The Beast (SHORT STORY) (EDITED)

Chapter 7

With a powerful beat of his wings, Rune soared through the sky, the wind whipping through Hollis's hair as she clung tightly to his back, a mixture of exhilaration and awe coursing through her. The journey to the town of Rouvia was swift. As they descended near the outskirts, the magnificent dragon shimmered and shrunk, transforming back into the imposing, yet undeniably human, Rune.

He pulled a bundle of clothes from what seemed like thin air and quickly dressed. "Ready?" he asked, his dark eyes searching hers.

A flicker of apprehension crossed Hollis's face. "People won't... hate me, would they?" The villagers' reaction to her association with Rune still lingered in her mind.

"No," Rune stated firmly, taking her hand. "Come."

They walked into the small town, the familiar sounds of a bustling marketplace filling the air.

"Rune, it's good to see you again," a friendly voice called out. Rune nodded and waved at a few people, but many others stared at Hollis, their gazes a mixture of curiosity and perhaps a hint of suspicion. She shifted uncomfortably beside him.

"Relax," Rune murmured, his hand tightening reassuringly around hers. "They are just curious because I'm normally by myself. A loner, remember?"

His words eased her anxiety a little. They stopped at a cart overflowing with colorful textiles and woven rugs.

"Finally putting something into that house of yours?" the woman behind the cart asked, her smile warm and welcoming.

"Something like that," Rune replied, his gaze softening as he looked at Hollis.

"She's a pretty one. I'm Claure," the woman introduced herself.

"Hollis, nice to meet you," she replied, returning Claure's kind smile.

"So, what carpet are you looking for?" Claure asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Something that's not too bright. And not white," Rune said, his gaze sweeping over the various patterns.

Claure chuckled and pulled out a roll of soft, cream-colored carpet.

"This is nice," Hollis said, running her hand over the plush texture. "How much?"

Claure laughed. "We are not selling. We trade for something, and in Rune's case, he keeps us safe, and we try to hook him up with someone, though now we're trying to decorate his home."

"That's very kind of you," Hollis said, touched by their generosity towards Rune.

"He's our king, so it's only right," Claure stated matter-of-factly.

"I'm not a king, Claure, and I'll take this one," Rune said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Keep denying it, but you know," Claure winked. "It was nice meeting you, Hollis."

"You too," Hollis replied.

They moved on to other stalls, Rune purchasing sturdy furniture and practical household items. He even bought a larger, more comfortable-looking bed.

"Hungry?" he asked, his gaze meeting hers.

Her stomach rumbled audibly, and a blush crept up her cheeks. "I think so," she admitted sheepishly.

Rune led her towards a cozy-looking saloon, the aroma of hearty food wafting through the open door.

"Rune! What a surprise," a burly man behind the counter boomed.

"Hey, Gus," Rune replied, a rare smile gracing his lips.

"And you bring a woman," Gus observed, his eyes widening in curiosity as he looked at Hollis.

"His future wife, hopefully," Hollis said playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Rune turned to look at her, a mixture of surprise and something akin to amusement in his gaze, but she didn't meet his eyes, her attention already on Gus.

"So, what can I get ya?" Gus asked, wiping down the counter.

"Your best bowl of chicken stew," Rune replied.

"You're in luck, 'cause it was almost finished," Gus said with a hearty laugh.

Rune settled into a corner booth, pulling Hollis onto his lap.

"Future wife?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

"I was joking," Hollis said, though a hint of uncertainty laced her voice.

He gently turned her face towards him, his dark eyes intense. "Well, I might take you up on that. I do need a wife."

Her blush deepened, a welcome distraction arriving as Gus placed a large, steaming bowl of stew on their table.

"Enjoy," Gus said with a friendly nod.

"Thank you," Hollis replied.

"Eat," Rune instructed, his gaze softening as he watched her.

"What about you?" Hollis asked, noticing he hadn't ordered anything for himself.

"I don't have to eat every day," Rune replied simply.

Hollis ate her stew in comfortable silence, Rune's arm a warm band around her waist, his fingers occasionally drawing lazy circles on her thigh.

"Okay, I'm full," Hollis announced after finishing a good portion of the stew. Rune glanced at the bowl, satisfied with how much she had eaten. He picked up the bowl and finished the rest himself.

"Ready to go?" he asked, standing up and pulling her with him.

"Yes," Hollis replied, her hand securely in his.