hated to admit it, I needed her help. Just knowing I had her support strengthened me.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the rustling leaves and crackling branches. But I knew she heard me, and that knowledge filled me with a renewed sense of hope.

Brambles twisted around my legs, their thorny tendrils biting into my bark-like skin as I fought to maintain control over the forest. The pain was nothing compared to the frustration that threatened to consume me. I'd never experienced such resistance from the very woods I'd been bound to watch over and maintain.

"Dom," Aspen's voice broke through the chaos, "why is it so hard for us to get through? It's like the foliage is actively fighting you."

I hesitated, not wanting to reveal the truth, but knowing she deserved an explanation. "I... I'm responsible for maintainingthe boundary around Beastly Falls," I admitted, my voice rough with suppressed emotion. "The hedgerow and trees keep humans out and monsters in, protecting the town spirit from the pain of the outside world."

Aspen looked at me, her blue eyes wide with shock and sympathy. "So, you're the one who keeps everyone here isolated?"

"Unfortunately, yes." My throat tightened with guilt. "It's necessary for everyone's safety, but it's a heavy burden to bear." I couldn't bring myself to mention the curse's one-week rule to her; she didn't need to know just how cruel this existence could be. "But it's my burden to bear alone."

"Dom..." she whispered, reaching out to touch my arm gently. The contact sent shivers down my spine... a mix of desire and desperation.

"Don't pity me," I growled, pulling away. I couldn't afford to let her see my vulnerability.

"Who said anything about pity?" Aspen retorted, fire flashing in her eyes. "I'm trying to understand you, Dom. So we can work together to break this curse."

"Fine," I snapped, my anger flaring up again. But deep down, I knew she was right.

"Why did the town choose you?"

"It's my penance." I froze mid-step. Why had I responded? I shouldn't have. At no point had I intended to reveal why I'd taken on this role.

"For what?"

I gnawed on the inside of my cheek as I tried to find a response that wasn't the truth. After a long moment, I couldn't bring myself to lie. And because Aspen was my fated mate, I instinctually wanted to please her. Which was a problem. "I crossed where the barrier would form, not realizing I wouldn't be able to go home. Dryads are usually solitary creatures. Whilewe usually live in small family groups, we don't go near towns or populated areas. I was curious and wanted to check out Beastly Falls. The town put the barrier up before I could leave, and I've been trapped here ever since."

"Oh." Aspen murmured but didn't say more.

"It wouldn't have been so bad, but my family came searching for me. They weren't able to cross the barrier, or even get close enough. But I heard them searching for me... grieving for me. Still do."

Aspen sniffed as she wrapped her arm through mine. "I'm so sorry you had to endure that."

"Let's keep moving," I said gruffly, forcing my legs to push through the tangled undergrowth. Aspen followed closely at my side, her presence both a comfort and a torment.

The air crackled with tension as I glared down the edge of the forest, my power surging through the trees and forcing them to bend to my will. My limbs trembled with the strain, but I held firm, unwilling to surrender.

"Dom, you did it," Aspen breathed, her eyes wide as the rest of the path finally cleared before us.

But our triumph was short-lived. As we emerged through the edge of the forest line, a thick barrier of white went as far as I could see. I didn't need to investigate, the smell and uncomfortable sensation at the proximity told me exactly what it was. Salt. Life-draining amounts of it.

"Damn," I muttered under my breath, feeling my bark-like skin prickle painfully at the mere proximity of the salt. I stepped back quickly, gritting my teeth against the searing pain that shot through me.

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