Craved by the Shadow Demon: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Anne Hale & Celeste King

Author:Anne Hale & Celeste King [Hale, Anne & King, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Protheka Publishing
Published: 2024-04-18T00:00:00+00:00

17

ANNETTE

The rain falls in a gentle shroud, droplets pattering softly amidst the trees. Tendrils of mist veil the deep green forest, granting it an ethereal, mystical aura. Rukh's keen eyes catch sight of something ahead, and I follow his gaze.

Nestled between towering trunks and partially obscured by hanging moss stands a small cabin. Its timbers are weathered, blending into the woodland surroundings. A quaint yet charming refuge, tucked away from the world.

We pause to admire the cozy cabin nestled in the misty woods. Rukh surveys it pragmatically. "This appears to be an optimal shelter. We could make it our own. It would be more suited for you than a cave."

His proposition tempts me. It would be nice to have a permanent haven rather than just bunking down in whatever shelter we can find fastest any given night. The cave is a reliable back-up, but still not exactly homey.

But the cabin clearly belongs to someone. "You know that wouldn't be right," I reply gently. "It's someone else's."

He looks crestfallen. "Do you doubt my ability to claim this for you?" Rukh demands, flexing his deadly claws, eyes blazing.

I raise my hands placatingly. "Of course not, but that's not the point..."

Rukh cuts me off sharply. "Then why reject my gift to you?" Hurt and anger war in his fiery eyes.

"This isn't about you, dear. I simply won't bring harm to claim something for our gain."

Rukh scoffs bitterly. "You cling to your morality as an excuse." His words sting, but I stand firm.

"You’re talking about killing the owners? Don't be ridiculous," I chide. "We'll find our own place fair and square."

Rukh bristles. "A place for us both? Or will you find a problem with the next place, and the next place, because you don’t want to set up a permanent house with a demon?"

"It isn’t about you! I don’t want a house gained through murder," I shoot back.

He throws his hands up in exasperation. "You and your impractical morals! We could live like royalty here."

"We don't need a castle to be happy," I counter, hands on my hips.

Rukh points at the cottage accusingly. "Look at it! Ready for the taking. Are you truly willing to sleep in the mud while this place stands available?"

"If it means keeping my conscience clear, then yes, absolutely.”

“Is it the cabin that bothers your conscience, or is it the roommate?”

“The cabin!”

We stand there, scowling at each other as the rain pours down.

Finally Rukh sighs, shoulders slumping. "Very well, we shall continue seeking this 'fair' shelter you insist on finding. Even if it takes forever, and we freeze or starve in the process."

“Survival doesn't have to mean taking another life," I respond calmly, refusing to be swayed by his anger. "We'll find a way that respects both our worlds. But it can't be at the cost of someone else's life.”

"What does a human life matter?" he muses, his words a solemn reflection. "You are less than dust in the cosmic wind of eternity."

He turns away, posture rigid. I know he feels rejected and confused.

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