Chapter 5

Monte's eyes fluttered open, his heart racing and reacting in ways he hadn't felt before. The image of Kiri's gaze roaming over his body lingered in his mind, igniting something within him.

Something he dared not explore.

There was no use denying the pull he felt toward her, but he also knew the danger of pursuing it.

She was a human… Visiting Monster Island on a business trip. And he was a Minotaur, at least twice her size and very… different.

How could she find him attractive when no other female had shown any interest in him?

They weren't even the same species, and much less, she didn't live on Monster Island.

Somewhere deep within, a part of him felt foolish for harboring such feelings for Kiri.

But another part—the part that saw how she looked at him with intrigue instead of fear—clung to the possibility of something more.

He snorted. Finding himself foolish for thinking such wandering thoughts.

Love and all its fickle fantasies were not for him. He was not a man but a beast—a reality he was constantly reminded of each time he gazed upon himself in any reflective surface.

But why would she be interested in him? When she had access to the whole world.

Or was it all in his imagination? It had to be… A misunderstanding between species.

And yet, when she asked him what he wanted in companionship, he couldn't reply… He never wanted someone to coexist with, until he'd met her, and now, he feared where his mind would go… dreaming of fantasies of something more.

In the end, it would all be the same—she would leave, and his heart would ache.

He quickly threw off the covers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his hooves hitting the floor with a soft thud.

Shaking himself from the deluge of thoughts threatening to consume him, he growled, a deep rumbling in his chest. Grunting, he rose and stretched, towering over his bed, his muscles rippled under his tawny fur.

With a resigned sigh, Monte lumbered out of his room and made his way to the living room, his steps light to try not to startle Kiri awake if she was still sleeping. Well, as light as he could be, unfortunately, his hooves still made a soft click on the stone floor. He cursed himself for his species' weakness—there was no such thing as stealth for a Minotaur.

He grinned when he found Kiri still asleep on the couch, her blonde hair fanned out across the pillow, her face serene in slumber. He paused for a moment, admiring her beauty in the soft morning light that filtered through the windows.

There was a soft innocence to her, something that he felt like he didn't deserve to be in the presence of.

He was a beast, and she was… not.

It was something he needed to remind himself—and often—for she made him feel dangerous things, as if it didn't matter.

Sighing, his tail swayed restlessly as he glanced out the window.

It was still early, the sun just starting to rise over the horizon.

He decided it was best to let her continue to rest as he turned toward the kitchen to make them both breakfast. She needed her rest in order to heal, especially to let the medicine do its magic, using her body's energy with the natural power from the cream's ingredients to mend her injuries.

Besides, he didn't know who wouldn't want to be woken up by the smell of bacon and homemade bread.

Monte hummed to himself as he set about preparing a hearty breakfast for himself and Kiri. He had always enjoyed cooking, finding it therapeutic in a way. And with Kiri staying over, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills, especially since he hardly ever had guests…

He grabbed a cast iron skillet from the cabinet and placed it on the stove, turning the knob to start heating it up. As he waited for it to get hot, he pulled out some eggs, bacon, and pancake mix from the pantry. It wasn't much, but it would be enough for their meal.

As he worked, he couldn't help but steal glances out the window every now and then. The view was breathtaking—tall trees stretched toward the sky in all directions while the peaceful lake peeked through breaks in the foliage—all bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun. This view was the reason he'd decided to make this place his home, marking the land and building the cabin of his dreams by his own hands.

The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and Monte's heart swelled with contentment. It had been so long since he'd shared his home, his sanctuary, with anyone. He'd forgotten how it felt to entertain someone.

He glanced over at her sleeping form once more, a tender smile playing on his lips. Somehow, having her stay felt right, as odd as it may seem.

Piling everything onto plates, he set them on a tray along with some coffee and glasses of orange juice before making his way to the living room where Kiri was still sleeping on the couch.

"Kiri, wake up," Monte called out gently as he set the tray down on the center table in front of her.

Kiri stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she breathed in the scent of breakfast in the air. She sat up, stretching her arms above her head, and smiled. "Good morning," she said, her voice still husky with sleep. "Something smells amazing."

Monte grinned as he carried his meal over to join her in the living room and sat down on the lounge chair beside her. "I thought you might be hungry." He took the steaming mug of coffee off of her tray and passed it off to her. "I hope you like your eggs scrambled."

She took a sip of the rich, aromatic brew and sighed contentedly. "This is perfect, thank you."

He observed her as he piled hearty helpings of eggs, bacon, and pancakes onto their plates. A grin spread across his face as he caught sight of her eyeing the food with a ravenous look. It meant that the medicine was working, and she needed nutrition, and she approved his breakfast offering.

They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's presence, with the only sounds their eating, the clink of cutlery and the distant chirping of birds filling the space.

As they finished their meal, Monte leaned back in his chair, his eyes meeting Kiri's. "I was thinking, if you're up for it, I'd love to show you my woodworking barn today."

Kiri's eyes lit up with interest. "I'd love that," she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "But I should get dressed first."

Monte nodded, watching as Kiri slowly rose from her seat with the use of her good leg. His heart pounded in his chest when her face twisted in pain as she tried to put weight on her sprained ankle.

With lightning speed, Monte seized her waist with one hand and cradled her closer with the other arm. Her body was warm and soft against his rugged form. He could smell the sweet scent of her hair mingling with the faint aroma of the herbal medication still clinging to her skin.

"Hold on to me," he instructed gently, nuzzling into the crook of her neck to give her better support. "I've got you."

She wrapped her arms around him tightly. Her grip was strong… and surprisingly comforting. It somehow made him feel less monstrous, and he didn't know why her approval of him made him crave her acceptance.

"I'm fine," she insisted, though the falter in her smile told him otherwise. "I can handle it."

His heart hammered in his chest at their proximity—at how right it felt to have her tucked against his side—as he carried her to the guest bathroom, settling her onto the bench beside his oversized waterfall bathtub. His gaze lingered on her face a moment longer than necessary before he forced himself to pull away.

As he lifted her in his arms, their bodies pressed together, he could feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. He made his way to the guest bathroom, gently setting her down on the wooden bench next to his luxurious waterfall bathtub. He admired her delicate features, taking a moment to appreciate how perfectly she fit in his arms. He reluctantly tore his gaze away from her face and forced himself to step back.

"I'll get your ankle looked at," he muttered, giving her one last look filled with concern before he disappeared back down the hallway, retracing his steps.

As he prepared a cold compress and gathered some liniment for the swelling, Monte couldn't help but replay their close encounter. His hand unconsciously grazed over the spot where those dainty fingers had gripped him so tightly. A strange warmth spread from his chest, making him sigh heavily.

Did humans possess magic?

There was no other reason for his body to react the way it did to her touch… or whenever her gaze fell upon him.

She had somehow put a spell on him, and he was utterly enchanted by her…

Monte returned to the bathroom, her luggage rolling smoothly behind him and Lyall's meticulously packaged medication tucked securely under his arm. As he pushed through the door, his gaze fell on her, as she stared at her surroundings, with a look of stunned awe etched into her features.

"This bathroom… it's gorgeous, Monte," Kiri murmured, her gaze tracing over the rustic charm of the stone tiles and carved cabinets, up to the skylight that filled the room with its natural sunlight. It was like a piece of outdoors had been cut from nature and placed into a bathroom, only more luxurious.

"Does your entire cabin look like this?"

A swell of pride overtook him, breaking through his stoic guard. And yet, his reaction was tinged with nervousness at the thought of her judging him… inadequate. "Um... yes... The rest of my home is similar. Is something wrong?"

She laughed, a chuckle that bubbled up from deep within her chest. It was a sound that filled the room with warmth, causing Monte's heart to beat harder in his chest—a reaction only she could awaken from his body.

"No issue at all... I love it," she said sincerely, causing Monte's muscles to relax. "It's beautiful."

When she looked back at him, her eyes twinkled with newfound respect or maybe admiration. He couldn't quite tell. But whatever it was, it made him feel more appreciated, even though she was a human.

A female Minotaur would declare whether his home was worthy and demand for him to take her, to seal their lives together—to create a family.

A mate and a family—two things he thought he would never have, and yet…

Regardless, Monte knew that he was once again letting his instincts and thoughts run wild.

Kiri wasn't a monster, and it was clear she was from the city, and thrived there, by her lack of survival skills when it came to scaling the mountain. The evidence for this came from what he had acquired about her, as well as how she had traversed on foot from her rental.

Everything she owned screamed trendy businesswoman, from the designer brand named clothing that he had only seen on the vidscreen to all the accessories that went with the outfits he'd found.

Why would she be interested in staying with him, in the middle of the mountains, when she came from a more active place?

Monte carefully applied the salve onto Kiri's ankle while gently securing the cold compress with bandages. Every wince from her made him twitch with concern as his large fingers worked delicately, making sure he didn't accidentally hurt her with his brute strength.

Her scent mixing with the peppermint from the salve was an intoxicating concoction that made his head spin, while her blush intensified in contrast to her fair complexion.

Every squirm she made beneath his touch, stirred a surge of something primal deep within him. He was torn between the desire to aid the fragile human female under his care and the need to respond to her implicit calls for more than just physical aid.

"It would be easier if you kept still," Monte rumbled, struggling with his beastly instincts, attempting to concentrate on the task at hand. Her hazel eyes met his, wide and full of an unnameable emotion that made his heart clench. Grunting, he forced himself to continue his work, fingers kneading her smooth flesh with utmost care.

Her grasp tightened on the edge of the bench she was sitting on, and her fingers turned white as they dug into the wooden edge. His gaze flickered over to her face as her body began to relax as she leaned against the wall, her breaths becoming slow and rhythmic—soothing even.

"Monte," she moaned softly, biting down on her lower lip as he continued applying the salve to her swollen ankle. The noise was like a punch to his gut. His pulse quickened at the sound of his name slipping so effortlessly from between those tempting lips. A wave of heat washed over him; it was a reaction he never thought he would experience.

A female moaning his name.

Her cheeks darkened further under his intent stare, but he noticed how she didn't pull away. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and gave him a determined look. It was as though she was daring him, challenging him in a way that sent another tingle down his spine.

"Don't you dare stop," she growled, reaching out to grab one of his curved horns. "You don't understand how good it feels after feeling nothing but pain."

As her fingers traced the curvature of his horn, he felt a jolt of electricity shoot straight to his core, making him shudder. This mere human was stirring feelings in him—forbidden desires—that he hadn't thought possible. But as she looked at him with an intensity that matched his own, Monte wondered if maybe—just maybe—she was as affected by him, as she was affecting him—that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

"Yes, Female." He huffed, his tail swinging wildly behind him as he adjusted his stav, which sprung to life and stiffened as it hung between his thighs. Something about her command made him want to please her more—to earn his name from her lips again.

Her hand dropped to his arm, and she began to idly trace circles. Her touch ignited heat onto his arm, an unfamiliar sensation that made him crave more—to feel more.

As he worked on her foot, Monte found himself lost in the sight of her. From the way her hair shone, glowing under the natural sunlight from the skylight to her slightly parted lips that drew him in like a sailor lost to a siren's song.

He was already on his knees, tending her body, it wouldn't take much to get him to worship her.

Her hand stilled when he accidentally pressed too hard, earning a sharp intake of breath from Kiri.

"I'm sorry," he rumbled lowly. "I didn't mean—"

Kiri leaned forward and cupped his face, her hand dwarfing his head as she stroked his cheek with her thumb. She shook her head quickly. "No… you did nothing wrong," she murmured. "Even with my injury, you are so good with your hands that you kneaded my pain away—"

"But I hurt you," he corrected, searching her caring gaze. "You wouldn't have hissed if I didn't."

"You hit a tender spot, but it wasn't pain," she explained soothingly. "It was a sharp and sudden jolt that came as swiftly as it left."

Monte pinched his lips and frowned. "I don't want to hurt you… so please tell me if I ever do."

Kiri's piercing hazel eyes bore into his own, with a sincerity that reached straight into Monte's heart, instantly soothing any anxious beats.

She gave him a nod, her lips curving into a soft smile that lit up her face. "You have my word, Monte." Her thumb traced soothing circles on his cheek. "And promise to do the same, please tell me if I ever hurt you."

He snorted softly at the thought, a wisp of amusement curling his lips. His large hand covered Kiri's where it rested on his cheek, dwarfing hers. "You? Hurt me?" He couldn't fathom it. She was a human, and he was a Minotaur, built like a fortress with walls of solid muscle and impenetrable hide. "Little bird, you couldn't hurt me even if you tried."

"Little bird?" She tilted her head and pinched her lips. "What kind of nickname is that?"

"You are tiny and beautiful, like some rare bird, lost and injured here on Monster Island," he explained. "Golden hair, soft skin the color of clouds in the early morning… you even have golden speckles mixed with emerald-green eyes. Compared to me, you're some… angel in human form."

"Angel?" She bolted upright, her eyes widening with excitement, sparkling like gems in the sunlight. A grin spread across her face as she let out a squeal of excitement. "Are they real?"

"I can't say." He huffed, hating to have to disappoint her. "I've never seen one on this forsaken island if they are."

"Oh." She sighed and leaned back in her seat, instantly deflated. "If you're going to call me Little Bird. What should I call you?"

"I don't need a nickname."

"No, that is where you're wrong!" She let out a hearty laugh as she playfully shoved him, unable to move him. "If you're not going to pick one out, then I will pick one out for you, since you gave me one."

"Try me," he teased, wanting to play along with her game. "You're right. It's only fair."

She tapped her chin and gave him a mischievous look. "Monte the Mountain."

"Mountain!?" His nostrils flared as he emitted a thunderous snort, his tail swishing violently behind him. His narrowed eyes and furrowed brow revealed his confusion. "Why mountain?"

"Maybe one day I will tell you," she teased with a chuckle, and then she sighed and looked down at her freshly medicated ankle. "I suppose I need to get dressed now," she remarked, touching the edge of her nightgown. "So we can go on about the day. I assume you have a lot of things to do."

"It would be best," he said in a carefully neutral tone, even though he thought she looked gorgeous in her rose gold pajamas. He didn't think she could appear any less beautiful no matter what she wore. "You should wear something you would be comfortable in, especially since we will be exploring my land. But… would you need help getting dressed?"

She laughed softly at his concern and shook her head. "I think I can manage," Kiri said with a hint of her usual humor returning to color her cheeks pink. "But I promise to call out if I need help."

As he finished wrapping up her ankle and making sure it was secure, Monte thought how his world had dramatically shifted with Kiri's entrance. There was something about this female human that he couldn't quite put into words. Whatever it was, he knew his life would never be the same after she slid her way in. She was a whirlwind—challenging him and testing his patience in ways he hadn't experienced before.

"All right then." Monte brushed an errant blonde hair off her face gently before turning to leave the bathroom. "I'll just be a shout away. Let me know when you're done."

He left her in the bathroom with the medication and first aid supplies, shutting the door quietly behind him with a soft click.

Monte leaned against the wall, running his large fingers through his dark hair and exhaling deeply. He had never anticipated that any female, much less someone as seemingly delicate and vulnerable as Kiri, could stir such feelings within him.

He had always been content in his solitude, reveling in the peace and quiet that Monster Island allowed him. Yet now, with Kiri's vivacious spirit illuminating his isolated world, he questioned if he'd been mistaking loneliness for peace all along.

His thoughts were a whirl as he placed the materials on the center table and cleaned up breakfast, wanting to straighten up the cabin while she had her privacy.

He knew that she was resourceful, and the guest bathroom was set up so that everything she would need to clean herself would be where they belonged. He just hoped she didn't injure herself with her limited independence.

The sun had risen higher in the sky by the time he heard Kiri's call. He dropped the drying rag onto the counter and rushed down the hallway—for some reason, his worries about her filled him with a sense of urgency, which made him quicken his thundering pace.

Mentally preparing himself, he stepped toward the bathroom door, only to halt when it opened abruptly. There she stood, clothed in his oversized button-down plaid shirt tied in the front and faded jean skirt that fell just above her knees with a pink rope belt. Her golden hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, revealing her flushed cheeks and sparkling hazel eyes.

She was breathtaking.

"Monte?"

"Do you…" He trailed off again, unsure of how to phrase his question without sounding foolish. Kiri watched him, a curiosity gleaming in her eyes that was almost as enchanting as her smile. "Do you have any…any magical powers? Because I feel like you've enchanted me."

"Magic?" Kiri asked, her eyebrows rising in surprise. He could see the blush creep up on her cheeks as she met his gaze.

"Yes," Monte answered gruffly. The sun had found its way into the room now, blessing her hair with a glow that almost seemed ethereal. She looked less like a woman and more like a celestial creature blessed by the gods themselves.

"But…why would you think that?" Kiri asked after a moment of silence. "I'm not some witch… nor have I ever met one."

"Because…" Monte hesitated again before finally shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know. I just feel different around you. Different in a good way."

"Different?" Kiri echoed, tilting her head slightly to the side as if considering his words.

"Yeah." Monte gave her a sheepish smile as he moved closer. He was acutely aware of the powerful beating of his heart, the warmth radiating from Kiri mere inches away. He reached out a large hand, lightly brushing a stray lock of blonde hair from her face. The simple touch sent a spark of electricity through him, stronger than any magic spell. "I can't explain it in words, but you've got a hold on me, Kiri."

Kiri raised an eyebrow at him and then burst into laughter. "Are you teasing me?"

He shook his head, snorting as he looked down at her. "Why would I tease you about something so serious?" His gaze softened as he watched her laughter subside and her cheeks return to their normal color.

"No magic," Kiri stated finally, reaching up to rest her hand on top of his larger one still perched on her cheek. "Would you think less of me if I admitted that I am equally enchanted by you?"

A shiver of thrill rifled through him, causing Monte's heart to skip a beat. His breath hitched as he stared down at her, hazel eyes gleaming in the dawning morning light, full of sincerity and something he had not dared hope for. No one had ever looked at him like that before, let alone spoken such words.

"Think less?" He stumbled over the words, fingers involuntarily tightening around hers. "Oh, Kiri, you've got it all wrong. You've got me spellbound."

Her eyebrows furrowed, a hint of uncertainty shadowing her gaze. "How so?"

He took a deep breath, his thumb tracing soft circles upon her cheekbone, drinking in her features as if seeing them for the first time. "I've never known anyone to look beyond my appearance. To say such things to me. To want to get to know me…"

"Then they obviously didn't see what I see," Kiri replied softly.

Monte let out a soft growl that echoed from somewhere deep within him as an unfamiliar tightness spread across his chest. "And what do you see?"

"Someone who is caring and kind underneath all that…" The corners of her mouth tilted upward into a small smile, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes as she patted his hand lightly before dropping it. "I suppose I'll just need to remedy that, won't I?"

Kiri launched herself at him, her lips meeting his with a fervor that left him stunned, sending shockwaves rippling down his spine. Her hands came up to cradle his jaw, thumbs stroking the fine fur there as she parted his lips with her own.

His blood ignited like wildfire, each nerve ending flaring in response to the foreign sensation. Overwhelmed and hungry for more, he reacted on instinct; one broad hand encircling her waist while the other nestled against the small of her back, pulling her securely against his solid frame. His tongue brushed tentatively against hers, deepening the kiss—a symphony of sensations roused by her taste alone—sweet like honey and intoxicating like the finest ambrosia.

Her smooth skin met rough calluses as he hoisted Kiri into his arms; she weighed nothing more than a feather.

He could feel the rapid pulse of her heart against his chest and smelled the faint scent of her vanilla shampoo mingled with the minty freshness from her medication. Monte grunted at the sudden closeness, the intimate heat that now radiated between them.

Carrying her like she was precious cargo, he never broke their kiss as he carefully maneuvered back into the bathroom, making sure he didn't accidentally injure her or her strained ankle.

Kiri gasped against his lips as he set her down onto the large bathroom sink counter.

Monte's hands roamed freely over Kiri's body, tracing the elegant curves of her waist and hips; each touch igniting a fire deep within him that he couldn't resist. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth as if trying to imprint her taste into his memory.

Kiri moaned into his mouth, her fingers tightening in his hair as she pulled him even closer and between her legs.

He snarled, giving into her demands, caging her between his arms as he got lost into the burning sensations. He pressed himself against her, groaning at the feel of her soft curves against his hard chest.

The kiss was different this time—burning with unsaid desires and unquenched thirsts. Their tongues danced together in a slow, seductive rhythm that had Monte's heart thundering in his chest like a drum.

The taste of her on his lips, the sensation of her soft body pressed against his hard one, these all tore at something primal in Monte. He craved more, yearned to lose himself in this female who had so quickly ensnared him in her spell. It was a wonder that he had ever doubted such a connection could exist for him, a monster who was used to seclusion.

And as he kissed Kiri with an undeniable fervor, the realization dawned upon him.

He was falling for her—fast and uncontrolled, like how she'd crashed into his life.

Pulling away scarcely an inch, their heated breaths mingling while hazel eyes stared into his.

"I want you," Monte growled hungrily before claiming Kiri's lips once more.

Kiri moaned into the kiss, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck as she surrendered herself to him.

Their lips moved in a heated frenzy as they lost themselves in each other completely.

Monte couldn't get enough of Kiri, he wanted to memorize every inch of her body and claim it as his own.

Kiri responded equally, her hands roaming over his muscular back and shoulders, pulling him closer if that was even possible.

Growling against her lips, Monte realized that they needed to slow down. His instincts were roaring its head, demanding more, but he knew that they needed to take this one step at a time. It wasn't just about his needs but also about respecting Kiri's boundaries and healing process.

She was human—and she didn't know what she was doing.

There was no way her body could handle his.

He pulled away from the kiss, resting his forehead against hers as they both tried to catch their breaths.

"I'm sorry," he whispered against her skin. "I got carried away."

Kiri smiled softly at him, brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. "Don't be sorry," she reassured him. "I wanted it too."

Monte felt relieved at her words and he pressed a gentle kiss on her temple. "But I just... I can't seem to control myself when I'm around you."

Her hazel eyes twinkled with a daring challenge and she smirked. "Well, maybe you don't need to," she declared confidently.

An animalistic groan rumbled in his chest as he fought back the urge to claim her there and then. "Kiri, I..." He was torn between wanting to honor her request and fearing he might hurt her—physically and emotionally. His fingers tightened around her soft shoulders, the contrast sending another shockwave of desire through him. "You don't understand..."

She leaned against him then, her body fitting perfectly into his massive form. His nostrils flared as he took in her scent, his primal instincts rearing their head once more.

"Maybe I do," she murmured, and pressed a gentle kiss against his coarse cheek. The warmth of her lips seared into his skin, leaving him yearning for more.

He groaned in response, as the beast within him stirred uneasily; it wanted to claim her there and then, to show her what it truly meant to be with him.

He yearned for her touch, craved the intoxicating feeling of her body against his. It took every ounce of his self-control to resist taking what she was so willingly offering.

"I can't…," he protested weakly, but Kiri cut him off with another kiss—one that was far from innocent.

Slowly but surely, Kiri was breaking down his defenses—one seductive smile at a time. Moon Goddess help him.

All he knew was that the last thing he wanted was to hurt her. And so he would fight against this temptation for as long as he could, to preserve this delicate bond they had formed. But deep down, Monte feared the inevitable outcome.

Not when Kiri looked at him not as a monster, but as a lonely male.

Her lips were soft against his again, a sweet and urgent demand. But he gently broke away, taking in her flushed cheeks and eyes filled with confusion. His chest tightened as he gazed at her, the soft golden glow of late morning rays seeping through the sunlight bathing her in ethereal light.

"I need time, Kiri," he confessed, his voice roughened with emotion, but she held up her hand to stop him.

"It's okay, Monte," she said quietly, as she blinked at him, surprise glazing over her features before it morphed into something that looked suspiciously like hurt. "You don't owe me anything."

Monte shook his head, adamant, reaching for her hands and wrapping them within his larger ones tenderly. "No, you don't understand," he rumbled, as he gently wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. "You didn't do anything wrong," he assured her. "I just...need time."

"I didn't mean to make things complicated," she murmured.

"This isn't your fault," he reassured her as he traced his thumb over the back of her hands soothingly. "But we both know that you're here temporarily… for your job." He closed his eyes briefly as he added quietly, "And if we… if we let things go too far…"

He swallowed hard, unable to vocalize his fear—abandonment.

The truth of his words didn't make them any easier to voice. He could see her grappling with them, weighing their implications even as she nodded reluctantly. There was a sadness in her eyes that mirrored his own.

"What happens if we...if feelings develop?" It was a question neither had answers to; it was a path littered with potentially heart-wrenching consequences, but he needed to voice it. He was becoming addicted to her presence, and he didn't want to become accustomed to life with her in it if she was just going to leave Monster Island and return to the city.

"Will you leave?" His voice was barely audible, even to his own ears—an anxious whisper filled with all his hidden fears. His gaze was intense as it met hers, silently begging for an answer he wasn't sure he was ready to hear. "Because once I finally have you, I don't want to risk losing you."