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“Happy birthday, Evie.” Kuzar smiled, his features softening.
He reached out and took my hand, leading me to a secluded spot near the edge of the canyon. The sun set, casting long shadows across the jagged cliffs. Kuzar spread out a blanket on the ground, then sat down, pulling me down next to him.
We sat in silence for a while, watching the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the canyon into twilight. Stars emerged, twinkling like diamonds against the inky blackness.
“Thank you,” I whispered, turning to face him.
Kuzar met my gaze, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t decipher. He reached out and gently stroked my cheek.
“You bring light into this dark world, Evie.” He leaned close enough I felt his breath on my ear.
A shiver ran through me, both from his touch and the intensity of his words. I leaned forward and kissed him, my heart pounding in my chest. He responded with equal fervor, his lips moving against mine in a slow, intoxicating dance.
As the night wore on, we lay together beneath the starlit sky, enveloped in each other’s arms. He gave me a sense of contentment and belonging that I never experienced before. This was my home now, and these strange, beautiful creatures were my family.
In the distance, I heard music and laughter. The settlement was celebrating my birthday with a feast and dancing. But for now, I was content to stay here, in this quiet sanctuary, wrapped in the warmth of Kuzar’s embrace.
Kuzar’s words washed over me, filling me with a warmth that spread through my body like honey. “Come, let’s join the festivities,” he said, offering me his hand. I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding in my chest. The thought of facing all those gargoyles, of being the center of their attention, made my stomach churn. But I couldn’t hide forever. Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand in his and allowed him to lead me out of our secluded spot.
As we approached the main gathering area, the sounds of music and laughter grew louder. Gargoyles of all ages gathered around a roaring bonfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. Some were dancing, their massive bodies moving with surprising grace. Others sat on rocks, eating and drinking and talking animatedly. When they saw us, they all stopped what they were doing and turned to stare.
A wave of panic washed over me. Their eyes, all those cold, stony eyes, bored into me, judging me, condemning me. I wanted to run away, to hide in the darkness, but Kuzar’s grip on my hand tightened, grounding me. He pulled me forward, into the circle of light.
I stumbled to a halt, my eyes darting from face to face. I saw curiosity, suspicion, even hostility. But then, something unexpected happened. One gargoyle, a young female with long black hair, stepped forward. She smiled at me, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. “Welcome, Evie,” Her voice sounded soft and melodious. “We’re glad you’re here.”
I blinked in surprise. I never expected such a friendly greeting from a gargoyle. Emboldened by her kindness, I smiled back. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m glad to be here.”
“I’m Lyra. I’ll be your guide and protector for the festivities. Kuzar has things to take care of.” She smiled at my gargoyle husband, who nodded at me and disappeared.
Lyra led me around the gathering, introducing me to other gargoyles and explaining their customs and traditions. I learned the feast was in my honor, a celebration of my birthday. And so many names I couldn’t possibly remember.
Gargoyles from all over the settlement brought food and drink to share. Gargoyles from all over the settlement brought food and drink to share, including roasted meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables, as well as an assortment of strange and exotic dishes that I never saw before. There was also a large vat of a sweet, intoxicating mead that the gargoyles favored.
I tried a bit of everything, and to my surprise, I enjoyed most of it. The gargoyles were surprisingly wonderful cooks, and their food was far more flavorful than I expected. I also tried the mead, and though it was strong, it was also delicious.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere grew more relaxed and festive. The gargoyles danced and sang.
“Come on, enjoy yourself.” Lyra laughed as she danced with the crowd.
I stepped in with her and cut loose, mocking her moves. The gargoyles danced and moved. I was never much of a dancer, but the music was infectious. My body moved to the rhythm of the drums.
Kuzar came back, a broad smile on his face. He took my hand and led me to the center of the circle. The music stopped, and all eyes turned to us. Kuzar reached into a pouch at his waist and pulled out a small box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful necklace, featuring an engraved silver pendant bearing the Durzomian family crest.
“Evie,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, “from this day forward, you are a part of my inner circle. You are a Durzomian sentinel, and you will always have a place by my side.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as he fastened the necklace around my neck. This was more than just a gift; it was a symbol of acceptance, of belonging. I finally found a home among these strange, beautiful creatures.
Overcome with emotion, I leaned forward and kissed Kuzar on the cheek. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Kuzar’s body stiffened in surprise. But then he relaxed, and his lips brushed against mine briefly.
For the rest of the night, I danced and laughed and celebrated with my new family. I finally found my place in the world, and I would never be truly alone again.
Kuzar took my hand and led me back to his private chambers, a spacious cave tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the settlement. The air inside was cool and damp, scented with the faint aroma of incense. Kuzar lit a few candles, casting a warm, flickering glow on the stone walls. He gestured for me to sit on the bed, a large, soft pile of furs and blankets. I sat down hesitantly, my heart pounding in my chest.
“This is your office?”
“Office? It’s my rest chamber when I come in from a heavy patrol schedule.” He grinned and advanced to me.
Kuzar sat down next to me, his massive body dwarfing mine. He reached out and took my hand, his touch gentle yet firm. I looked up into his eyes and saw a mixture of desire and tenderness. He leaned forward and kissed me, his lips soft and warm against mine. I kissed him back, my body responding to his touch in ways I didn’t fully understand.
