16. Mazituz

SIXTEEN

"Mazituz!"

My muscles tighten with a surge of panic and rage, a guttural growl building within me as Camille"s scream echoes through the cavern. Without a second thought, I propel myself forward, my powerful limbs carrying me swiftly toward the source of the distress.

My senses flood with urgency, and I move as quickly as I can. Adrenaline courses through my veins, heightening my awareness and propelling me forward with a speed born of primal instinct.

The tunnels blur into streaks of iridescence as I navigate them with a single-minded determination. My powerful legs push against the rocky ground, thrusting me through the labyrinthine passages with an almost supernatural swiftness. The rhythmic beat of my heart reverberates through the sinuous tunnels, synchronized with the primal drumming of my footsteps.

Bioluminescent lichen, usually a soothing presence, becomes a mere flicker at the periphery of my vision as I barrel through the underground corridors. Each twist and turn normally navigated with a calm and measured pace is now conquered in a frenzied rush.

I barrel through obstacles, heedless of the sharp rocks that would deter a creature less accustomed to these depths. My focus is singular. I must reach Camille and protect her at all costs. The resonance of her distress fuels my every stride, a symphony of fear and determination echoing through the cavernous expanse.

As I burst onto the scene, the rage within me erupts into a thunderous roar, a primal sound designed to intimidate and assert dominance over the encroaching monsters. My towering presence, fierce and commanding, fills the cavern, a manifestation of the protective instincts that have become entwined with my very essence.

I position myself strategically, claws unsheathed and ready for battle. Though I know other Narovu make their way through these tunnels, the network of underground caves is so large that it's rare I meet any. It's even more unexpected that I would have to fight them, trying to claim my woman. It seems they're just as interested in her as I am, but that's too bad for them. She's mine.

Looming in the shadows, the two Narovu are met with a show of unyielding strength. A tense standoff ensues, screeches and growls exchanged as I assert dominance.

The negotiation begins with guttural sounds, a primal exchange that echoes through the cavern like a discordant symphony. I assert dominance with menacing postures, a language of aggression that speaks to the very core of these rival creatures.

Yet, intertwined with the threat is a delicate dance – a series of gestures that convey both power and a willingness to avoid unnecessary conflict. I roll my shoulders to look unthreatening, wanting to be clear that I don't intend to hurt them if they give me what is mine. My claws retract slightly to show I'm not a threat.

Not yet. I will be if they won't cooperate.

The monsters, though reluctant, seem to sense the sincerity in my actions. The tension in the air lessens, but it"s a fragile calm as if the cavern itself holds its breath in anticipation.

Slowly, the grotesque forms retreat into the shadows, their receding presence accompanied by the echo of grumbles and growls.

With firm determination, I lead Camille back to our chamber, my grip on her delicate arm unyielding. The frustration that courses through me is palpable, and my steps echo with a measured and deliberate pace. The bioluminescent glow casts distorted shadows on the cavern walls, emphasizing the severity of the moment.

Once inside, I turn to face her, my gaze stern and unrelenting. My growls, guttural and low, fill the air as I begin a lecture. I'm so angry I find myself switching between the ancient language of the Narovu and the tongue I know Camille understands.

Camille"s attempts to speak are met with a dismissive sweep of my clawed hand. I won"t allow her to explain, not now. The echoes of her near-death experience reverberate through me, fueling my anger.

My lecturing tones are harsh, a series of warnings and scoldings that underscore the gravity of her actions. Camille, her eyes wide with remorse, listens to the tirade, unable to offer more than a feeble attempt to interject.

The tension in the air is thick, punctuated only by the occasional drip of water from the stalactites.

As Camille makes a tentative attempt to rise, I assert my authority with a commanding growl, compelling her to remain seated. "Sit," I command in a throaty tone, my voice resonating through the cavern. Camille, her expression a mixture of regret and anxiety, complies, lowering herself to the cold cavern floor.

The air is thick with tension as I continue to pace, my claws occasionally scraping against the rocky surface. The lesson isn"t just about obedience. It"s about survival in this harsh, subterranean world.

"If you can't be trusted, I'll have to deal with you myself," I growl in conclusion.

Her eyes go wide. "What does that mean?"

I rummage through the collection of clothes I've been gathering for her, my mind racing. Then I find something that will work. I tear the chest piece of a shirt off, leaving behind two sleeves and the collar.

My motions deliberate, I put the collar around her neck, wrapping the sleeves through the material so that they form a makeshift leash. Then I wrap the end of the sleeve around my hand and yank. Camille emits a small squeak, a sound that echoes in the cavernous chamber.

Camille"s voice, laced with defiance and fear, pierces the air. "What are you doing? Let me go!"

Her words reverberate through the cavern, meeting the echoing silence with a defiant edge. She squirms against the restraints, her frustration palpable.

In a fit of rage, I lose my cool, now thoroughly provoked. "How dare you! You would be dead without me! You had no right to leave me, you understand that? No right to gamble with your life like that. What would have happened next? Where would you be now if I hadn't heard you?"

"That's my own fault, not yours," she shouts back.

"Maybe, but it is my concern! You are mine!"

Something in her suddenly wide-eyed gaze breaks something inside of me. I don't even recognize myself as I begin tearing her clothing off. "Let's see how far you get like this," I growl, shredding her clothes into nothingness.