Page 56 of Monster's Maiden
Her expression turns serious. “But really, Zyrith. Think about it. You wouldn’t have to hide in shadows anymore.”
I don’t respond immediately, letting her words hang in the air like a challenge. The idea of being above ground with Lara is both exhilarating and terrifying. My heart swells with the thought of seeing her world through her eyes but tightens at the risk involved.
Lara seems to sense my hesitation and places a gentle kiss on my cheek. “Just think about it,” she whispers.
We lapse into a comfortable silence as we continue our walk. Lara's fingers entwine tightly with mine.
During this time of quietude, I consider her suggestion. The idea of going to Kantor, the bustling place that Lara calls home, used to fill me with nothing but fury. Civilization and I have never been on good terms, and the thought of losing Lara to it was unbearable. But now, with her love anchoring me, the concept doesn’t seem as unthinkable.
Lara turns and gazes into my eyes as we stop for a moment in another clearing. "You’re so quiet," she says, breaking the silence.
"I'm just contemplating," I reply.
"What exactly?" Her eyes are curious, hopeful.
"About going to Kantor," I admit. "Your home."
She squeezes my hand a little tighter and excitedly asks, "And?"
"I'll think about it," I say, feeling the weight of those words settle between us.
She smiles, a radiant beam of sunlight in our otherwise shadowed world. "Really? You would consider it?"
I nod slowly. "Yes. If it makes you happy."
Her excitement is palpable. "It’s not just about me, Zyrith. You might find something there too. New experiences, maybe even acceptance."
I raise an eyebrow at her optimism. "Acceptance? From humans who see me as a monster?"
"Hey," she chides gently, "I saw you as a monster once too."
"And now?" I ask, needing to hear her say it again.
"Now," she replies, "I see you as the one I love."
Her eyes meet mine, a tender warmth in their depths that sends a surge of emotion through my ancient heart. She leans closer, her lips parting slightly as she draws nearer. The world around us fades, leaving only the two of us.
Our lips meet, and the sensation is both electrifying and grounding. Her kiss is soft yet insistent, filled with the passion and love we've nurtured in our time together.
As we kiss, I feel every curve of her body pressed against mine, her fingers threading through the cracks in my skin as if seeking to anchor herself to me.
"Lara," I murmur against her lips.
"Yes?" she replies, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes.
"I love you."
Her smile lights up her face. "I love you too."
Our kiss lingers in my mind, even as we part. We soon find another smooth rock to settle down upon. The wind rustles through the trees as Lara nestles against me, her warmth a stark contrast to the cool air.
"You've made me consider something I never thought possible," I admit.
Lara looks up at me with those piercing eyes that first drew me in despite my better judgment. “You’ve given me so much already,” she says quietly. “The least I can do is share my world with you.”
The sincerity in her voice tugs at something deep within me—something ancient and long buried beneath centuries of solitude and stone.
The wind picks up, causing the fresh snow to dance and swirl around us. The thought of stepping into her world fills me with both excitement and dread.