Chapter 13

The sun peeked through the vibrant, emerald leaves above, casting dappled patterns on Kiri's face as she strolled through the lush forest near Monte's cabin with her walking stick in hand. The crisp mountain air filled her lungs, leaving her feeling invigorated and alive.

Over the past few days, Kiri had grown to love this magical place more than she ever thought possible. It was easy to get lost in the wilderness and forget everything about her past self—her past life.

It was as if being surrounded by trees was better for her health than being surrounded by skyscrapers. Her skin seemed to glow, sun kissed and soft. She could thank Monte for it, because he'd spent the past nights covering her body with healing salve after they'd soaked in their new Jacuzzi.

She paused for a moment, leaning against a sturdy tree trunk, and closed her eyes to fully appreciate the harmonious melody of birdsong and rustling leaves. Life in the mountains was so unlike anything she'd experienced before, but it felt right.

More importantly, she couldn't remember the last time she'd been this happy. Her random chance to apply for this job was the first step to her life altering journey—it felt almost fated.

"Such a beautiful day to be daydreaming about your handsome Minotaur mate," a teasing voice chimed, startling Kiri out of her reverie.

Opening her eyes, Kiri spotted a mischievous water pixie-like creature, hovering in front of her with her iridescent wings fluttering rapidly. Her infectious giggle filled the air as she eyed Kiri with playful curiosity.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Lyra, a water pixie, known to all in these parts," the pixie-like being trilled, her voice like the tinkling of wind chimes. "And you're Kiri, the human who's captured our dear Monte's heart!"

"How do you know my name?" Kiri asked, unable to hide her surprise.

"I know about everything that goes on within these mountains," Lyra replied, rolling her eyes. "But I must admit, I've noticed how much happier Monte seems since you arrived on Monster Island." She flashed Kiri a knowing grin.

Kiri's cheeks flushed at the mention of Monte's happiness. "Is it that obvious?" Kiri asked sheepishly, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around her finger. "I don't know about capturing his heart." She laughed softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "But I will admit, being here with him has been... wonderful."

"Oh, don't be so modest, sweetie!" The pixie flitted closer, hovering mere inches from Kiri's face. "Darling, it's as clear as the crystal lake I call home," Lyra quipped, her laughter like tinkling bells. "And it's not just Monte who's happier—you seem to be glowing with joy yourself. And trust me, I've known Monte for ages. I've never seen him so smitten!"

Kiri's heart skipped a beat at Lyra's words. Could it be true? Had Monte fallen for her as deeply as she'd done for him?

"I... I can't deny it, I care for him deeply," Kiri confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I could feel this way about someone, let alone a Minotaur. But being with Monte feels right, like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."

"Love knows no boundaries, dear," Lyra said, her voice softening. "And I must say, seeing you two so happy together warms my heart."

The warmth and sincerity in Lyra's words touched Kiri deeply. She knew that despite the pixie's teasing nature, she seemed like she genuinely cared about the well-being of those around her.

The scent of wildflowers filled the air as Kiri and Lyra walked side by side, sunbeams filtering through the lush canopy overhead.

"Lyra, can you tell me more about the other creatures here on Monster Island?" Kiri asked as they strolled along a moss-covered path. "It's part of my job that I must promote the positives about Monster Island and what humans could do while visiting. I want to understand the locals better, especially since Monte and I are…well, together."

"Of course, dear," Lyra replied, her wings shimmering with each beat. "The island is home to all sorts of monsters, and for the most part, they all get along. Monte has a pact with the local lycan pack, which results in them both being allowed to freely transverse between each other's land and aid each other whenever possible. But one thing we all share is the desire to find love and companionship, and that's why it's so wonderful to see how happy Monte has become since you arrived."

"Really? How long have you known Monte?"

"Ever since he settled on his land," Lyra said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "You see, I'm the guardian of the lake, and I've been watching over the creatures here for many generations."

Kiri's hazel eyes widened in awe. "That's incredible. You must have seen so much change over the years."

Lyra nodded, her delicate features softening. "Indeed, I have. And while it's always a joy to witness the lives of monsters unfold, I've never encountered a human before."

Kiri's heart skipped a beat at Lyra's words. "You've never met a human before? How?"

"Humans used to hunt monsters, killing them and sacrificing them for their own religious deities," Lyra explained, frowning as her eyes dimmed. "It made us run and hide, mostly to this island."

"There are others?" Kiri asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's not my position to state whether there are." Lyra sighed as they continued their leisurely walk through the forest. "Traditionally, humans have always been seen as enemies by monsters. It wasn't until recently that the humans started to become openly accepting of our kind. Some with the perspective that monsters and humans can coexist and build relationships like Monte and you."

"Lyra," Kiri began hesitantly. "I don't want any harm to come to Monte or the other monsters on this island. In fact, I want to help them." She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I have skills with online sales and promotions. I could help the inhabitants here sell their products to curious humans, creating a more secure financial future for all."

Lyra's eyes lit up with interest. "That is a brilliant idea, dear. The monsters on this island have always struggled to maintain a stable income, as many humans are still wary of us. But with your help, we may be able to change that perception."

"I'm glad you think so."

Sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting dappled shadows on Kiri's face as she walked beside Lyra. The scent of moss and damp earth filled her senses, as a warm breeze rustled the leaves overhead.

As they continued their walk, Kiri noticed a glint of silver around Lyra's wrist—a delicate bracelet adorned with intricate blue rune-like patterns. "That's beautiful," Kiri murmured, pointing to her jewelry piece. "How long have you had it?"

"Ah, this?" Lyra laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I just formed this, actually. You could say it's a bit of a natural relic among the island's inhabitants."

"Really? What does it symbolize?"

"Protection and unity," Lyra explained, tracing the bracelet's engravings with a slender finger. "It supports its user, providing them strength, protecting them from harm."

"Harm?" Kiri felt a pang of guilt as she looked down at her own wrist, bare of any adornments or symbols. She had never been one for jewelry or trinkets, always preferring practicality over aesthetics. But now, seeing Lyra's beautiful bracelet and hearing its significance, she felt a tinge of envy. "How?"

"It's different for each user, but in the end, it does the same thing." Lyra grabbed Kiri's wrist, and pulled her arm out. "Since you're the first human I've encountered, and your presence has brought such happiness to Monte, it's only fitting that I give you this in return."

Kiri gazed in wonder at the delicate bracelet resting in Lyra's tiny palms. The intricate silver filigree glimmered in the dappled sunlight filtering through the lush foliage. A single iridescent gemstone, shifting between shades of blue and green like the waters of the mountain's lake, was set at its center.

"Kiri Flora, I have chosen you to be the next bearer." Lyra's melodic voice held a note of solemnity beneath her usual playful lilt. She extended her hands, offering the bracelet to Kiri.

Kiri reached out tentatively, her fingers brushing against Lyra's cool skin as she accepted the precious item. She held it up, admiring how the light danced across its surface. "Lyra, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you."

Lyra giggled, her iridescent wings fluttering with delight. "Oh, don't thank me just yet, sweetie! You've got quite the adventure ahead of you. That little trinket is going to come in handy, trust me." The lake guardian winked playfully.

Intrigued by her cryptic words, Kiri carefully slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. It fit perfectly, as if it had been crafted specifically for her. The metal felt cool and smooth against her skin, and for a moment, she swore she could feel a faint pulse of energy emanating from the runes and the elegant gemstone.

"So, what exactly does this bracelet do?" Kiri asked, tracing it with her fingertips. "Should I be worried?"

Lyra merely grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling like the sun reflecting on the water's surface. "Now, where would be the fun in telling you everything up front? Just know that when you need it most, the bracelet will be there to aid and protect you."

Kiri sighed, realizing that prying more information from the enigmatic pixie would be a futile effort. She glanced down at the bracelet once more, feeling this mysterious gift would play a crucial role in her future.

"I suppose I should get back to Monte," Kiri said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks at the mention of his name. "He's probably wondering where I've wandered off to."

Lyra's smile turned sly. "Oh, I'm sure he is! You two make quite the adorable couple, you know. The way he looks at you…"

Kiri ducked her head, feeling the heat rise in her face. She couldn't deny the growing attraction between herself and Monte, but she still felt hesitant to fully embrace it.

There was so much uncertainty surrounding their situation. She didn't know how she would ever be able to take him and his… stav. And whether it would matter to him.

Only the future would tell.

As if sensing her thoughts, Lyra flitted closer, her expression softening. "Don't let fear hold you back, Kiri. Embrace the love and passion that's blooming between you two."

Kiri gazed down at the bracelet once again, studying the intricate glowing runes etched into the metal. As she ran her fingers along its surface, a sudden tingling sensation shot through her wrist, causing her to gasp in surprise. The bracelet seemed to come alive, the metal warming against her skin as it constricted, molding itself to her wrist like a second skin.

With panic rising in her chest, Kiri tugged at the bracelet, trying to slip it off, but it remained firmly in place. "What the hell?" she muttered, her heart racing as she realized the implications of Lyra's ‘gift.'

Lyra, sensing Kiri's distress, fluttered closer, her iridescent wings shimmering in the sunlight. "Don't be afraid, Kiri," she reassured, her voice gentle and soothing. "The bracelet has officially chosen you as its wearer, worthy of its protection and powers."

Kiri's hazel eyes widened. "But what does that mean? Why can't I take it off?"

Lyra's smile turned enigmatic, her giggle echoing through the air like the tinkling of bells. "Trust in the bracelet, and trust in yourself and your relationship with Monte."

With those cryptic words, Lyra's form began to shimmer and dissipate, her body turning into a fine mist that swirled around Kiri before evaporating into the air. Kiri watched in awe as the last traces of the water pixie disappeared, leaving her alone in the tranquil forest.

She took a deep breath, the scent of damp earth and fragrant blossoms filling her lungs. The bracelet on her wrist continued to pulse with a life of its own, a constant reminder of its presence.

Kiri lifted her wrist, admiring the intricate design of the bracelet Lyra had gifted her as she ran her fingers over the smooth surface, marveling at how perfectly it fit.

She tugged at the bracelet once again, unable to believe how the bracelet remained firmly in place, as if it had become a part of her skin. She frowned, tugging harder, but the accessory refused to budge.

She needed answers, and the only one who could help her with this mystery was Monte. He would know what it was and what she should do… if anything.

Kiri's heart raced as she sprinted through the dense forest, her feet pounding against the damp ground, ignoring the sharp pain in her weak foot. Fallen leaves and twigs crunched under her boots, but she refused to let her injury slow her down.

The trees blurred together as Kiri's urgency consumed her, her focus solely on reaching her destination.

Finally, she burst through the trees and skidded to a stop in front of the cabin. Monte stood outside, chopping wood, his muscular frame silhouetted against the warm glow of the setting sun. His dark eyes widened with concern as he noticed Kiri's state, and he dropped his axe and hurried toward her as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Kiri, what's wrong?" Monte asked, his deep voice laced with worry. He closed the distance between them in a few long strides, his large hands gently grasping her shoulders.

Kiri held up her wrist, the bracelet glinting in the fading light. "Lyra gave me this, but I can't take it off."