As Kiri’s gaze drifted downward, she startled at the sight of Monte’s massive form curled up on the floor beside her, his damp fur glistening in the sunbeams. A large puddle of water surrounded his massive minotaur body, whose chest gently rose and dropped at a steady pace.
Memories of the harrowing night before came rushing back—her arrival, her injuries, and Monte carrying her to safety to beat the violent storm. She tentatively wiggled her limbs beneath the thick comforter, expecting to wince in pain, but felt only a deep, penetrating soreness.
With trembling fingers, Kiri peeled back the bandages, shocked to find angry bruises but no open wounds. Only her ankle remained painful and swollen. She released a shaky breath as she lowered her injured foot onto the pillow pile, unable to believe her current condition.
What happened after she’d blacked out? How had she healed so rapidly?
Monte let out a soft snort in his sleep, drawing Kiri’s attention. She swiftly covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
As she studied the magnificent beast, a newfound fondness blossomed in her chest. She noted the protective curl of his large, outreached hand and the furrow of concern between his brows, even in slumber.
“How can someone so large, be so gentle?” Kiri mused to herself, a small smile playing at her lips. She hardly believed this was the same fearsome minotaur she’d initially encountered; the one whose powerful hooves and sharp horns had instilled terror in her. Beneath that gruff exterior beat a loyal, caring heart—one that had somehow saved her life.
As Kiri lay back against the plush pillows, countless questions swirled in her mind about Monte and the events of the previous evening. She knew one thing for certain, though—her perceptions of the world and the misunderstood creatures in it would never be the same.
Humans were taught to fear and judge monsters by their appearance, and the fact that they were the unknown and bound to their island only added to the prejudices.
That was why she took on her contracted work—she wanted to prove to the world that monsters were misunderstood. And that humans could visit their land, and perhaps even coexist with them.
After all, humans already purchased goods from them through their eCommerce, even though it took a long time to arrive compared to human-made products.
Kiri studied the rugged contours of Monte’s sleeping face, marveling at the unexpected tenderness in his expression. The fearsome minotaur looked almost peaceful, his dark fur glistening with remnants of the storm he’d braved for her sake. A lump formed in Kiri’s throat as she considered the lengths he’d gone to in order to ensure her safety and recovery.
Monte stirred, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal warm, brown eyes that met Kiri’s gaze. A sheepish smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he pushed himself up to a sitting position. “You’re awake,” he rumbled, his deep voice sending a shiver down Kiri’s spine. “I was worried.”
“Thanks to you,” Kiri replied softly, her heart swelling with gratitude. “What happened last night? How did you...?” She trailed off, gesturing to her mostly healed injuries.
Monte ducked his head, a little embarrassed look tinged with pride. “I couldn’t just leave you like that,” he explained, his words slow and deliberate. “So I braved the storm, climbed to the top of the nearest mountain, and found the rare flower needed to make a healing tea. It wasn’t easy, but...” He shrugged his huge shoulders. “I had to do it.”
Kiri’s breath caught in her throat as she processed what he’d said. He’d risked his own life, facing the elements and untold dangers, all to save her. A stranger and intruder to his land.
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as a wave of emotions crashed over her: awe, gratitude, and a growing sense of affection for the gentle giant before her.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” Kiri whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She reached out tentatively, placing her hand atop Monte’s much larger one. “You saved my life.”
Monte’s gaze softened, and he carefully enveloped Kiri’s hand in his own. His brow furrowed as he gazed down at their entwined hands, as if he were mindful of his immense strength. “You don’t need to thank me,” he rumbled, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
As they sat there in silence, hands entwined and eyes locked, Kiri felt something shift within herself. The barriers she had carefully built up over the years, the defenses she had used to shield herself from getting hurt by others, started to break down in what Monte had done…all for her.
They were mere strangers, and he was willing to risk his life to climb a mountain in the middle of a stormy night to find some flower.
Most people wouldn’t do such a thing—especially for someone who’d crashed onto their property unannounced—and yet, here he was, genuinely concerned about her wellbeing.
And they weren’t even the same species!
Perhaps she was right: there was more to this world—and the creatures that inhabited it—than she’d originally believed.
Just as Kiri opened her mouth to express her gratitude for what he’d done, a sharp knock shattered the moment. Monte rose to his hooves, ears back, his posture alert and protective as he moved to answer the door.
Kiri craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of the visitor. A lycan—a wolf-like monster capable of standing on their hind legs—with fur as white as snow and glowing emeralds for eyes, stepped into the cabin. Their arms were laden with a huge backpack and a messenger bag that clinked with the sound of glass vials. The lycan’s gaze swept the room, taking in Kiri’s bandaged form on the bed before settling on Monte.
“Lyall,” Monte grunted, relief softening his posture in the doorframe.
“I came as soon as I could,” the lycan said, her voice a melodic growl as she gazed around the minotaur, staring at Kiri with interest. “I’m Lyall, a healer from the Lone Lake Pack. May I?” She gestured toward Kiri, seeking permission to approach.
Monte nodded, stepping aside to allow the lycan entry.
With captivating elegance and agility, the silvery-white monster moved, a physique full of raw power and wild majesty unlike anything she’d seen before. She had heard about lycans and was excited to be assigned to visit her pack’s village, but she’d never expected to meet one outside of their territory, especially here, inside a minotaur’s cabin.
