Chapter 1

Harlow

The Florida heat pressed down on me like a heavy blanket as I sat at my desk, staring at the blinking cursor on my laptop screen. Another day, another failed attempt at writing the next great romance novel. I sighed, running my fingers through my brunette hair in frustration.

My parents had it easy - retired from the military, they now spent their days jet-setting around the world, sending me postcards from exotic locations that only fueled my restlessness. I longed for adventure, for something to ignite the spark of inspiration within me.

As I scrolled through travel blogs and articles, a headline caught my eye: "Mysterious Monster Resides in Vermont Castle." Intrigued, I clicked on the link and began reading about a grendel, a real monster, living in the secluded wilderness of the White Mountains. And in a castle, of all places!

The more I read, the more my mind raced with possibilities. A romance between a human and a monster, set against the backdrop of a hidden castle in the cool, misty forests of Vermont. It was exactly the story I'd been dreaming of writing.

I leaned back in my chair, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. I knew what I had to do. Pulling up a new tab, I began searching for flights to Vermont, my heart pounding with excitement at the thought of finally embarking on the adventure I'd been craving.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I debated reaching out to the castle's owner, the grendel himself. It was a risk, but one I knew I had to take if I wanted to truly immerse myself in this world and find the inspiration I so desperately needed.

With trembling fingers, I typed out an email to Griiq Cainedor, the mysterious grendel living in the secluded castle. I introduced myself as a writer seeking inspiration and requested the opportunity to stay at his castle for a couple of weeks or even a month. My heart raced as I hit send, unsure of what to expect.

To my surprise, a response arrived within the hour. Griiq's butler, Mason, informed me that the castle had plenty of room and that I was welcome to stay for my research. I squealed with delight, my mind already racing with ideas for my novel.

I rushed to my closet and began packing for the excursion. As I folded my clothes and gathered my essentials, a sense of excitement and nervousness flowed through my veins. I was about to embark on an adventure unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.

"Mom, Dad, I have some news," I announced over dinner that evening. They had me on video chat from their villa in Italy. It was early morning there. Outside, it was still dark. "I'm going to Vermont to stay at a castle in the White Mountains. It's for research for my next novel."

My parents exchanged a concerned glance. "A castle in the mountains? Isn't that where the grendel lives?" my mother asked, her brow furrowed.

I nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. I'll keep my distance. I just need some inspiration, and I think this trip will provide exactly that."

My father sighed, but I could see the glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "Just be careful, Harlow. We know how much your writing means to you, but your safety is our top priority."

I assured them I would be cautious and promised to check in regularly. With their blessing, I completed my travel arrangements and counted down the days until my departure.

As I boarded the plane, my heart swelled with anticipation. The cool, crisp air of Vermont awaited me, along with the promise of an adventure that would forever change my life. I settled into my seat, my mind already spinning with the possibilities of what lay ahead.

As the plane touched down in Vermont, I marveled at the breathtaking beauty surrounding me. The late summer sun cast a golden glow over the lush green hills and dense forests, painting a picture of serenity and tranquility.

I made my way to the small community of Grimsby, eager to begin the research for my novel. The quaint town bustled with activity, and I couldn"t resist the charm of a charming little cafe on the corner. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries filled the air, besides, it was time to stop in for a quick bite.

As I waited for my coffee, I struck up a conversation with the cafe owner. "Excuse me, have you ever met Griiq Cainedor?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

The owner's eyes widened, and the patrons sitting at the counter visibly shuddered. "Griiq? The monster who lives in the castle up in the mountains?" the owner asked, his voice hushed. "If you know what's good for you, you'll steer clear of him and his castle."

"Why?" I took a bite of the delicious danish.

"Why? Because it's a monster. He's up to no good. You will be wise to heed my advice."

I smiled and shook my head. I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of meeting this mysterious creature. Despite the warnings, I was determined to forge ahead with my plan. I thanked the owner for his advice and made my way back to my rental car, eager to begin the drive up into the White Mountains.

As I navigated the winding roads, the scenery grew more and more breathtaking with each passing mile. The air was crisp and cool with the onset of spring.

Finally, I arrived at the castle. It was an imposing structure, with towering stone walls and a massive wooden door. I took a deep breath and knocked, my heart pounding with anticipation.

The door creaked open, and I was face to face with Griiq himself. He was a foot taller than me, with gray fur and dark, piercing eyes. He looked like a monster carved out of stone, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear as I gazed up at him.

But to my surprise, Griiq was every bit the gentleman. He greeted me with a cordial bow and invited me inside, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. As I stepped into the castle, I noticed a magnetism toward him, despite his monstrous appearance.

Suddenly, Griiq disappeared, leaving me alone with his human butler, Mason. "Please, allow me to show you to your room," Mason said, his voice smooth and polished. I followed him up a grand staircase, my mind racing with questions about the mysterious creature who called this castle home.