18. Bronwyn

18

brONWYN

I wake slowly, my body pleasantly sore as I become aware of Zyx's strong arms around me. The events of last night flood back, bringing a smile to my face. I snuggle closer, savoring his warmth and the safety I feel in his embrace.

As I lie there, my mind wanders over the whirlwind my life has become. Just days ago, I was running for my life on a ravaged Earth. Now, I'm in a magical realm, wrapped in the arms of a winged being who makes my heart race.

It's overwhelming, to say the least. The constant fear and struggle that defined my existence on Earth seem like a distant nightmare compared to the wonder and beauty of Nythorra. Yet, old habits die hard. Part of me still expects to wake up and find this all a dream, to be thrust back into the harsh reality I've known for so long.

But Zyx's steady breathing and the solid presence of his body against mine anchor me to this new reality. I trace my fingers lightly over his arm, marveling at the subtle shimmer of his midnight blue skin. He's unlike anyone I've ever known, not just in appearance but in his kindness, strength, and the way he looks at me like I'm something precious.

Our relationship has developed so quickly, but it feels right in a way I can't explain. There's a connection between us that goes beyond physical attraction. It's as if something deep inside me recognizes him, like we were meant to find each other.

Still, doubts creep in. Can I truly belong in this world? Will I be able to adapt and find my place here?

And what about Zyx? I've felt connected to him for so long, but will he care for me in the same way? Or have I just been interesting to him since he's never seen a human before and after this week, he'll go back to his life.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. One step at a time, I remind myself. For now, I'm safe, I'm cared for, and I have a chance at a life I never thought possible. Whatever challenges come, I'll face them. And hopefully, I'll face them with Zyx by my side.

Zyx stirs beside me, his silver eyes fluttering open. A lazy smile spreads across his face as he sees me, and my heart skips a beat.

"Morning," he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.

I take a deep breath. "Zyx, I... I need to talk to you."

He props himself up on an elbow, suddenly alert. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, exactly. It's just..." I struggle to find the right words. "Everything's happening so fast. A few days ago, I was fighting for survival on Earth. Now I'm here, in this magical world, with you. It's overwhelming."

Zyx listens intently, his expression soft and understanding. He doesn't interrupt, giving me space to voice my thoughts.

"I'm scared," I admit. "I don't know how to get back…or if I even want to get back. And…" I don't know what to do about him. But I can't say that. "It's just all a lot."

Zyx reaches out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Bronwyn, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You've been through so much, and this is a huge change. But you're stronger than you know. I've seen how quickly you adapt, how curious you are about everything here. You do belong, if you want to."

His words wash over me, soothing some of my anxiety. "And as for us," he continues like he can read my mind, "we don't have to rush anything. If you were worried about that. I'm enjoying getting to know you."

I lean into his touch, feeling a wave of gratitude. "Thank you, Zyx. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He pulls me closer, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. We lie there in comfortable silence for a moment, and I feel some of my fears melting away.

Suddenly, Naia's voice cuts through the quiet. "Bronwyn! Zyx! Are we going to get going?"

We both jolt upright, the peaceful moment shattered. Zyx chuckles, shaking his head. "I guess it's time to rejoin the others."

As we scramble to get dressed, I can't help but smile. Despite my fears, I'm excited for whatever this new day in Nythorra might bring.

I stay close to Zyx for the rest of the day, not even lying to myself about why. My fingers brush against his hand as we walk, sending a thrill through me. When we pause to rest, I lean against his shoulder, savoring his solid presence. Each touch grounds me, anchoring me to this new reality that still feels surreal at times.

Zyx responds in kind, his gestures both protective and affectionate. His wing often drapes around me when we stop, shielding me from the unfamiliar world around us. His hand finds the small of my back as he guides me, always lingering like he doesn't want to let me go.

As we trek through a particularly dense part of the forest, Naia falls into step beside me. It takes some maneuvering on her part, but she manages to force me and Zyx apart. A mischievous glint sparkles in her eyes.

"So," she drawls, "you and Zyx seem... close."

I feel heat rush to my cheeks. "I... we..."

Naia laughs, a bright sound that cuts through the forest's quiet. "No need to be shy. We all heard you two last night."

My face burns hotter. "Oh god."

She shrugs, grinning. "Don't worry about it. Kairos and I got pretty freaky too."

I stumble over a root, caught off guard by her frankness. Zyx steadies me with a hand on my elbow, concern etched on his face. I offer him a reassuring smile before turning back to Naia.

"You did?" I whisper, curiosity overriding my embarrassment. It feels a little less weird knowing we weren't the only ones.

Naia nods, her expression softening. "Yeah. There's something about this place, you know? Makes everything feel more... intense."

I nod, understanding exactly what she means. Every sensation, every emotion seems heightened here in Nythorra. Especially when it comes to Zyx.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Zyx's hand brushes against mine again. I intertwine our fingers, drawing strength from his touch as we continue our journey, and I try to ignore the fact that it is coming to an end.

Instead, I spend the rest of the day enjoying my time with Zyx. By the time we decide to make camp, I no longer feel self conscious about my growing obsession with the noctari.

I watch Zyx as he sets up our camp for the night, his movements efficient and graceful. The fading twilight casts a soft glow on his midnight blue skin, making him look almost ethereal. My heart swells with affection, and suddenly, I can't resist the urge to touch him.

Without a word, I cross the small clearing and wrap my arms around his waist from behind. Zyx stills, his body tensing for a moment before relaxing into my embrace. I stand on my tiptoes and press a soft kiss to the nape of his neck.

"What was that for?" he asks, his voice low and husky.

I shrug, even though he can't see it. "Do I need a reason?"

Zyx turns in my arms, his silver eyes shimmering with warmth and something deeper. His wings curl around us, creating a cocoon of intimacy. My breath catches in my throat at the intensity of his gaze.

I start to doubt myself, though. We slept together once. That doesn't entitle me to anything. But when a smile plays on his lips, I start to relax.

"Never," he murmurs, cupping my face in his hands.

I lean in, capturing his lips with mine. The kiss is soft at first, a gentle exploration. But it quickly deepens, igniting a fire in my veins. Zyx's hands slide down to my waist, pulling me flush against him. I tangle my fingers in his silky white hair, marveling at how right this feels.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily. Zyx rests his forehead against mine, a smile playing on his lips.

"You keep surprising me, Bronwyn," he says, his thumb tracing circles on my hip.

I grin up at him, feeling lighter than I have in years. "Get used to it, big guy."

Zyx chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I look forward to it."

As we reluctantly separate to finish setting up camp, I catch Zyx stealing glances at me, his expression a mix of wonder and joy. Each look sends a thrill through me, reaffirming that I've made the right choice in embracing this new chapter of my life.