The Modern Adam and Eve

Chapter 10

Days passed, and Octavia continued to sneak into the stables to visit Alastor, reading to him and teaching him about the world beyond his confines.

She brought books filled with tales of heroes and adventures, stories of friendship and bravery. Slowly, Alastor began to absorb the lessons like a sponge. With each visit, she introduced him to new words, concepts, and emotions.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the stables, Octavia sat cross-legged on the ground, flipping through a book about emotions.

"Okay, Alastor," she said, her voice bright with enthusiasm. "Today, we're going to talk about happiness. Can you think of something that makes you happy?"

He furrowed his brow, deep in thought, his expression shifting as he searched for the right answer.

"The... the stories you tell. They make me feel... good."

"That's wonderful!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Stories can transport us to different worlds and help us feel connected to others. You're doing great, Alastor!"

As the days transformed into weeks, Alastor underwent a remarkable change. He grew calmer, more contemplative, and increasingly patient. His understanding of the world deepened, and he even began to articulate his thoughts more clearly. New emotions stirred within him, some of which felt particularly significant, especially those he experienced toward Octavia. Yet, he struggled to comprehend the reasons behind these feelings.

"Hello."

One day, as Alastor pondered these thoughts, he heard a new voice and saw a new face in the stables. A young man, small yet strong and handsome, with green eyes full of innocence and a divinely crafted physique. Normally, Alastor would have hidden from any stranger, but for some reason, he felt no fear of this one.

"Who are you?" Alastor asked.

"I'm Maximus Clerval." He replied politely. "I just moved here recently and was exploring the area. I heard rumors about a monster being kept in here, but it looks like those rumors were indeed false."

Maximus didn't seem afraid of Alastor. He wasn't screaming or running away. Why?

"Actually, the rumors are correct. There is a monster here, and you're looking at him." Alastor said.

"Really? Because you just look like a man to me. Although, perhaps you shouldn't be hanging around in a horse stable. Why don't you come out?"

"I can't. I'm locked in."

"Then break out. You're a big fella; you're probably strong enough."

"I've tried."

"No, you haven't."

"I have so."

"No, I don't think you have. I mean, look at yourself—you're huge. Are you really going to tell me that if you put all your will into it, you can't even bust open a gate?"

"Listen, if you're so concerned, why don't you help me get out of here?"

"Oh, I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because it would be unnecessary for me to help you. You can get yourself out of there; the problem is you don't want to."

"What the hell are you talking about? You think I like being in here?! You think I enjoy sleeping on straw and waking up to the smell of horse manure every morning?"

"No, but I do think you're afraid."

"Afraid? Afraid of what?"

"Afraid of the world. Afraid of people. I'm guessing they haven't been very nice to you, have they?"