Page 21 of Monster's Maiden
"You don't understand," he says finally, his voice low and rough. "This place... it's been my prison and sanctuary for centuries. You're the first light in all that darkness."
His words hit me like a blow, and for a moment, I'm speechless. The enormity of his solitude washes over me, mingling with my own fears and desires.
I take a step back, trying to gather my thoughts. The cold air nips at my skin, grounding me in reality.
"I need time," I manage to say, hoping he'll understand. "Time to think."
12
ZYRITH
Lara's words replay in mind like a death sentence. "I... I need to find a way back home, Zyrith. I can't stay here forever."
My eyes narrow as I take in her form across the cavern from me—tense, resolute, and achingly distant. I feel my features harden. Anger and hurt twist inside me, more painful than the deepest of the ancient fissures etched into my skin.
How can she speak of leaving? After everything we have shared, every moment of connection. Anguish tightens my chest, an unfamiliar sensation for one who has been alone for so long.
I continue to stare at her, this fragile human with golden hair and eyes that hold the promise of the world above. My immense form radiates a palpable sense of frustration as I struggle to comprehend her longing for that world. The world that had cast me aside, forgotten me. And now she wishes to return to it?
My fingers curl into fists as the anger surges through me. I shift slightly, feeling the rough texture of the cavern floor beneath my feet. The chamber feels colder. The bioluminescent moss casts a dim glow around us, its soft light doing little to soothe the raging fire burning inside of me. Each crack and crevice in the walls seem to mock me, reminding me of the eons spent in solitude.
She stands there, vulnerable yet resolute, a blend of determination and apprehension on her face. She wants to leave. The thought gnaws at my insides like a ravenous beast. Does she not see what she means to me? Does she not understand that she is my beacon in this endless darkness?
Memories flood my mind: the first sight of her unconscious form, the way her presence had ignited something long dormant within me. The connection we have forged feels sacred, irreplaceable. And yet, she speaks of leaving.
The ancient corridors echo with silence as I ponder her words. My home has been a haven, but also a prison—a place where time stood still while I yearned for companionship. Now that I have found it, must I let it slip away?
The thought stirs something primal within me—a fear as ancient as my kind. The fear of losing what has become precious. She speaks of needing to find a way back home, but does she not realize that she has already found one here with me in our underground sanctuary?
Conflicting emotions race through my brain: protectiveness and desperation warring against each other. This human has brought light into my eternal night; can I allow her to leave without a fight?
I watch her closely, every movement, every breath. She is both gentle and fierce—a paradox that fascinates and infuriates me in equal measure.
In my mind, I see a different future—one where Lara looks at me not with fear, but with the same warmth and understanding that I have come to feel for her. Her eyes, those captivating orbs of life and light, would no longer seek escape but rather find solace in my presence. She would trace the cracks on my stone skin with gentle fingers, each touch a silent promise of acceptance.
We would explore the vast caverns together, her laughter echoing off the ancient walls like a melody long forgotten. I would show her the hidden beauty of this underground world—the shimmering pools of crystal-clear water, the phosphorescent fungi that light our way like stars in a subterranean sky. In these moments, the darkness that has been my constant companion would seem less oppressive, replaced by the radiant glow of her companionship.
I envision her teaching me about the world above—the sun's warmth on her skin, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the scent of blooming flowers in spring. She would share stories of her life in Kantor, painting vivid pictures of places and people I can only imagine. And in return, I would share my own history, the tales of the Syldravian race, our ancient customs and lost glories. Our shared knowledge would weave a tapestry of connection, bridging the gap between our worlds.
In this imagined future, Lara and I are not just companions but partners. We face challenges together, our bond growing stronger with each trial we overcome. Her friends may come searching for her, but she would choose to stay—not out of obligation or fear, but because she has found something irreplaceable here with me. Our lives intertwined like the roots of an ancient tree, growing deeper and stronger over time.
I imagine us finding moments of peace amidst the chaos—her head resting against my chest as we sit by a glowing pool, her breath steady and calm. The weight of centuries lifts from my shoulders as I hold her close, our hearts beating in a synchronized rhythm that speaks volumes without words.
In this vision, Lara is not just a visitor to my world; she is an integral part of it. And together, we carve out a sanctuary where love and companionship flourish amidst the ancient stones. A place where neither of us feels alone again.
This future feels so vivid, so real in my mind's eye. If only...
I take a resolute step toward her, my gaze filled with determination. She cannot leave—not when I have just begun to understand the warmth of her companionship. I am sure in time she will come to love me.
"Lara," I say, my voice rumbling through the cavern like distant thunder. "This place, these depths... they are not a prison but a sanctuary. Together, we can find solace here."
Her eyes widen, fear mingling with confusion. She takes a hesitant step back, but I close the distance between us with an assertive touch. My hand rests on her shoulder, its size dwarfing her delicate frame. She flinches at first, but I soften my grip, trying to convey reassurance.
"Please," I implore, guiding her back toward the familiar depths of the cavern. "Trust me."
As we walk, the bioluminescent moss casts a glow around us, illuminating her golden hair like a halo. Each step we take echoes off the ancient walls, a symphony of our intertwined fates. The air grows cooler, but my resolve burns hotter than ever.
She stumbles slightly on the uneven ground, and I instinctively steady her with my other hand. Her skin feels warm against my rough exterior, a symbol of the life and vitality she brings into my world of stone and shadows.