15. Yvonne

15

YVONNE

At any moment, I expect to wake up in my bed and for all of this to have been a dream. It’s just too good to be true. I can’t get enough of the world around me, but all good things come to an end. Oarus lays a hand on my shoulder, informing me that the time to leave has arrived.

“The effects of the grass will wear off very soon.”

I take his hand and let him take us back to the shore. On our way back, I look around to take it all in one last time. I then look up at Oarus, his face strained with concentration.

I can’t deny how special he’s made me feel by taking me out here. Maybe I mean more to him than I initially thought. This is by far the most whimsical day I’ve ever had in my life.

We breach the water’s surface, back now where we first entered the water. I flip my hair back, letting out a sigh of contentment as I squeeze the water out of it.

As I do, I notice my top is so wet that it’s become see-through. My nipples are poking at the fabric pronouncedly.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Oarus staring. He doesn’t do anything to hide the desire in his eyes, and admittedly, I like it. I even turn to face him fully. I don’t want him to be the only one who takes in a magnificent sight today.

It’s the least I can do. I’ll never forget today, and I wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity with anyone else.

“How did you enjoy that?” he asks with a handsome smile. It’s so distracting that I barely notice his legs changing back to anthropomorphic form.

“That was unlike anything I have ever experienced before, I was just thinking about how it was like the perfect dream.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he says. I see the look of pride in his eyes. “Are you ready to get going?”

He extends his hand. I’m more than happy to take it and begin the journey back to his lair. I take one final look at the sea behind us before we press onwards.

“You know something, Oarus? I’m pretty jealous of you.”

“How could a creature as stunning as you be jealous of me?” he asks.

“You get to dive into the sea anytime you want.”

“And?” he says teasingly. “We can go do it again tomorrow, or anytime you’d like.”

“Maybe I’ll hold you to that,” I reply playfully. I know he means it as a proposition to stay with him. Below us, stray shells and fallen leaves from trees crackle and snap. “Tell me, what’s your favorite part of the ocean?”

“I think just how peaceful and untouched by the elves it is. I have my private space in the caverns, as you know, but the mines aren’t far and it’s not uncommon for me to hear the commotion that goes on in that wretched slave camp.”

I shudder, remembering my very brief time there. It only makes me glad that I’m here now with Oarus, though I feel an overwhelming grief for those who aren’t as lucky as me.

“Is there anything you don’t like about the ocean?”

“Easy, that would be the predators.”

“You mean there’s other monsters down there? Were they nearby?”

“Indeed they were there, but I kept us far away from them.”

“Gods,” I mutter, goosebumps running up my arm.

“Do not fret, Yvonne. You are always safe with me.” He squeezes my hand, and my stomach melts as I blush.

“Have you ever fought with them?”

“More times than I can count. I may not like them, but I accept them. They have their place in the ecosystem, and I would never choose to exterminate them entirely.” He glances at me and winks. “But I can always change my mind.”

I shake my head and laugh. “Somehow, I don’t doubt that.” I find it noble that he accepts the territory and its creatures as it is. He’s proving he’s not some mindless monster out for blood.

A few minutes have passed by the time we arrive back at his lair. As I walk inside, I notice the sense of familiarity I have. It’s as if this is my permanent home.

I pause and let it process, trying to notice the way it’s making me feel. Warm, relaxed, and whole. I turn to see Oarus dabbing himself dry with a towel.

I think of his proposition from earlier, giving it some serious consideration. I can’t deny how good he’s been to me since easing up, and I can feel my own walls crumbling before him.

He could have disposed of me, left me to be found by the dark elves, or left me stranded in the ocean. But Oarus is taking care of me.

Guilt washes over me as I recall my initial defenses, but I have to be sure if I’m going to let this man in. I can’t afford to be hurt again, the gods know I’ve dealt with enough pain for one lifetime.

“Oarus, can I ask you something?”

“Anything, Yvonne,” he says gently.

I love how my name slides off of his tongue. I really think I could get used to it. I had a wonderful time today, and if every day with him feels like this, then I may just have a shot at something genuine here.

“You saved me from death, twice, even when I ran away. You’ve cleaned my wounds, sheltered me with a bed and delicious food… In other words, you’ve done so much for me.”

He steps closer, my heartbeat quickening. He looks damn good.

“Is all of this just so you can sleep with me?” I ask, my chest seizing with anticipation.

“Yes,” says Oarus without hesitation.

“Oh…”

My heart drops with such heavy disappointment that I almost fall to the ground. Deflated, I retreat to the bed. The feeling of euphoria dissipates in an instant. My mind does not know what to think.

“Should there be another reason?” he asks.

“No,” I say quickly.

“Very well.” Oarus carries on like he didn’t just say what he said.

I judge him, but at the same time, I don’t want to. It’s tough knowing my body is the only reason he wants me.

Then again, I’m reminded of the fact that he is a monster. He’s not going to think like a human. My heart hurts, but my mind tells me not to judge him as if he is one.

Am I wrong for thinking of him like that? I sigh. I am, after all, the first human he knows on this level.

I move to the fireplace to distract myself, trying to start a fire. After a few minutes, he calls me over for some sliced fruit.

“Thank you,” I say. I’ve calmed down, but I do not know what to do about him just yet. Maybe we just need to spend some more time together. Maybe then he’ll find something else to notice about me.

“After you finish that, give me a hand with dinner. I’m going to cook some fish.”

“You want my help?” I ask, surprised. He cooks quite well.

“I’d like it. I’ve never prepared food with a human before, and I’d love to share another new experience with you.”

Hmm, maybe this is what I need, to give him memories like he has given me.

I’m in the middle of searing the fish filet when he hands me a drink.

“So,” he says as I take a sip. “Tell me where you came from, Yvonne. I’ve been curious ever since I first saw you.”

“Oh,” I mutter, shaking my head. “It’s not pleasant.”

“Tell me anyway.”

I pause for a moment, thinking over how to start. “You always call me beautiful, but my story is far from that.”

He leans against the wall, listening intently as I speak.

“You see, I grew up a slave like most humans out there. Each day of my life has been spent serving another and doing their disgusting bidding. I hated it… I…”

My body tenses as I recall the humiliation I faced daily at the hands of Tyrus. I snap back to reality when Oarus lays a hand on my arm.

“You’re a free woman now.”

I shrug in response.

“What is it?” he asks.

“I was enslaved for so long that I guess I’ve accepted it as my purpose in life. I mean, we’re all here for a reason, right? So that’s my role, to serve and please others, but that’s okay. I’m used to it by now.”

“That’s not true, Yvonne.” Oarus gently takes my chin and raises my head. I look into his soft eyes. “You have become the most extraordinary aspect of my long life. I am sorry you went through what you did, but I wish you did not think of yourself so lowly.”

“Maybe… maybe I just don’t know what it’s like to be treated otherwise. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sour the mood.”

“Don’t be silly,” he lightly scolds. “You didn’t have a choice in how you were raised. You talked about purpose. Well, perhaps mine is to make you see your real worth.”

I scoff in embarrassment. What if he’s right? What if I am worth more than I think of myself?

“Give it some time,” says Oarus. “Meanwhile, let’s finish preparing our dinner.”

“Hey,” I blurt, an idea springing into my head. “You took me out today, so let me take you out tomorrow.”

“Did you have something in mind?” he asks with a smile.

“Let’s visit the town tomorrow evening. Maybe I can show you the property where I used to live. Maybe you’ll even see my old master, Tyrus.”

He nods.

“I do not wish to meet your previous owner, but I would love to take a stroll around town with you.”

I smile back at him.

“Well then, it’s a date.”