Chapter 61

                                    

                                          
I nestle against him, his embrace a source of comfort and safety. I can't help but feel a sense of awe.
The echoes of the intense moments begin to settle; Curtis's departure leaves a lingering sense of emptiness in the cave. The air feels charged with residual tension, and I take a deep breath, my chest expanding as I exhale slowly.
With a mixture of relief and contemplation, I begin to untangle myself from Darius's embrace.
"I'll change in a moment."
Darius nods in understanding, and with a flush, he walks away, heading outside as if he's running a marathon.
A soft sigh escapes my lips as I move away, my steps carrying me to the small corner of the cave where I've set up a makeshift area for changing.
The flickering fire casts a warm glow across the rugged stone walls, creating a cocoon of soft light that envelops me.
I unclasp my wet towel, letting it fall to the ground in a pool of fabric. The cool air of the cave brushes against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.
As I reach for the pile of clothes I've set aside, I can't help but reflect on the events that have unfolded, the revelations and emotions that have come to the surface.
Curtis's unexpected transformation during the confrontation has shaken me to my core. The glimpse of his fierce and ruthless side has shattered the image I've held of him, leaving me to grapple with the duality of his nature.
I pull on a fresh pair of pajamas, the soft fabric clinging to my skin as I move. The familiar routine of changing serves as a grounding force, a reminder that amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there are still moments of normalcy and comfort to be found.
As I smooth down the fabric, my thoughts drift to the bond that has been forged between Darius, Curtis, and myself. Darius's candid confession has left me reeling, the depth of his emotions a revelation that I'm still processing.
The cave is dimly lit, with the flickering flames of a small fire casting dancing shadows on the rugged walls. Darius, in his magnificent panther form, nestles his snout against me, his warm breath creating a comforting embrace. I gaze into his eyes, the golden orbs reflecting an unwavering loyalty that tugs at my heart.
Curtis emerges from the mouth of the cave, his wet hair tousled from a recent bath in the nearby stream. He's washed away the traces of blood that have marked his skin, and even Darius seems fresher, as if the act of bathing has renewed his spirit.
Darius lifts his head as Curtis approaches, his massive form shifting slightly to allow Curtis to settle beside me. The tension in the air is palpable, a delicate web of emotions intertwining our trio. Curtis's attempt at reconciliation is clear, his actions speaking louder than words, yet I can't bring myself to look at him directly. Curtis's presence beside me is warm, his body heat seeping into my side. His tail coils gently around my leg, a silent plea for forgiveness that I choose to ignore.
His deep voice breaks through the silence, a mixture of darkness and urgency lacing his words.
"We need to move out, before another one of those beastmen comes our way."
I frown, my face twisted in confusion. "But why? What are they after?"
Curtis's lips press into a thin line, his eyes narrowing as if he wrestles with whether to share the information. His silence speaks volumes, and it's Darius who finally voices the question that hangs in the air like a heavy shroud.
I pretend to yawn and close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing while they start to convey a discussion.
"Why are they coming for her?"