EZAL'S MATE BOOK 1

26

The scent of fresh air grew so potent that even my sensitive human nose could detect it.

As we moved closer to the exit, it became easier to identify the various aromas.

Grass, I noted, along with sweet fragrances that had to be flowers or fruit.

And then there it was—the gentle, soft caress of a breeze against my cheeks.

We were drawing near, and a wave of giddy excitement washed over me.

Yet as the light began to pierce the veil of darkness, my anxiety heightened.

This should have been a moment of celebration, a sign that the worst was behind us...

But the fear that the Gruem might be waiting for us lingered heavily in my mind, mirroring the apprehension of the others.

As the vivid blue sky emerged and the melodies of singing creatures filled the air, a glimmer of hope began to take root within me.

Even if the Gruem were lurking out there and Ezal had to face whatever he planned to do, at least he would be able to do it surrounded by fresh air and warmth from the sun.

I would accept whatever he chose to do.

Ezal didn't hesitate as we emerged from the tunnel and stepped into the sunlight.

He drew his weapons, his chest swelling as he prepared to charge and fight...

But the songs of nearby creatures grew louder, and the gentle rustle of the trees in the playful breeze was soothing, almost lulling me to sleep had it not been for the circumstances.

We stood in the center of the clearing, scanning the surrounding trees and bushes.

I could hardly breathe.

It felt too much to hope for...

The others spread out, cautiously inspecting the trees and probing the shrubs for hidden dangers.

Small animals took flight, darting away from us and vanishing into the thicket.

Ezal returned to my side, still alert and focused.

"We seem to be safe."

Seem.

That was enough for me.

An emotional dam burst, and a wave of relief, fear, and anxiety washed over me.

I collapsed into Ezal, who wrapped his strong, grimy arms around me, squeezing the air from my lungs and making me wheeze.

I didn't mind.

He could do as he pleased; nothing could dim my happiness now.

Tears of relief streamed down my cheeks, carving paths through the dirt on my face.

"We're safe," I whispered to myself over and over. "We're safe! We're safe!"

Ezal pressed his lips to my cheeks, leaving them dusted with a reddish-brown hue.

Things were finally starting to look up.