CASPIAN'S POV:
Caspian's keen eyes caught sight of the young lady dangerously close to the cliff's edge.
In an instant, his instincts kicked in, and he moved with swiftness and precision.
'It's a good thing I am a demigod. I was able to save her,' Caspian thought in relief.
Now, Caspian stood tall above her, his gaze watchful as he peered down. His observant eyes missed nothing.
'She's more beautiful up close,' Caspian thought to himself, his tone hushed.
He noted her fiery red curls cascading down to her shoulders. The contrast against her fair skin caught his attention.
Tiny specks of freckles adorned her cheeks, enhancing her charm. Yet, it was her emerald green eyes that truly held his gaze.
Caspian felt his heart race as he gazed at her, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
'She must have been scared.'
He stood there, feeling the warmth radiating from her body. And his gaze wandered, taking in her slightly parted lips.
A different sensation stirred within him. It was like a primal urge that pulled at him.
'Why am I being drawn to her like this?' he wondered, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and desire.
He clenched his fists, attempting to regain control. 'Stay focused, Caspian. As the King of Veridia, your duty comes first and the safety of your citizens.'
With a controlled breath, he cleared his throat. His gaze avoided any potential distractions.
"Milady," he began, his voice a blend of authority and genuine concern, "are you all right?"
His body shifted, his movements calculated and cautious. He rose from his position, mindful not to disturb the delicate form beneath him.
The young woman's eyes widened as they met his, caught off guard by his direct question.
Caspian's gaze held hers firmly. His expression unwavered as he patiently awaited her reply.
The young lady's response came in a hesitant whisper, "Y-yes, I think so."
Their closeness allowed him to catch a subtle whiff of her fragrant breath.
'Hmm..' It is a scent that unexpectedly stirred something within him. It is a sensation that was both new and exhilarating.
Caspian leaned closer, his gaze fixated on the alluring woman beneath him.
But a subtle shift in her fiery red hair caught his attention. It was a hint of color that seemed out of place— 'Is it blood?'
His fingers twitched with instinctive concern. 'Did she hit a rock? But it seems dry if it is indeed blood. Is it a dye, then?'
His hand extended, a magnetic pull compelling him to investigate.
As his fingers neared her hair, he sensed a change in her demeanor. It was a flicker of defiance, a resurgence of her spirited nature.
She pulled away. Her voice sliced through the air, "What are you doing? Get off me!"
Caspian's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by the audacity of her actions.
'How dare you touch me in such a manner?' Caspian growled in his thoughts.
After all, he was the reigning King of the vast kingdom of Veridia. And it is a position that demands respect and submission from all.
Yet, before he could speak, a rational voice reined him in.
'Patience,' he reminded himself, his inner monologue a stern reminder. 'Impulsive reactions will have no benefits.'
'This is my doing,' Caspian acknowledged. His thoughts echoed with a hint of responsibility. 'She must remain unaware of who I truly am.'
"My apologies, milady," he responded evenly. His words were carefully chosen to avoid revealing too much. "I didn't mean to startle you. I only sought to ensure your safety."
Caspian had heard unsettling rumors of an Umbrathrax sighted in the Whispering Groves. It is the reason he was there.
The Umbrathrax usually lived in the mountains. It was a dangerous creature that posed a threat to any human if it indeed would be sighted near the lands.
'I couldn't allow you to wander alone, risking your life at the mercy of the Umbrathrax. That is the reason I intentionally followed you around,' Caspian said in his thoughts.
But he didn't dare say it out loud.
As Caspian extended a hand to assist her, the lady immediately stood up.
"I can manage on my own," she asserted firmly.
Caspian watched as she dusted off her dress.
"Thank you for your concern, milord," she added, "but I'll take it from here."
The young lady turned around and was about to leave. But it was only to be confronted by the fearsome Umbrathrax.
"By the stars! What creature is this?!" she uttered, her horror evident in her voice and expression.
"It's the Umbrathrax," Caspian's face slightly grimaced as his feared situation came true.
Without a moment's hesitation, Caspian covered the young lady with his cloak. And she shielded her from the looming danger.
"Stay close to me," he ordered in his authoritative voice.
The Umbrathrax has a hulking and twisted physique. Its skin was a dark, ominous shade.
Long, jagged claws adorned its massive limbs. Each one was sharp enough to tear through flesh with ease.
Its eyes glowed with an eerie, otherworldly light. And they were like two fiery embers burning in the darkness.
Its teeth were also sharp and numerous that could tear its prey apart.
*Screech* The Umbrathrax let out a terrifying scream.
Feeling the young lady tremble within his cloak, he pulled her closer to his chest.
"It's alright, milady," he said softly. His voice was a reassuring murmur. "Stay close and don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you."
The young lady's defiant attitude seemed to fade as she leaned into his embrace.
Caspian's eyes locked onto the menacing Umbrathrax.
'I am a demigod and I don't emit the same scent that could attract this creature. As long as the young lady remained covered by my scent, she would be safe.'
He tightened his grip on the cloak, ensuring that the young lady was concealed within its folds.
To Caspian's bewilderment, the young lady's head peeked out from his cloak.
Her sparkling emerald eyes searched for any sign of the Umbrathrax. "Is it still there?" she asked.