14. Selena

14

SELENA

T he days with Zephyr pass in a haze of passion and discovery. I find myself adjusting to this new life with him, each moment solidifying our bond. As the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, I rise from our shared bed. The palace is quiet, the only sound is the soft rustle of silk against my skin as I slip into a robe.

Exploring the palace has become my routine. I trace my fingers along the intricate carvings that adorn the walls, marveling at the craftsmanship. Zephyr's home is now my home, every corner filled with memories of his past and our time together. The grand halls echo with our laughter and whispered promises.

I find myself drawn to the gardens, where exotic flowers bloom in riotous colors and delicate scents fill the air. Zephyr joins me there sometimes, his presence a reassuring warmth at my side. We walk together as we navigate the winding paths.

Every day brings new revelations about Zephyr and his world. I learn about demon customs and traditions, about the complexities of his people. Despite our differences, we find common ground in our acceptance and love for each other.

As I settle into this life with Zephyr, I can't help but feel a sense of peace settle over me. The doubts and fears that once plagued me have faded, replaced by a deep certainty that this is where I belong. I have found my true home in Zephyr's arms and in his palace. Together, we carve out a future filled with love, understanding, and endless possibilities.

I continue to explore, learn, and grow alongside him. Each day is a new adventure and chapter in our shared story. And just as I revel in the morning light, a slight breeze crosses my face as I step out onto the balcony. I smile into the air. "Good morning to you too," I say to the wind that seems to greet me.

I close my eyes as four arms wrap themselves around me. I lean my head back against his chest as my love greets me with kisses down my neck.

"Did you sleep well?" Zephyr asks.

"I don't recall getting that much sleep last night." I look up at him with a smirk on my face. A rumble stirs within his chest as he chuckles softly.

"Just remember, you started it. I had to finish."

He bends his head down to kiss my lips, sending chills throughout my body. I turn around to face him, on my tiptoes to meet his lips with mine. Our kiss lingers before he pulls away slowly, not wanting to stop. His eyes shimmer to a shade of gold with red hues.

"As much as I would love to finish this. We have training today, little one." He stares intently at me, causing me to blush under his stare.

"Yes, I remember. I'm ready when you are," I say.

"Good. But first, let's eat. You will need your strength." He winks at me while gently holding my hand to lead me to the dining hall.

After breakfast, we dress and head outside near the mountain landings for training. The wind whips my hair as I crouch on the mountain ledge, muscles tense and ready to spring. Zephyr's voice carries on the breeze, low and commanding.

"Focus, Selena. Feel the currents around you."

I close my eyes, reaching out with senses I never knew I had before meeting him. The air shifts, a subtle change that sends prickles across my skin.

"Now!"

I leap, twisting in midair as Zephyr's wind cushions my fall. With my blades twirling in my hands, I strike the air as if striking down a monster. My feet touch down lightly on a lower outcropping. Heart racing, I can't hold back a triumphant grin.

"Not bad for a human," Zephyr rumbles, suddenly beside me. His silver-gray skin gleams in the sunlight, his now blue eyes swirling with approval.

"I had a good teacher," I shoot back, bumping his shoulder playfully.

His laugh is rich and warm. "Come. There's more to show you."

I walk over to him and look up at him with softened eyes. "My strong protector." A warm smile washes over me as I lean into him to steal a kiss. The passion we share is intense as my body warms to his touch.

Hesitantly pulling away, Zephyr takes a deep breath and stares at me with red eyes. "Easy little one, we have more training to do," he says in a low, dominant tone.

"Yes, sir." I playfully roll my eyes at his shimmering red eyes. I can tell his demon spirit is trying to surface. I obey his command, knowing not to test him, and move back into position to continue training.

After training, we continue to explore the mountain landings together. We stand atop a cliff overlooking a small human settlement. Smoke rises from chimneys, and I can just make out tiny figures moving about.

Suddenly, Zephyr sniffs the air. I look at him with confusion in my eyes.

"A horde of beasts approaches," Zephyr says, his tone grim. "From the north."

My eyes widen as I gaze down upon the tiny figures. A village of innocent people. They must be protected. I nod, unsheathing my blade. "We'll be ready."

Together, we leap from the cliff, Zephyr's wind carrying us swiftly towards the village. Before we ascend, the horde of beasts breaks through the village entrance, causing havoc among the villagers. I land first with Zephyr behind me ready to attack. Some villagers scream in terror while others stand frozen, stricken by fear of our unknown presence.

I put my hand up in surrender, a gesture that we mean no harm. "Do not fear, we are here to help," I say to the villagers. I can see the fear in the villagers' eyes turn to cautious hope. They're learning to trust us, to see beyond appearances as Zephyr creates wind barriers to provide a path for the younger villagers to get to safety.

Once the villagers are safe, Zephyr lowers the wind barrier. The beasts take advantage and charge towards us. I pull out my blades, positioning myself for the fight.

"Remember," Zephyr murmurs, "we fight as one."

I meet his gaze, feeling the strength of our bond. "Always."

Smirking, we nod at each other as we charge together into battle.

After defeating the beasts, we offer our assistance to the village. Zephyr provides the villagers with gifts of herbs and food. We help to restore the village before saying our goodbyes to the thankful villagers as we head back to the palace for the night.

The next morning, the sun barely peeks over the horizon when I hear the commotion at the palace gates. Zephyr's warm body shifts beside me, his four arms tightening around my waist.

"More visitors," he rumbles, his chest vibrating against my back.

I groan, burying my face in the pillow. "It was all through the evening and now before dawn? Really?"

"Word travels fast," Zephyr quips, nuzzling my neck. "Your kind are nothing if not persistent."

Reluctantly, I disentangle myself from his embrace and dress quickly. By the time I reach the courtyard, Zephyr's already there, his imposing figure a stark contrast to the group of trembling humans before him.

"Selena," a woman calls out, relief evident in her voice. "We've come seeking your aid."

I step forward, placing a reassuring hand on Zephyr's arm. "What's the trouble?"

The woman, clearly the leader, straightens her spine. "A pack of shadow beasts has been terrorizing our village. We've heard tales of your... partnership. Please, we need your help."

I exchange a glance with Zephyr, seeing my own determination reflected in his swirling eyes. "Tell us everything."

As the villagers recount their plight, more visitors arrive. A merchant caravan seeking safe passage through demon territory. A group of healers looking to trade knowledge of human remedies for demon cures. With each new face, I feel a sense of purpose growing within me.

"We can't turn them away," I tell Zephyr later, as we prepare for the journey to the village.

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "I never expected to become a beacon of hope for humans."

"Or for me to become an ambassador for demons," I remark, strapping on my weapons. "Life's full of surprises."

As we set out, villagers in tow, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. This is what we've been working towards: bridging the divide between our kinds, one interaction at a time.