Page 18 of Bigfoot Threw Rocks at Me

Mark and I enter my chamber. It's quiet. I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding and turn to face Mark.

"Okay," I say, offering him a small, tentative smile. "Let's talk."

Mark takes a deep breath, his eyes searching the chamber before settling back on me.

"I thought you had died, Emily," he begins, his voice cracking slightly. "When you didn't answer any calls, I... I drove out to the forest."

He pauses, swallowing hard, his hands trembling slightly.

"I found your campervan. It was ruined, like maybe a bear had attacked it." His voice wavers as if he might cry, but then he steadies himself, drawing in a slow, deep breath. "I'm so glad you're alive. After our argument, I could never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you."

I listen to his story, taking it in. But inside, I feel detached. Since the ritual, since meeting the Eldruk, I haven’t thought of Mark or our argument at all. It hadn’t even crossed my mind that he would be worried. His presence, his concern — it all makes me realize just how far I've drifted from my old life in such a short time. I'm committed to this new path, so much so that I didn't spare a thought for those I left behind.

"I'm sorry, Mark," I say quietly, my voice sincere. "I didn’t think... I didn’t realize you’d be so worried. I’ve been through a lot here, and it’s changed everything for me."

Mark nods, looking both relieved to see me and overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation.

"I can see that, Em. This place, it's like nothing I ever imagined. But I'm just glad you're safe. That's all that matters now."

I look at Mark. Sweet, stupid Mark. I need to be honest with him.

"Mark, there's something important you need to know. I am part of an ancient prophecy to become the Eldruk queen.”

Mark's eyes widen.

"Is that why you were fucking Mr. Long-Cock in the woods?” he asks, trying to piece everything together.

"Yes," I reply. "That ritual was part of it."

Mark frowns, a look of concern crossing his face.

"Emily, are you sure they haven’t put some kind of spell on you? What if you’re not really in control of your mind?"

I shake my head firmly.

"Although there is magic here, the Eldruk haven't put any spell on me. Everything I've done, everything I'm doing, is of my own accord. I chose this path after understanding what it meant."

Mark pauses, absorbing my words. His eyes fill with tears again, the realization of what I’m trying to say dawning on him.

"You're not coming back with me to the human world, are you?" His voice is a whisper, barely audible.

"No, Mark, I'm not coming back. My place is here now, with the Eldruk. This is my path."

Silence hangs between us as he processes the finality of my decision. I can see the pain and acceptance battling within him. Just then, Stripe enters the chamber, his arms full of wood for the fire. The sudden appearance of the large Eldruk makes Mark flinch slightly, but I give him a reassuring look.

"Thank you, Stripe," I say as he carefully places the wood down, fueling the small blaze that casts warm, flickering light around us.

Stripe takes a long look at Mark.

I find this human very attractive. His form is pleasing to me. I see why you chose him as your mate.

Mark catches my eye, a wary expression on his face.

"Is the beast using his mind powers on me?" he asks.

I frown slightly at his choice of words.

"No, but he is talking to me telepathically,” I reply. "But please, call him Stripe, not 'beast'. He’s not a monster."

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