6. Bronwyn

6

brONWYN

I 'm practically dead on my feet. The night's been incredible, but between my frantic escape from the orcs and the non-stop festivities, I'm ready to collapse where I stand.

I trail behind Zyx as we make our way down the hallway, my mind still spinning from everything that's happened. The cozy warmth of his home envelops me like a soothing embrace, a stark contrast to the harsh, unforgiving world I left behind.

While he's showing Kairos and Naia to the spare room, I can't help but gawk at the intricate wooden carvings adorning the walls. It's all so... serene. Peaceful in a way I've never experienced before.

Once it's just the two of us, Zyx turns to face me, his mesmerizing silver eyes catching the soft light. "Bronwyn, my room's this way."

He starts walking, but I remain rooted to the spot, staring at his retreating back. Did I completely misread him? Does he think he just found a pet? Someone to warm his bed? What the fuck did I do?

He must notice my hesitation because he turns back, concern etched on his face. "Is... something wrong?"

"Your room?" I manage to choke out, fear suddenly coursing through my body. Is there nowhere I can truly be safe?

"I only have two beds," he explains, taking a step towards me. "And mine's more comfortable." He offers me a small, reassuring smile. "It's the best option for you."

My breath hitches in my throat. "I... Zyx..."

What is he going to do if I say no? Is he expecting me to offer myself up…as thanks?

I spent so many years running for orcs who would do this very thing for me. Did his god yank me here for a reason?

Just when I feel like I might start to hyperventilate, his silver eyes widen, and his mouth falls open in realization. "Oh, Bronwyn. I didn't mean... You won't be sleeping with me. That's my mistake."

Heat rushes to my face, and I'm sure I must be beet red. "I shouldn't have assumed... Wait." I could die from embarrassment right here and now. I went from insulting him by thinking he wants to sleep with me to stealing his bed. "Then where are you going to sleep?"

His wings rustle softly as he moves a little closer. Gods, he's gorgeous. It's not fair, but I can't seem to put any distance between us. Which makes this harder. I feel so drawn to him but my past trauma had me freaking out at the thought that he was trying to use my body.

After how nice he'd been all night.

Fuck, I'm disgusted with myself.

"The couch," he says simply.

"I can't kick you out of your own bed," I protest weakly. "Let me take the couch instead."

He chuckles, reaching out to take my hand. Every time we touch, I swear I feel a small part of me coming back to life. He gently tugs me down the hall. "I'm not going to let you do that."

"Then share it with me." The words tumble out before I can stop them. He freezes, turning towards me slowly, and I can see the surprise written all over his face.

And, of course it is. I'm sure now I'm the most contradicting person — or creature, I'm the only person — he's ever met. I just flipped out at the thought of him dragging me into that bed, and now I'm inviting him into it with me?

What the fuck is wrong with me?

But I've made my bed. Now I might as well get him in it with me — not touching obviously.

I quickly add, "Just so we're both comfortable, you know?"

He swallows hard, and I watch his throat bob, mesmerized by the movement. "Of course," he says, his voice a little rough, sending a shiver down my spine. "If that's what you want."

"It is," I hear myself say, surprising even myself with how quickly I agree.

Maybe I had one too many cups of that cider, or maybe it's just the intoxicating effect Zyx has on me. Either way, I can't bring myself to regret my decision.

He nods, and I catch a flicker of excitement in Zyx's eyes. I find myself leaning closer, inhaling his intoxicating scent. I hope that he knows I just want to sleep, but with how he's treated me, I think he sees my boundaries.

But I still don't quite trust it.

"Let's go," he whispers, his wings coming up to surround us in a cocoon of warmth and safety. I feel protected, and it feels…nice.

As we enter his room, I'm struck by its cozy simplicity. The bed looks inviting, piled high with soft furs and blankets. It's a stark contrast to the harsh conditions I've grown accustomed to, and I find myself longing to burrow into its comfort.

"There's an adjoined bathroom," he says, pointing at the door in the wall. His consideration touches me, reminding me once again of how different he is from anyone I've ever known.

I thank him, slipping inside to clean up. The water is warm, thank the gods, and I have never felt better than when I get out. But then I realize I have no clothes, and desperate, I take one of his massive shirts that I see stacked on a shelf in the bathroom. It smells like him, and I can't help but breathe in deeply.

When I step out, I sheepishly meet his eyes. "I hope you don't mind," I say softly, tugging at the hem of the shirt that nearly hits my knees. "I didn't have anything else."

He swallows hard, those silver eyes darkening to a stormy gray. "I don't mind at all."

Heat burns up my body with the way he is looking at me, like I'm the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. His gaze travels slowly from my bare feet up to my face, and I feel myself blushing under his intense scrutiny.

Seeming to compose himself, Zyx gestures for me to make myself comfortable, and I sink into the plush mattress with a sigh. He settles in beside me, careful to keep a respectful distance. But even with the space between us, I can feel the heat radiating from his body. It's... comforting.

"Thank you," I whisper, not just for the bed, but for everything he's done since I arrived in this strange new world. "I'm sure this isn't how you expected your night to go."

Zyx turns to face me, his silver eyes seeming to glow in the dim light. "You're welcome, Bronwyn. I'm glad you're here."

There's a weight to his words that makes my heart flutter. I find myself drawn to him, feeling a connection I can't explain. It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

As we lie there in the quiet darkness, I realize that for the first time in years, I feel truly safe. And it's all because of this winged stranger who's shown me nothing but kindness since the moment we met.

I drift in and out of consciousness throughout the night, my body finally relaxing after days of constant tension. In my half-awake state, I'm vaguely aware of shifting closer to Zyx, drawn to his warmth like a moth to flame. His presence is comforting in a way I can't fully comprehend, chasing away the nightmares that usually plague my sleep.

The next morning – or however time is measured here – I slowly surface from the depths of slumber. The first thing I notice is warmth - not just around me, but enveloping me completely. My eyes flutter open, and I freeze.

I'm curled against Zyx's chest, my head tucked under his chin. His arm is draped over my waist, holding me close, and one of his wings covers us both like a protective canopy. Our legs are tangled together, and I can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against mine.

My heart races, but not from fear. This feels... right. Safe. Like I've finally found a place where I belong after years of running and fighting.

And that terrifies me.

I've spent so long keeping my walls up, never allowing myself to get close to anyone. Attachment meant weakness, and weakness meant death in the world I came from. But here, in Zyx's arms, I feel stronger than I ever have before.

I should move. I should untangle myself and put some distance between us. But I can't bring myself to break this moment. Instead, I find myself nuzzling closer, breathing in his scent - a mix of pine and something uniquely him.

Zyx stirs slightly, his wing tightening around me. Even in sleep, he's protective. And it feels…nice.

No one has ever cared about me before.