31. Laia

31

LAIA

T he air buzzes with the sounds of rebuilding—the rhythmic thud of hammering, the scrape of wood being dragged into place, the low murmur of voices working in tandem. I stand at the center of it all, a smile tugging at my lips as I watch the minotaurs build our new lair. The scent of fresh pine mingles with the earthy aroma of damp soil, creating an odd sense of home amidst the wilderness.

It has been three days since that battle with the orcs, and things have certainly changed.

Thalos, once stoic and distant, now pauses to ask my opinion on the placement of new walls. "Laia, what do you think about extending this section?" he asks, his voice softer than I remember.

I consider it for a moment, imagining the space filled with warmth and light. "I think it would be perfect for a common area," I suggest. "Somewhere we can all gather."

I want the lair to look more like a house than just simply living inside a cave or a rock formation.

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good idea."

Irix, who used to be overbearing, listens to my suggestions with a teasing grin but always with respect. "What about this beam here?" he asks, holding up a thick piece of wood. "Think it'll hold?"

I step closer to inspect it, my fingers brushing against the rough surface. "It looks sturdy enough," I reply. "But maybe reinforce it at the base."

He chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Noted."

Kael is never far from my side, his touch lingering longer than necessary whenever he hands me tools or materials. His eyes are softer than usual, filled with an unspoken affection that warms me from the inside out.

"Careful there," he murmurs as he steadies a plank I'm holding. His hand brushes mine, sending a shiver up my spine.

"Thanks," I whisper back, our eyes locking for a moment longer than needed.

The three of them work seamlessly together now, an unspoken bond having formed between us all—a bond forged in fire and blood but strengthened by trust and mutual respect. The new lair takes shape around us, each piece of wood and stone representing not just survival but something more: a future.

As I step back to take in our progress, Thalos catches my eye and nodsapprovingly. Irix gives me a playful wink before returning to his work. Kael stands close by, his presence a comforting anchor in this sea of change.

It feels like we belong together. Can I really believe it?

Warmth floods my chest—a sense of belonging that I haven’t felt in years. They ask for my input and value my presence. I’m not an outsider anymore.

I watch Kael work on crafting a bed for me, his powerful hands moving with surprising gentleness. Each strike of his hammer, each precise cut of wood, speaks of care and thoughtfulness.

It’s huge. This bed can probably fit six people in it. I don’t get why he made it this big, but I’m loving it.

"How's it coming along?" I ask, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.

Kael looks up, a soft smile touching his lips. "Almost done. Just need to secure the last few pieces."

I stand close by, my fingers itching to help but knowing better than to interrupt his process. Instead, I marvel at the way his muscles flex with each movement and the concentration etched on his face. There’s something comforting about watching him work, knowing he’s building something just for me.

"Do you think you'll like it?" he asks, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"I already do," I reply, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael."

He nods, turning back to his task with renewed focus. The minutes pass in a blur of activity until finally, he steps back and gestures toward the finished bed with a flourish. "There you go."

The bed is huge and sturdy, covered with soft fur blankets that look incredibly inviting. I can’t resist the temptation any longer. With a laugh, I leap onto it, the fur cushioning my fall.

The softness envelops me as I bounce up and down like a child, free and unburdened. Laughter bubbles up from deep within me—a sound I haven’t heard from myself in what feels like forever.

Kael watches me with an amused grin, crossing his arms over his chest. "Comfortable?"

"More than comfortable," I reply between giggles. "This is amazing."

I feel like I’m truly safe here. My past seems to lift just a little more each day I spend here with them. The fear that has haunted me for so long starts to fade into the background.

I lie back on the bed, staring up at the wooden beams of our new lair's ceiling, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace. This place—these minotaurs—have given me something precious: hope for a future where I’m not just surviving but living.

And in this moment, surrounded by the sounds of rebuilding and laughter echoing through our new home, I allow myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, happiness is possible again.

My laughter is interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps at the doorway. I sit up, my heart skipping a beat as I see Thalos, Irix, and Kael standing there, watching me. Their gazes lock with mine, and for a moment, the air in the room shifts. The playful laughter fades, replaced by a tension that crackles between us.

Thalos clears his throat, his deep voice rumbling in the quiet. “May we come in?”

I nod, my throat suddenly dry, and the three of them step into the room. The space feels smaller now, their presence filling every corner. The tension is palpable, a silent question hanging in the air—what now?

Irix’s eyes twinkle with mischief as he leans against the doorway, his gaze sweeping over me. “Enjoying your new bed?” His tone is teasing, but there’s an underlying seriousness that I can’t ignore.

“Yes,” I manage to reply, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s perfect.”

Kael moves closer, his hand brushing against mine as he steadies a nearby plank. “We’re glad you like it,” he says softly, his eyes filled with warmth.

Thalos remains silent for a moment longer, his dark eyes scanning the room before settling on me. There’s something different in his gaze—a mix of resolve and vulnerability that I haven’t seen before. “We’ve been talking,” he begins slowly, “about what comes next.”

I swallow hard, my mind racing. What does he mean? Are they planning to leave? To send me away?

Thalos must see the fear in my eyes because he steps closer, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. “You’re part of this now,” he says firmly. “We’re not just surviving anymore. We’re building something—together.”

The words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning. My heart swells with emotion as I look at each of them in turn—Irix with his teasing grin but fierce loyalty; Kael with his gentle strength and unwavering support; Thalos with his commanding presence and newfound openness.

For the first time since escaping Eryndor’s clutches, I feel a glimmer of hope—a sense that maybe, just maybe, we can build a future together.

“What now?” I finally ask, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

Thalos’s lips curl into a small smile as he glances at his brothers before turning back to me. “Now,” he says softly, “we make this place our home.”

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