Page 19 of Shadowed By the Talos

A soft noise from within the cabin drew my attention. Arlet emerged onto the porch, wrapping her arms around herself against the chill. Her eyes found mine in the darkness, an unspoken connection passing between us.

“You don’t have to stay out here all night,” she called up to me with a soft smile that made my heart lurch in ways I didn’t understand before her.

I dropped lightly from the branch to land near her. “The forest is where I’m most attuned,” I replied, stepping closer so that our breath mingled in the cool air. “Besides, I sleep better knowing you’re safe.”

She nodded, looking out into the dense woods that surrounded us. “I feel it too—safer when you’re here.” Her voice held a note of wonder, as if she couldn’t quite believe the reality we shared.

We stood in silence for a moment before she broke it with practicality laced with concern. “We need to strategize about these threats. Your protection is invaluable but...” Her voice trailed off as she searched for words.

“But we need more than vigilance,” I finished for her. “We need action.”

Arlet nodded emphatically. “Exactly.”

“First,” I began, drawing closer still until our foreheads nearly touched, “it is likely that any threat will come from those who don’t understand your transformation from Charlotte Bruno to Arlet of these woods.”

Her eyes flickered with gratitude for not saying her old name too loudly—as if it might summon ghosts.

“Second,” I continued, feeling a pull toward her that went beyond words or reason, “the environmental adversaries are more immediate and tangible. We’ve disrupted their operations; they’ll want retribution or at least a return to their harmful ways.”

“What do you suggest?” Arlet’s gaze held mine with unwavering trust.

“We turn their greed against them. They leave traces because they believe they’re above reproach. We use that—gather more evidence and set traps if necessary.”

Her smile returned, fierce and bright like dawn breaking over mountains. “And if they come after me?”

“I’ll be here,” I assured her with an intensity that made her blink in surprise. “Always.”

Arlet stepped back into the warmth of her cabin, but paused at the door. “Hayze,” she said softly but firmly enough that it resonated through my very core.

“Yes?”

“You’re more than just my guardian; you know that?”

The statement hung between us like mist above water—visible yet untouchable—and before I could respond; she slipped inside and closed the door behind her.

Left alone with my thoughts under the celestial dome, one thing became clearer than ever: Guarding Arlet wasn’t just duty. It was desire—a deep yearning to keep her safe because she was mine in a way no other being ever had been or would be again.

My chest swelled with emotions too complex to dissect under this watchful moon; instead, I let them wash over me like tides embracing shores—a Talos monster falling hopelessly for his human mate.

I resumed my position in the trees as guardian and silent confidant to stars whispering secrets above—secrets of love unfolding in shadow and light below their eternal gaze.

The moon rode high in the ink-black sky, its light filtering through the dense canopy of trees that surrounded Arlet’s cabin. From my perch, I kept watch, but my thoughts wandered. It was no longer just about guarding her; it was about building a fortress around the life she was creating here, brick by brick.

We’d spent the days following her bold stand at the community meeting fortifying her home. Not just with my presence, but with cameras concealed like watchful eyes in the foliage and sensors that whispered to us of any approaching danger. We didn’t just prepare for threats; we created a sanctuary.

I couldn’t help but marvel at Arlet’s determination as she rallied more support for our environmental cause. She had a way of speaking that made people listen, made them care. With every meeting, every conversation, our ranks swelled with those who wanted to protect the land as fiercely as we did.

But tonight was quiet—a reprieve from our efforts. The cabin glowed warmly behind me as I descended from my silent vigil and approached the back door. Arlet sat at the kitchen table, poring over maps and notes by lamplight.

“Planning your next move?” I asked as I stepped inside.

She looked up, her eyes reflecting a fire that wasn’t just from the light. “Always,” she said with a wry smile. “But I could use a break.”

I pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “We’re making progress,” I said. “The community’s behind us.”

She nodded, leaning back in her chair and stretching like a cat basking in sunlight. “Thanks to you.”

“It’s your conviction that’s won them over,” I corrected her gently.

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