37. Laia

37

LAIA

T he night hums with life, the flicker of flames casting a warm, golden glow over our camp. The tension of battle has melted away, replaced by a sense of triumph and camaraderie. I sit by the fire, a mug of ale warming my hands, my body still humming with the aftermath of the fight.

We’re celebrating our victory against the dark elves.

Irix throws back his head, laughing at something Thalos said. His laughter is deep and hearty, a sound that resonates through the night air. Thalos smirks, his usually stern face softened by the victory and the ale.

Kael leans against a tree, his eyes soft as they find me across the flames. There's something tender in his gaze, something that makes my heart flutter in my chest. I lift my mug to him in a silent toast, and he smiles in return.

The minotaurs have shown me their way of celebrating—with food, drink, and music. Kael begins to play a stringed instrument, the melody rough but vibrant. The notes are wild and free, much like him.

As I listen, I feel a tug in my heart, something wild and free stirring within me. This moment feels surreal—like I'm finally part of something bigger than myself. The fear and uncertainty that once gripped me seem like distant memories now.

Irix catches my eye and raises his mug in a playful salute. "To our warrior Laia," he declares, his voice booming over the crackling fire. "Who fights like one of us."

Thalos nods in agreement, his dark eyes glinting with approval. "You did well today," he says simply, but there's a depth to his words that warms me more than the fire ever could.

Kael's melody shifts into something softer, more intimate. The music wraps around us like a comforting embrace, binding us together in this shared moment of peace.

I take a sip of my ale, savoring the warmth that spreads through me. I allow myself to relax—to truly feel safe and at home.

As Kael's music fills the night air and Irix's laughter mingles with Thalos's quiet approval, I realize that this is what I've been searching for all along—a place where I belong.

A grin tugs at my lips as I stand, the firelight dancing in my eyes. “Show me how you celebrate,” I say, my voice teasing, but there’s an underlying challenge in my tone.

Irix’s eyes glint with mischief as he stands, towering over me. “You want to see how we celebrate? You’ll have to keep up, little one.”

My laughter rings out as I move to the center of the clearing, the music picking up pace. My body moves instinctively, swaying to the rhythm; my movements are fluid and graceful. The melody wraps around me, pulling me into its wild embrace.

Irix joins me first, his presence a mix of raw power and playful energy. He moves with surprising grace for someone so large, his eyes never leaving mine. His hands reach out, guiding me in a dance that feels both primal and exhilarating.

Thalos watches from the edge of the firelight, his gaze intense and unyielding. There’s a spark in his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine. He steps forward, his movements deliberate and commanding. The three of us form a circle around the fire, our steps in sync with Kael’s music.

Kael’s fingers fly over the strings of his instrument, his eyes locked on mine with a look of tender admiration. The music swells, filling the night air with a sense of joy and freedom. My heart races as I feel their gazes—Kael’s gentle warmth, Thalos’s smoldering intensity, Irix’s playful challenge—all focused on me.

I lose myself in the moment, the rhythm guiding my steps as I twirl and spin. The heat of their attention fuels me, making every movement feel electric. The fire crackles and pops beside us, casting flickering shadows that dance along with us.

This is more than just a celebration; it’s a declaration of belonging, a testament to the bond we’ve forged through blood and battle. For the first time in my life, I feel truly alive—free to be myself among these incredible beings who have become my family.

As the night wears on and the music continues to play, I know that this moment will stay with me forever. We are more than just survivors—we are warriors bound by something deeper than words can express. And tonight, under the light of the flickering flames and the watchful eyes of my minotaur protectors, I am home.

The air crackles with tension, the firelight casting long shadows as I spin, my laughter mingling with the night air. I beckon them closer with a playful smile, my feet moving in time with the beat.

Irix hands’ find my waist, his touch firm but gentle. We move together, our bodies close, the heat between us palpable. His eyes gleam with mischief, and I can feel the raw energy radiating from him.

Thalos and Kael follow as the music disappears, their presence magnetic as they circle me, like wolves around their prey. But there’s no fear, only excitement—a wild, untamed energy pulses through my veins.

Our gazes lock, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the four of us and the firelight. Kael leans in, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re ours tonight,” he whispers, his voice low and rough.

I shiver at his words, the heat in his gaze mirroring the fire burning in my belly. But it’s not just Kael—Thalos is behind me, his presence like a shadow, while Irix’s teasing grin promises something wicked. The night is charged with unspoken desire.

And I would love to fulfill it with my minotaurs.

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