The Beast (SHORT STORY) (EDITED)

Chapter 10

Rune was jolted awake by a persistent knocking on his sturdy wooden door. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he reluctantly pulled himself from the warm embrace of sleep. He stalked to the door and yanked it open.

Tripp, usually the purveyor of endless jokes and lighthearted teasing, stood before him, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"We have a problem," Tripp stated, his voice devoid of its usual levity. "The villagers are in the forest with her family. They want her."

"There's no point in taking her," Rune scoffed, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

Tripp's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "Don't tell me you marked her."

Rune's eyes flickered back towards the sleeping Hollis. "Well, I didn't have much choice in the matter. Talco wasn't exactly up for a chat."

"Well, what do you want to do?" Tripp asked, his gaze shifting from Rune to the bed.

Rune's gaze softened as he looked at Hollis, her face serene in sleep. A protective instinct surged within him. "Take care of them. I'll meet you soon. Be careful."

"I'm a dragon brother," Tripp said, a hint of his usual cockiness returning. "Forks aren't going to kill me."

"Cocky bastard," Rune muttered, closing the door and turning back to the bed.

"Hollis, wake up," he said gently, shaking her shoulder. She groaned and rolled onto her back, her eyes still closed.

"What time is it?" she mumbled sleepily.

"It's past midday." Her eyelids fluttered open, and she looked up at him, her expression still hazy with sleep. "We have to go. Your family isn't so happy with you being away from them."

"They shouldn't be back just yet," Hollis said, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Well, them and the entire village are in my woods," Rune stated, his tone grim.

Hollis sat up abruptly, her eyes widening. Rune handed her a beautifully crafted dress, the fabric rich and flowing, designed to accentuate her figure. She quickly dressed, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.

"I don't know what some people's problem is," Hollis muttered, frustration lacing her voice. She was a grown woman, yet they still treated her like a child.

"Cheer up," Rune said, cupping her face and pressing a tender kiss to her lips. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks. "We'll resolve this problem, and then we'll go somewhere... far away."

"Okay," Hollis agreed, a glimmer of hope returning.

They left the cabin, the sounds of angry shouting and a distinctly unhappy dragon growing louder as they ventured deeper into the woods.

They emerged into a clearing, and Hollis's breath hitched in her throat at the sight before her. A diverse array of fantastical creatures stood facing a group of angry villagers and her distraught family. Trolls, orcs, graceful fairies, and even a few shimmering merfolk from a nearby stream were present, their expressions a mixture of defiance and weariness.

"Your Majesty," a chorus of voices echoed as the creatures noticed Rune's arrival. They bowed their heads in unison, a clear display of respect.

Hollis stared, utterly bewildered. Why were they bowing to Rune?

"Hollis!" Her mother's tearful cry cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Hi, Mom," Hollis replied, her voice surprisingly calm despite the turmoil.

"What did he do to you?" her father demanded, his face contorted with anger.

"Nothing," Hollis stated firmly, her gaze sweeping over her family and the hostile villagers. "Why are you guys attacking people who haven't done anything to you?"

"They are monsters! Abominations!" a villager shouted, his face red with fury.

"Then consider your only daughter an abomination," Hollis retorted, her voice ringing with conviction, "because I'm with them."

"You can't be serious!" her father roared, his anger palpable.

"Is there a smile on my face?" Hollis glared back, her patience finally wearing thin. She was tired of their attempts to control her life.

"Think this over, Hollis," her mother pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

"I already did," Hollis said, her voice softening slightly as she looked at her mother's distress. "I need to live my own life, and that life is with these people. They are different, yes, but they live and breathe just like you and me. How would you feel if they were to attack your home, with all your family and friends there?"

A voice from behind the villagers spoke, surprising everyone. "She's right." Hollis's eyes widened as she saw Brandon step forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "We never got to know them. We just go off of what our ancestors said. Hollis is happy with this man, and who am I to pull her away from that happiness? I'm with Hollis. I want to get to know who is on the other side of the border. Maybe I'll get as lucky as she did."

He rushed to his sister and embraced her tightly. "I'm sorry, Hollis."

"I'm glad you see the truth, Brandon," she said, a wave of relief washing over her.

"I'm not losing you, Hollis," her mother whispered, her anger slowly giving way to fear.

"You already lost me Mom. I'm sorry if you don't like the choices I make, but I'm not going to change them to please you or father. For the first time in a long time, I see what my future looks like. These people," she wave her hand around. "These people are part of this future. I wish you would want to be part of it. I'm sorry you don't see what's right in front of you."