My Beast

15.

(Elizabeth's POV)

The cold air of Glacies Ice Point wrapped around me like a relentless embrace, sharp and biting. I had fled deeper into the heart of the frozen landscape, away from the Hollow of Whispers that had whispered my fears and doubts until they became unbearable. Here, in this frosty realm, I found solace in the quiet isolation, the ice and snow blanketing everything in a thick layer of white.

Days had passed since I had run from the hollow, days of solitude spent in a cave carved from ancient ice. The walls glistened with frosty crystals, their beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within me. In the stillness, I tried to push away the memories of Kieran—his haunted eyes, the weight of his confession, the love that hung between us like a fragile thread.

But the more I tried to forget, the more I felt his absence. I missed him. Even though I had run away seeking refuge, my heart ached for the warmth of his presence, the way he made me feel alive. I was terrified of what he had done, of the darkness that lurked within him, but I couldn’t deny the connection we shared.

The cave was quiet, save for the soft sound of dripping water echoing in the distance. I curled up against the icy wall, pulling my knees to my chest, trying to find warmth in the chill that surrounded me. I haven't eaten in 2 days. I guess being around the ice is good. I would never get thirsty. I had thought that hiding away would bring me peace, but instead, it only deepened my sense of pain.

“Why did I run?” I whispered to myself, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Why can’t I just face him? It's not that big of a deal. He would never hurt me... Right?"

I thought I knew the answer. The fear of losing him again, of confronting the darkness that seemed to cling to him like a shadow, was paralyzing. But as the days dragged on, I began to realize that running away wasn’t the solution. I needed to face my fears, to confront the truth of what we had both been through.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a sound that sent a jolt of adrenaline through me—a soft crunch of footsteps in the snow. My heart raced as I pressed my back against the cave wall, straining to listen.

“Kieran?” I called hesitantly, my voice echoing in the stillness. “Is that you?”

“Elizabeth!” His voice rang out, filled with urgency and relief. “Thank the stars. I’ve been searching for you!”

I felt a rush of emotions flood through me—relief, fear, longing. “I… I’m here,” I said, stepping cautiously toward the entrance of the cave.

As I emerged from the shadows, the icy landscape stretched out before me, glistening under the pale light of the moon. There he stood, his figure silhouetted against the shimmering snow, a mix of desperation and hope in his eyes. He was still wearing the cloak that concealed his Fae features, a reminder of the danger that lurked in this realm.

“Elizabeth,” he said breathlessly, closing the distance between us. “I’ve been so worried. You shouldn’t have come here alone. It’s dangerous.”

“I know,” I replied, my voice trembling. “I don't need saving,” I said shivering from the cold. My nose was red  with frost glazing the tip of it

He searched my face, his expression softening as he stepped closer, the warmth of his presence thawing the coldness around us. “I understand,” he said gently. “But I can’t let you hide from me anymore. I love you, Elizabeth. I’ve loved you since the moment we met, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you to fear.”

His confession hung in the air between us, a fragile truth that illuminated the darkness. I stared at him, astonished, my heart racing at the weight of his words. “Kieran…” I began, my voice faltering.

“Please, let me finish,” he urged, his eyes pleading. “I know I’ve made mistakes. I know my past is dark, and I’ve hurt people. But you’ve shown me what it means to care for someone truly. You’ve brought light into my life, and I’m terrified of losing that light. I want to fight for you. I want to be the man you deserve.”

The sincerity in his voice struck me to my core. I had been so consumed by fear and doubt, but hearing him confess his love forced me to confront my feelings. I had tried to deny it, to convince myself that I was better off alone, yet here he stood, vulnerable and open, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"How are you able to feel this? We only found two gems."

"I guess the curse can be broken"

"How? You need one more piece"

"You are the missing piece. I love you"

I was stunned; a lot of things weren't making sense, and my brain was confused, but my heart wasn't.

“I love you too, Kieran,” I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m scared. I’m scared of what you’ve done, and I’m scared of the darkness that still lingers around you.”

He reached for my hands, his touch warm against the cold air, grounding me. “I know. And I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. But I need you to believe me when I say I’m working to be better. I want to protect you, not hurt you.”

I searched his eyes, seeing the determination and fear reflected at me. The memories of our time together, the laughter, and the connection we shared flooded my mind. I couldn’t deny the bond we had formed, no matter how tumultuous it felt.

“I want to believe you,” I said, my voice steady. “But I need to see it. I need to know that you can control the darkness within you. I don't want to get hurt"

“I will,” he promised, his grip tightening around my hands. “I will never hurt. I’ll show you. I’ll prove to you that I can be the man you need me to be. But I can’t do it without you by my side.”

As the wind howled around us, I felt a flicker of hope ignited within me. Maybe we could face the darkness together. Maybe love could be a guiding light through the shadows that threatened to consume us.

“Then let’s face it together,” I said, my heart swelling with determination. “
Kieran smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face, and in that moment, I felt the weight of my fears lift ever so slightly. Together, we could navigate the uncertainty of our lives, forging a new path amidst the ice and shadows.