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Evie’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to tuck her hair behind her ears, but it cascaded down again, catching the light like spun gold. A strange sense of protectiveness washed over me. She looked so vulnerable amidst the curious stares of my kin, like a delicate flower in a field of rocks.
We made our way through the throng of gargoyles, their gazes following us until we reached the service hiring area. It was a bustling corner of the market, where Gargoyles sought help with various tasks, from cleaning and cooking to construction and repairs.
“This is where you can find someone to help you settle in.” My voice sounded gruff but I made sure to lace with a hint of reassurance. “Someone to show you around and take care of your daily needs.”
Evie nodded, her eyes wide with uncertainty. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her hand still tightly clasped in mine. We approached a gargoyle woman who stood behind a makeshift counter, her stern face softened by kind eyes.
“We’re looking for someone to help my mate,” I said.
The woman’s eyes flickered to Evie, and a knowing smile tugged at her lips. “Of course.” Her voice made me feel warm and welcoming. “Let me see who’s available.”
She scanned the crowd, her eyes darting from one Gargoyle to another, until they landed on a young woman with a long white braid and a friendly smile.
“Veda! Perfect! Can you help this young couple?” the woman called out.
Veda detached herself from a group of gargoyles and made her way towards us, her steps light and graceful.
“I’d be happy to. My name is Veda. Welcome to our settlement, Evie.”
Evie’s eyes lit up, and a shy smile spread across her face. “Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I watched as Evie and Veda chatted, their voices blending in a symphony of newfound companionship. A sense of relief washed over me, knowing that Evie found someone who could help her navigate this strange and intimidating world.
As I stood there, watching them interact, a glimmer of hope settled in my heart. Perhaps Evie could find a place among my people. Perhaps we could bridge the gap between our two worlds.
In the heart of my cavernous home, I sat at a rough-hewn stone table, my gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the central hearth. Veda, the servant girl assigned to help Evie acclimate to our ways, moved about the cavern, her nimble hands setting the table for our evening meal. The aroma of roasted meats and fresh vegetables filled the air, tantalizing my senses and reminding me of my primal hunger. Yet the knot of unease that tightened in my gut dulled my appetite.
Evie sat across from me, her eyes cast downward, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the hearth. She picked at her food, her slender fingers tracing the edges of her plate. I watched her in silence, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. How could I interpret this strange creature, this human female who fate and duty forced upon me?
I assigned Veda to help Evie adjust to our ways and to teach her the customs and traditions of my people. But even as I sat apart from the others, observing Evie’s interactions with Veda, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I should do more. There was a temptation to reach out to her, to offer her comfort and guidance. But my instincts, honed by a lifetime of living in a dangerous world, warned me against it.
Our union, arranged by the elders and sanctioned by the temple, was a pragmatic alliance, a means to ensure the survival of both our species. But the more time I spent in Evie's presence, the more I felt drawn to her. Her vulnerability, her resilience, her quiet strength—these were qualities I found both unsettling and alluring.
I never knew a human before, and everything about her was foreign to me. Her delicate features, her soft skin, her melodious voice—they were all so different from the rugged features of my gargoyle kin. And yet, there was something about her that resonated with me, something that called to me from the depths of my being.
Evie lifted her head and met my gaze. Her eyes, wide and sky blue, held a mixture of fear and curiosity. I saw myself reflected in those eyes, a creature both familiar and strange.
“Kuzar, can I ask you something?”
I nodded, my throat tight.
“Why?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Why did you choose to submit to a DNA test and then marry me?”
I hesitated, searching for the words to explain the inexplicable. “I didn’t choose you. The elders arranged our union. They arranged for the blood test. It was a matter of duty and necessity.”
Evie’s face fell, and I saw the glimmer of hope in her eyes extinguish. “I see,” she said, her voice devoid of emotion.
I wanted to reach out to her, to comfort her, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was afraid that if I touched her, I would lose control, that I would succumb to the wild, primal urges that coursed through my veins.
“Evie. I know this is difficult for you. But I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe and well cared for.”
Evie nodded. My words did little to ease her fears. She stood abruptly and left the table, her footsteps echoing in the cavernous silence.
I sat there for a long time, staring at the empty chair across from me. The knot in my gut tightened, and a wave of guilt and shame washed over me. I failed Evie. I failed to make her feel safe and welcome in my home.
I rose from the table and made my way to Evie’s chamber, a small alcove carved into the rock wall. I stood outside the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest. I took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door.
“Evie,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Can we talk?”
