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Evie shrank back from my embrace, her eyes wide and fearful. She stiffened with hesitation and uncertainty. It was clear she needed time to adjust to this new reality, to the idea of having a gargoyle as her mate.
I respected her trepidation and her need for space. Releasing her gently, I stepped back to give her room to breathe.
“Evie,” I whispered, my voice tinged with both understanding and a hint of sadness, “I know this is a lot to take in. They thrust you into a world you never knew existed, and now they expect you to accept it as your new reality. I won’t force you to do anything you’re not ready for.”
Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she nodded, her gaze dropping to the ground.
“Take some time to process all of this. Explore your new home and get to know my people. And when you’re ready, I’ll be here for you.”
She looked up at me, her eyes still filled with uncertainty, but there was also a glimmer of something else there. Curiosity. Perhaps even a hint of hope.
“Kuzar,” she whispered, her voice barely a breath, “what’s going to happen to us?”
I reached out and took her hand in mine, squeezing it gently. “We’ll figure it out together. Mates bound by fate and by blood. We’ll make this work.”
She said nothing, but her grip on my hand tightened, and I knew she listened.
The high priest approached us, his ancient eyes gleaming with wisdom. He placed a weathered hand on each of our shoulders, his gaze alternating between us.
“My children,” he said, his voice soft yet commanding, “you stand at the precipice of a new era. An era of unity and cooperation between our two races. The fate of our people rests upon your shoulders.”
He paused, his eyes locking with mine. “Kuzar, as warlord of the Goliath gargoyles, it is your duty to protect and guide your people. To ensure their safety and prosperity.”
His gaze shifted to Evie. “And you, Evie, as the chosen mate of Kuzar, you carry a great responsibility. You are the bridge between our two worlds. The one who will help us forge a lasting bond between our races.”
He handed us a small, leather-bound book, its pages filled with ancient symbols and intricate diagrams. “This book contains the knowledge you need to combine the human and gargoyle bloodlines.” His voice echoed through the chamber. “Study it carefully, and follow its instructions diligently.”
Evie took the book with trembling hands, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and trepidation.
The high priest stepped back, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Now, go forth, my children,” he said, “and begin your new life together.”
With a nod, I took Evie’s hand in mine and led her out of the temple, my heart pounding with anticipation and a strange sense of wonder.
We boarded a shuttle, a sleek, silver craft that hummed with energy. I settled Evie into a comfortable seat, buckling her in securely. As the shuttle ascended into the sky, she pressed her face against the window, her eyes wide with amazement.
“It’s so beautiful.This is my first time flying.” Her eyes grew wide with wonder.
I smiled, my heart swelling with pride and affection. She was right. It was beautiful. The canyons stretched out below us, their sheer cliffs and towering spires casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The shuttle skimmed over the jagged peaks and deep ravines, revealing hidden waterfalls and lush oases.
Evie turned to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Kuzar,” she said, her voice barely a whisper, “this is incredible.”
I reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. “Welcome home, Evie,” My voice sounded husky with emotion. “Welcome to the canyons.”
The shuttle landed smoothly in a clearing surrounded by towering rock formations. I helped Evie out of the shuttle and led her along a winding path that led to my cavern settlement.
The other humans followed, looking for their friends and relatives possibly in service with the Goliaths. Some were indignant about our kindness in providing work so they could survive. Evie’s eyes grew wide as I spoke to them and sent them on their way.
The settlement nestled amidst a cluster of massive boulders, with its buildings carved into the rock itself. Gargoyles of all ages and sizes milled about, their stony faces etched with curiosity and amusement. They stopped to greet us, their voices echoing through the narrow passageways.
Evie’s eyes darted from one gargoyle to another, taking in their unique features and their intricate tattoos. She asked countless questions, her curiosity insatiable. I answered her as best I could, explaining our customs and traditions, our history and our beliefs.
As we walked, Evie’s hand trembled in mine. I squeezed it gently, reassuring her she was safe, that she was among friends.
We followed the path through the caverns of my people. They stared at her as if she were a pet and not as an equal. She shrank into my side. My people weren’t keen on the union of a human to a gargoyle. Yet, I held my head high and kept hold of Evie’s hand, showing no remorse whatsoever for having her as my mate.
CHAPTER FOUR
Evie
