Chapter 19

Harlow

I yawned and stretched, the luxurious silk sheets sliding off my skin. The bed beside me was empty of Griiq's warmth. My heart skipped a beat. Where had he gone?

Leaping out of bed, I hurried downstairs, my bare feet tapping on the cool marble. The castle was quiet, too quiet. "Griiq?" I called out, my voice echoing through the grand foyer.

Mason stepped into view. "Good morning, mademoiselle! I trust you slept well?"

"Very well, thank you. Where's Griiq?"

"Ah, no need to worry. He had some urgent errands to attend to in Grimsby." Mason winked at me. "He said to tell you to enjoy your day and focus on your writing. He knows how much your novel means to you."

I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. It was true - I hadn't written a single word in weeks, not since the Camazotz consumed our time. But with Griiq gone for the day, maybe it was the perfect opportunity to dive back in.

"Thanks, Mason. I think I will write today." I smiled at him gratefully before heading to the library.

Settling into the plush armchair by the fire, I pulled out my notebook and pen. The blank pages stared up at me, waiting to be filled with words. I took a deep breath and outlined my story.

It was a tale not unlike our own - a beautiful maiden falling in love with a misunderstood monster. She would see past his rough exterior to the gentle heart within. Together, they would face trials and tribulations, fighting against those who sought to tear them apart.

As I scribbled furiously, the story took shape before my eyes. The heroine was brave and kind, the beast noble and loyal. Their love blossomed amidst the danger and chaos surrounding them.

Hours flew by as I lost myself in the fictional world, pouring my own emotions onto the page. The candles burned low, and the fire turned to embers. But still I wrote on, determined to capture every detail.

But as I neared the end of the outline, I found myself stuck. How would their story conclude? Would they vanquish the evil that threatened them and live happily ever after? Or would they be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good?

I tapped my pen against the page, my brow furrowed in concentration. No matter how I tried, I couldn't seem to find the right ending. It was as if the story itself was resisting me, unwilling to reveal its secrets.

With a sigh, I set down my pen and massaged my aching hand. Perhaps it was a sign that I needed to step away for a bit, to let the ideas percolate in my subconscious. Griiq would be home soon, and we could talk it through together.

I smiled at the thought of him, my heart swelling with love. No matter what challenges we faced, I knew we would overcome them side by side. Our own story was still being written, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead us next.

The hours slipped by as I lost myself in the world of my novel as the words flowed from my pen like water from a stream. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the library in a warm, golden glow. It wasn't until my stomach growled in protest that I realized how much time had passed.

I set down my pen and stretched, my muscles stiff from sitting for so long. Glancing at the clock, I did a double take to see that it was already well past dinnertime. Griiq should have been back by now, but the castle was oddly silent.

Curiosity piqued, I made my way upstairs to our bedchamber. As I pushed open the door, my breath caught in my throat. There, draped across the bed, was the most beautiful gown I had ever seen. The fabric was a rich, buttery yellow, with intricate beading and delicate lace accents. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.

With trembling hands, I lifted the gown from the bed, marveling at its beauty. A small note fluttered to the floor, and I bent to retrieve it. In Griiq's elegant script it read: For my beloved Harlow. Wear this tonight and meet me in the parlor at 8 o'clock sharp. I have a surprise for you.

My heart raced with excitement as I slipped into the gown, the silk caressing my skin like a lover's touch. I spent the next hour primping and preening, determined to look my absolute best for whatever Griiq had planned.

As the clock struck eight, I descended the grand staircase, my heels clicking against the marble. The parlor doors were closed, but faint strains of music drifted from within. With a deep breath, I pushed them open.

The sight that greeted me took my breath away. The room was aglow with the soft light of a hundred candles, their flames dancing in the gentle breeze. A table set for two in the center of the room, laden with gleaming silver and delicate china. And there, at the bottom of the stairs, stood Griiq.

He was a vision in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, his dark hair slicked back and his eyes shining with love. As I approached, he bowed deeply, taking my hand in his. "You look stunning, my love," he murmured, brushing a kiss across my knuckles.

I blushed, feeling like a princess in a fairytale. "What's all this for?" I asked, gesturing to the romantic scene before us.

Griiq smiled enigmatically. "Can't a man spoil his lady every now and then?" He led me to the table, pulling out my chair like a true gentleman.

As we dined on a sumptuous feast prepared by the castle's skilled chefs, we talked and laughed, the troubles of the past few weeks melting away. The music swelled around us, a beautiful symphony that seemed to echo the love in our hearts.

I couldn't take my eyes off Griiq, marveling at the depth of my feelings for him. After all we had been through, all the dangers we had faced, our love had only grown stronger. As he reached across the table to take my hand, I knew that whatever the future held, we would face it together.

We finished our meal, and a servant appeared at Griiq's elbow, bearing a silver tray. Upon it sat two delicate crystal bowls, each filled with what appeared to be a rich, decadent chocolate mousse. The sight alone made my mouth water.

Griiq placed the bowl before me with a flourish. "For you, my love. A sweet ending to a perfect evening."

I dipped my spoon into the mousse, marveling at its silky texture. As I brought it to my lips, the rich, velvety chocolate coated my tongue, sending a shiver of delight down my spine. It was like tasting a piece of heaven, the flavors complex and intense. I could detect notes of dark chocolate, a hint of espresso, and the slightest whisper of vanilla.

"This is incredible," I murmured, savoring each luxurious bite. "Did the chefs use magic to create something so divine?"

Griiq chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "No magic, my dear. Just pure skill and the finest ingredients. I wanted everything to be perfect for you tonight."

After we finished our dessert, Griiq rose from his chair and extended his hand to me. "Dance with me, Harlow."

I placed my hand in his, allowing him to draw me to my feet. He led me to the center of the parlor, where the music swelled to a beautiful love song. The melody was sweet, the lyrics speaking of eternal devotion and unending love.

Griiq pulled me close, his powerful arms encircling my waist. I melted into his embrace, resting my head against his broad chest. We swayed together in perfect harmony, our bodies moving as one to the rhythm of the music.

As we danced, the world fell away until there was nothing but the two of us, lost in each other's eyes. Griiq's gaze filled with such love and adoration that it took my breath away. I knew in that moment that I would never tire of being in his arms, of feeling the warmth of his body against mine.

The song drew to a close, but Griiq made no move to release me. Instead, he brought his hand up to cup my cheek, his thumb gently caressing my skin. "Harlow, my love," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "There's something I need to ask you."

Before I could respond, he lowered himself to one knee, reaching into his pocket to withdraw a small black velvet box. My heart stuttered in my chest as he opened it, revealing the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.

The diamond was large, at least a carat, and it sparkled like a miniature sun in the candlelight. Smaller diamonds surrounded it, their fire just as bright, and they extended halfway around the band in an intricate, glittering design.

"Harlow Adams," Griiq said, his eyes never leaving mine. "From the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. You saw past the monster that everyone else feared and found the man beneath. You're my light in the darkness, my hope for a future I never dared to dream of. I love you more than words can say, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me. Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?"

Tears sprang to my eyes as I nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. "Yes," I whispered, my voice choking with emotion. "Yes, Griiq, yes!"

The room erupted into applause as Griiq slipped the ring onto my finger, the servants clapping and cheering at my declaration. But I barely heard them, too lost in the love shining in Griiq's eyes as he rose to his feet and pulled me into a passionate kiss.