11. Zyx

11

ZYX

I scan the horizon, my senses on high alert as we traverse the land bridge of Terramyst. The air shimmers with the bioluminescent glow of the lumini, their light dancing across the landscape. Tidecallers move gracefully through nearby streams, their forms fluid and ethereal. Lithomorphs blend seamlessly with the rocky outcroppings, their presence barely discernible to the untrained eye.

The beastkin are all needed in their own right. But they are also dangerous. And here, where there is little land and not enough room to escape, I recognize it for what it is.

A perfect spot to attack.

A low growl rumbles through the air. My wings twitch, ready for action. "Stay close," I command.

The undergrowth rustles, and a massive, fanged beast emerges, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent. Two more flank it, their muscular bodies coiled for attack.

"Fuck," I mutter, stepping forward. My body shifts instinctively, positioning itself between the threat and my companions. My wings spread wide, creating a protective barrier.

"Bronwyn, behind me," I growl, reaching back to guide her to safety. Her warmth against my back sends a jolt through me, sharpening my focus.

The lead beast lunges. I duck, my claws extending from my fingertips as I swipe at its exposed flank. It yowls in pain, retreating a few steps.

"Kairos, Naia, use your magic. Create a distraction," I bark, never taking my eyes off the circling predators.

The air crackles with energy as Kairos and Naia summon their newfound powers. Flashes of light burst around us, momentarily disorienting the beasts.

I seize the opportunity, launching myself at the nearest beast. We tumble to the ground, a tangle of fur, wings, and claws. Its hot breath washes over me as I grapple with its massive form.

"Zyx!" Bronwyn's voice cuts through the chaos, laced with concern.

I twist, pinning the creature beneath me. "Stay back!" I shout, driving my fist into its jaw. The creature goes limp, and I spring to my feet, ready to face the next threat.

Kairos and Naia subdued the others, so, before the sounds of our fight can draw too much attention, I usher us to keep going. But as I lead our group through the treacherous terrain, my senses stay on high alert. The path narrows, winding between jagged rocks and steep drop-offs. My wings twitch, ready to catch anyone who might stumble.

"Watch your step here," I warn, eyeing a particularly unstable section of ground. "The earth's unstable."

Bronwyn approaches, her eyes fixed on the hazardous path. As she reaches the difficult stretch, I instinctively extend my hand. "Here, let me help you."

She hesitates for a split second, then grasps my hand. The moment our skin connects, a heat shoots up my arm, and all I want is to pull her into me.

Her hand is warm, slightly calloused - a testament to her survival on Earth. I swallow hard, trying to focus on the task at hand.

"Easy now," I murmur, guiding her across the uneven ground. My other hand hovers near her waist, ready to steady her if needed. The closeness is intoxicating, her scent filling my nostrils - a mix of earth and something uniquely her.

Bronwyn stumbles slightly on a loose rock. Without thinking, I pull her close, my arm wrapping around her waist. She collides softly with my chest, her breath catching. For a moment, we're frozen, our eyes locked. I can't tell if she wants this as much as I do or if I should pull away.

"You okay?" I ask, my voice rougher than intended.

She nods, a flush creeping up her neck. "Yeah, thanks."

I reluctantly release her, immediately missing her warmth. As we continue, I find more excuses to offer my hand or steady her with a touch to her back. Each contact sends a jolt through me, like lightning dancing across my skin.

I can't get enough.

We reach a narrow ledge, barely wide enough for single file. "Careful here," I caution, extending my wing slightly to create a barrier between Bronwyn and the drop-off. She moves closer, her shoulder brushing against my side. I'm starting to become obsessive over every little touch.

But as we make it past the ledge and deeper into the forest, I'm reminded again of how deadly it is to be out here.

I sense the danger before I see it. The air shifts, carrying the musky scent of an ursini - a massive creature known for its ferocity. My muscles tense, every instinct screaming at me to protect my companions.

"Stay back," I growl, pushing Bronwyn behind me. My wings spread wide, creating a barrier between the group and the approaching threat.

The ursini bursts from the underbrush, its roar shaking the very ground. It's larger than most I've encountered, easily seven feet tall at the shoulder. Razor-sharp claws glint in the starlight, and its eyes burn with primal hunger.

"Fuck," I mutter, dropping into a fighting stance. My claws extend, ready for combat.

The beast charges. I wait until the last second, then dive to the side. My wings propel me, adding speed and agility to my movements. As the ursini thunders past, I lash out, raking my claws across its flank.

It howls in pain and fury, whirling to face me. We circle each other, a deadly dance of predator versus predator. I can hear Bronwyn's ragged breathing behind me, fueling my determination to end this quickly.

The ursini lunges again. This time, I meet its charge head-on. I duck under its massive paw, feeling the wind of its strike ruffle my hair. In one fluid motion, I drive my shoulder into its chest, using its momentum against it.

We tumble to the ground, a tangle of fur, claws, and wings. The ursini's hot breath washes over me as it snaps at my face. I twist, barely avoiding its jagged teeth. My fist connects with its jaw, the impact jarring my entire arm.

Rolling free, I spring to my feet. The ursini is slower to rise, shaking its massive head. I seize the opportunity, leaping onto its back. My arms lock around its thick neck, squeezing with all my strength.

The beast bucks and roars, trying to dislodge me. I hold on, my wings flaring for balance. My muscles strain as I tighten my grip, cutting off its air supply. Slowly, agonizingly, the ursini's struggles weaken.

Finally, it collapses, unconscious but alive. I release my hold, panting heavily. Sweat drips down my face, mingling with a few scratches I hadn't even noticed receiving.

I turn to face my companions, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Bronwyn stares at me, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe. The sight of her safe sends a wave of relief through me, stronger than I expected.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart as the adrenaline slowly ebbs away. My eyes scan the area, making sure there are no more immediate threats. Satisfied that we're safe for now, I turn my attention back to my companions, particularly Bronwyn.

She's still staring at me, her green eyes wide with a mixture of awe and something else I can't quite place. I feel a sudden urge to close the distance between us, to make sure she's unharmed.

"Are you okay?" I ask, my voice gruff with concern. I move towards her, my wings instinctively spreading slightly, ready to shield her if needed.

Bronwyn nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm fine, thanks to you."

Her words send a surge of warmth through my chest. I find myself hyper-aware of her presence, the way she stands, the rise and fall of her chest as she catches her breath. My protective instincts, already in overdrive from the fight, seem to intensify around her.

As we continue our journey, I can't help but position myself closer to Bronwyn. Every rustle in the bushes, every unfamiliar sound has me on edge, ready to defend her at a moment's notice. I catch myself watching her more often than not, admiring her resilience and the way she takes in our surroundings with a mix of caution and wonder.

When we reach a particularly treacherous part of the path, I don't hesitate to offer my hand. "Here, let me help you," I say, my voice softer than usual.

Bronwyn takes my hand without hesitation this time, her fingers wrapping around mine. And once I help her across, she tips her head up and smiles at me. It takes my breath away.

I feel a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the physical exertion of our journey. Her gratitude, her trust in me, it stirs something deep within my chest. I find myself wanting to protect her, to keep her safe, not just from physical dangers but from anything that might harm her.

As we make camp for the night, I can't help but position myself close to Bronwyn. Every sound in the darkness has me on alert, ready to defend her.

But it's more than just protection - I find myself craving her presence, wanting to be near her. The way she moves, the sound of her voice, even her scent - it all draws me in like nothing I've ever experienced before.

And I don't want it to ever stop.