10. Chapter Ten

Chapter ten

Mark looks horrified, his eyes wide as he stares at Kruk. What should I do? I’m torn between running to him and staying by Kruk's side.

Kruk shifts into protector mode, positioning himself between me and Mark. He growls; a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates through the air. He stands taller, his muscles tensing, claws unsheathing with a menacing click. Mark steps back, his face pale, clearly thinking Kruk is about to attack.

"Kruk, no! Don't hurt him!" I cry out, my voice sharp with panic.

Kruk turns his head slightly to look at me, his eyes intense.

Do you know this human?

"Yes, I know him. He's... he is my boyfriend," I explain quickly, my words tumbling out.

Kruk's brow furrows in confusion.

Boyfriend?

"He was my mate," I clarify, hoping this word will make more sense to him.

Kruk's posture relaxes slightly, but he remains alert, protective. He glances at Mark again, assessing, then looks back at me.

"Kruk, he's not a threat," I add earnestly, hoping to ease the tension before it escalates further.

I turn toward Mark, my heart aching. I didn’t want him to find me like this, to find out about my new life at all.

"It's ok, Mark," I say, trying to reassure him. But let’s be real, he just watched me get pummeled in the pussy by a Bigfoot. There’s not much I can say or do to calm this situation.

Mark stares at me, confusion and fear etched across his face. His voice trembles as he speaks.

"Emily, have you gone crazy? I just caught you fucking a monster. Nothing is ok. And now you’re talking to it like it understands you!”

Oh yeah. I forgot that Mark can’t hear their telepathy. I probably look a little nuts right now.

I take a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure under his worried gaze.

"Mark, the Eldruk speak telepathically. They can understand more than you think."

Mark's eyebrows knit together, and he takes a step back. The idea of telepathic communication was possibly a step too far.

"Telepathy? Emily, are you serious? This sounds insane."

I can see the wheels turning in his head, his rational mind grappling with the surreal situation. He looks from me to Kruk, who stands calmly, watching our exchange with an intense focus.

"Mark, I know how this looks. But I promise I'm not crazy," I insist, my voice steady despite the rising panic I feel at his skepticism. "I've been living with them, learning from them. Please, just try to understand."

“Learning how to take 20-inch dick apparently!”

I rub my hands over my forehead. This conversation isn’t going well at all.

“Mark, please,” I beg, “just give me a minute to speak with Kruk and then I’ll explain everything.”

Mark shakes his head, clearly struggling to accept what I'm saying.

I turn back to Kruk, seeking his permission.

"Can I have some time to speak with Mark alone?" I ask, hoping he understands the necessity.

Kruk nods slowly.

Yes, it is only fair that you resolve any matters from your human life. But the forest is not safe for such discussions. We should take him into the tunnels.

I nod in agreement, relieved by his understanding.

Turning back to Mark, I see he's still visibly shaken. As I approach, Mark drapes his jacket over my shoulders, and I realize I’m still naked from the ritual. Kruk’s seed is dribbling down my legs.

"Mark," I start, my voice soft but firm, "I want to explain everything to you, but not here. It’s not safe, and it’s complicated." I gesture toward the shadowy outlines of the tunnel entrance. "Please, come with us. I’ll tell you everything on the way."

Mark hesitates, his gaze shifting between me and the looming figure of Kruk behind me. He looks back into my eyes, searching for the Emily he knows. After a tense moment, he sees whatever it is he needs to see.

"Okay, Emily," he finally says, his voice low. "I’ll come with you. I don’t understand all this, but I trust you."

Relief washes over me. I reach out, taking his hand.

"Thank you, Mark," I say as we start walking towards the tunnels. "I promise, I’ll explain everything as best as I can."

As we enter the shadows of the Eldruk territory, I squeeze his hand. Despite everything, it is good to see him again.

Together we follow Kruk into the deep, shadowy tunnels. The air cools, and the soft glow of moss lights our path. I take a deep breath, readying myself to explain the unbelievable.

"They're called Eldruk," I start, "that’s what they call themselves. What we know as Bigfoot or Sasquatch."

Mark’s steps falter slightly as he processes this.

"Eldruk," he repeats slowly, testing the word.

"Yes," I nod, continuing. "They're not monsters, Mark. They’re intelligent, kind, nature-loving creatures. They live here, underground, away from human eyes."

As we walk, I point out small details in the tunnel — the way the moss is cultivated, the gentle architecture of the paths, and the occasional glimpse of an Eldruk moving in the distance. As I introduce Mark to their world, I can see his terror gradually morphing into fascination.

"This... It’s incredible, Em," he admits. "They’ve built all this?"

"Yes," I say. "They have their own society, their own culture. It’s complex and beautiful."

"And they speak through telepathy?" he asks, a hint of skepticism still lingering.

"They do," I confirm. "That’s how Kruk and I have been communicating."

“So how come I can’t hear them?” he asks.

I think back to the ceremony in the pool. The torrent of jizz slapping me in the face.

“You have to partake in a special ritual,” I explain carefully, “it’s not just something they let any human do.”

Thankfully, Mark doesn’t press for more information about the telepathy ritual. Instead, he looks around, trying to imagine the invisible conversations happening all around him.

"It’s a lot to take in," he says.

"It is," I agree, giving him a reassuring smile. "But I’m here to help you through it. Just keep an open mind."

He nods, and we continue walking, his grip on my hand a little tighter.

The three of us arrive at my underground bedroom. Kruk stops at the entrance, his large frame filling the doorway.

I will give you the night to finish your personal business with the human realm , Kruk announces, his voice echoing in my mind. But tomorrow he must leave.

"Thank you, Kruk. I understand," I respond gratefully.

Kruk nods solemnly and then turns to leave.

Mark and I enter my chamber. It's quiet. I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding and turn to face Mark.

"Okay," I say, offering him a small, tentative smile. "Let's talk."

Mark takes a deep breath, his eyes searching the chamber before settling back on me.

"I thought you had died, Emily," he begins, his voice cracking slightly. "When you didn't answer any calls, I... I drove out to the forest."

He pauses, swallowing hard, his hands trembling slightly.

"I found your campervan. It was ruined, like maybe a bear had attacked it." His voice wavers as if he might cry, but then he steadies himself, drawing in a slow, deep breath. "I'm so glad you're alive. After our argument, I could never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you."

I listen to his story, taking it in. But inside, I feel detached. Since the ritual, since meeting the Eldruk, I haven’t thought of Mark or our argument at all. It hadn’t even crossed my mind that he would be worried. His presence, his concern — it all makes me realize just how far I've drifted from my old life in such a short time. I'm committed to this new path, so much so that I didn't spare a thought for those I left behind.

"I'm sorry, Mark," I say quietly, my voice sincere. "I didn’t think... I didn’t realize you’d be so worried. I’ve been through a lot here, and it’s changed everything for me."

Mark nods, looking both relieved to see me and overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

"I can see that, Em. This place, it's like nothing I ever imagined. But I'm just glad you're safe. That's all that matters now."

I look at Mark. Sweet, stupid Mark. I need to be honest with him.

"Mark, there's something important you need to know. I am part of an ancient prophecy to become the Eldruk queen.”

Mark's eyes widen.

"Is that why you were fucking Mr. Long-Cock in the woods?” he asks, trying to piece everything together.

"Yes," I reply. "That ritual was part of it."

Mark frowns, a look of concern crossing his face.

"Emily, are you sure they haven’t put some kind of spell on you? What if you’re not really in control of your mind?"

I shake my head firmly.

"Although there is magic here, the Eldruk haven't put any spell on me. Everything I've done, everything I'm doing, is of my own accord. I chose this path after understanding what it meant."

Mark pauses, absorbing my words. His eyes fill with tears again, the realization of what I’m trying to say dawning on him.

"You're not coming back with me to the human world, are you?" His voice is a whisper, barely audible.

"No, Mark, I'm not coming back. My place is here now, with the Eldruk. This is my path."

Silence hangs between us as he processes the finality of my decision. I can see the pain and acceptance battling within him. Just then, Stripe enters the chamber, his arms full of wood for the fire. The sudden appearance of the large Eldruk makes Mark flinch slightly, but I give him a reassuring look.

"Thank you, Stripe," I say as he carefully places the wood down, fueling the small blaze that casts warm, flickering light around us.

Stripe takes a long look at Mark.

I find this human very attractive. His form is pleasing to me. I see why you chose him as your mate.

Mark catches my eye, a wary expression on his face.

"Is the beast using his mind powers on me?" he asks.

I frown slightly at his choice of words.

"No, but he is talking to me telepathically,” I reply. "But please, call him Stripe, not 'beast'. He’s not a monster."

Mark nods, swallowing his discomfort.

"What did he say?"

"He said he finds you very attractive and understands why you and I were a couple,” I translate, watching as Stripe stands quietly by, observing our interaction.

Mark looks Stripe up and down, taking in his imposing form.

"Attractive, huh?"

I reach out and touch Mark’s arm gently.

"Don’t worry, Mark. Consent is very important here. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

Mark takes a moment to really look at Stripe, his eyes scanning the Eldruk from head to toe. I notice Mark’s eyes linger on Stripe's thick member for just a moment too long. Then, unexpectedly, a blush creeps into Mark’s cheeks.

"I mean, I can kind of see the allure," he admits, almost reluctantly.

I laugh lightly at his comment, pleased by his shift in perspective.

"They are quite something to behold, aren't they?" I say, my eyes glancing over to Stripe.

"Thank you, Stripe, for bringing the wood. That was very thoughtful."

Stripe nods, then takes one last curious look at Mark before he turns to leave the chamber.

As soon as Stripe exits, Mark puts his head in his hands, his shoulders slumping visibly. The day's revelations and the emotional rollercoaster seem to have finally caught up with him. He looks utterly exhausted.

"Mark, you should sleep a while," I suggest gently, touching his arm to offer some comfort.

He looks up at me, weariness etched across his face. Without a word, he nods and slowly lies down on the moss bed. It doesn't take long before his eyes flutter shut, and he drifts off to sleep. I watch him for a few minutes, observing the steady rise and fall of his chest. The tension on his face eases as he slips deeper into sleep.

While Mark sleeps, I think I’ll take a little midnight trip to Kruk’s chamber. It’s a sort of wedding night, after all, and we all know what couples do on their wedding night…