28. Claire

28

CLAIRE

T he snow crunches lightly under our boots as we traverse the silent expanse that stretches out before us. Thrag moves with a grace that belies his size, his eyes scanning the ground with the precision of a seasoned hunter.

"Look here," he says, his voice a low rumble that barely disturbs the quiet. He crouches, his thick fingers brushing against a faint impression in the snow. "It's close."

I watch him, my admiration growing with each passing moment. His strength is obvious, but it's his intelligence, his understanding of the land, that truly astounds me. "You're amazing at this," I whisper, and he grunts in response, a small, almost embarrassed sound that tugs at my heart.

We set to work, our hands moving in concert as we set the trap. His large, calloused hands envelop mine, guiding me with a gentleness that contradicts his fearsome appearance. "Like this," he murmurs, his breath a warm whisper against my cheek. I nod, mimicking his movements, securing the ropes and stakes with a newfound confidence.

The beast appears as a shadow at first, a dark silhouette against the white landscape. Its fur soon bristles as Thrag steps forward, his axe gleaming in the dim light. The creature snarls, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine, but Thrag doesn't falter. He charges at the beast.

The fight is a blur of motion, a true testament to Thrag's skill and strength. His movements are a deadly dance of power and precision. The beast roars, but Thrag's axe finds its mark. With a final, resounding blow, the beast falls, its life extinguished in the snow.

I rush to Thrag's side, my heart pounding in my chest. "Are you okay?" I ask, my voice breathless with worry.

He nods, wiping the blood from his axe with a practiced ease that speaks of too many battles fought. "It's done," he says, his tone final.

Together, we drag the beast into its lair, a dark cave that seems to swallow the light. The air is thick with the scent of earth and animal.

As we work on harvesting the meat, my thoughts drift to the future, to the people who will benefit from Thrag's bravery. This beast will feed them, will give them the strength they need to endure the harsh winter. And Thrag... Thrag has given them hope.

I glance at him, watching as he moves with purpose, his muscles flexing beneath his armor. There's a nobility to him, a sense of honor that I know the others will eventually see.

As we finish our task, I can't help but think of the gift I want to give him, of the surprise I've been planning. It's a small thing, really, but I hope it will show him how much he means to me, how much he's come to mean to all of us.

I open my mouth to speak, to tell him about the gift, but the words catch in my throat. Instead, I reach out, my hand brushing against his. "Thank you, Thrag," I say softly. "For everything."

He looks at me, his golden eyes reflecting the faint glow of the cave. For a moment, he doesn't speak, and then, in a voice so low it's almost a growl, he says, "You don't have to thank me, Claire."

But I do. I do have to thank him, not just for the food he's provided, but for the safety he's given us, for the strength he's shown us. And, most of all, for the warmth he's brought into my life.

I soon begin looking around the beast's lair and notice a peculiar passageway a few feet ahead. Suddenly, my curiosity gets the better of me, and I decide to venture deeper into the lair. My heart pounds with a mix of trepidation and exhilaration as I walk along the cavernous passageway. The air soon grows warmer, the chill of the winter fading with each step I take. Steam rises from the ground and creates an ethereal mist that swirls around my ankles. It's like stepping into another world, a hidden sanctuary untouched by the harsh reality outside.

Reluctantly, Thrag follows closely behind, his golden eyes scanning the shadows for potential threats. I can tell he's uneasy, his massive frame tense and alert, but there's a part of me that revels in the thrill of exploration. With Thrag by my side, I feel invincible.

We round a corner, and the sight that greets us takes my breath away. A natural hot spring, its waters a shimmering oasis of warmth in the midst of winter's wrath. My eyes widen in delight, and I can't help but let out a soft gasp. "This is... incredible," I whisper, my voice filled with awe.

Without a second thought, I dip my hand into the water, the heat enveloping my skin in a soothing embrace. A grin spreads across my face, and I turn to Thrag, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm taking a bath," I declare, the decision made in an instant.

Thrag's eyes go wide, a flash of surprise crossing his features. "I'll... wait outside," he stammers, already turning to leave.

But I have other plans. "Come on, Thrag. Join me," I say, my voice teasing as I slip out of my heavy coat, revealing the simple linen blouse and trousers beneath. His gaze flickers to me, then away, his cheeks darkening with a blush that's both endearing and unexpected.

I reach for the fastenings of my clothing, my fingers deftly undoing the clasps. The garments fall to the ground, leaving me naked. The air is cool against my bare skin, but the heat from the hot spring promises warmth and comfort.

Thrag stands frozen, his eyes locked on mine, a silent battle waging within him. I can see the struggle etched on his face, the internal war between propriety and desire. "Don't make me do this alone," I say softly, my voice echoing off the cave walls.

His gaze rakes over me, hungry and unapologetic. It's a look that sends a shiver of anticipation coursing through my veins.