#gargoyles human form

[shadowpuppetteer]

Hallu, I was just thinking, I know that the gargoyles all have black eyes cause that was the style for the animation at the time, but! Imagine if they had colored irises~

Goliath: Dark brown

Hudson: Hazel

Brooklyn: Amber

Broadway: Dark blue

Lexington: Sepia brown (think 2k12 Donatello)

Angela: Deep green (shared with Demona)

That's a fun thought. For the series it's really hard to see everyone's eye color who is not a gargoyle (especially since the series mostly takes place at night)

I always head cannon it as they have black eyes because they are nocturnal creatures, so their eyes need to catch as much light as possible. And they keep the whites of their eyes because they are social creatures, and the movement of eyes is another form of non-verbal communication. When I was reading "Survival of the Friendliest" by Brian Hare, they touched on our eyes, and I thought about the gargoyles 😆

But it is fun to think about iris color for sure. Especially when they are in human form!

But that's just me. It's always fun to see how other people in the fandom write and draw all these great characters! I just like the black eyes bit because then my special interest for biology gets to peek out and infodump 🤣

[acmeoop]

Human Growl “High Noon” (1995)

[wool-string]

Oc

[kandlewick]

everyone awoke to malleus defeated. except for you meant to be read as platonic malleyuu but can be read as romantic.

Malleus could hardly breathe. every inhale felt like it was too small, like the air surrounding him was too thin. His lungs were empty, barren, and dry. And then he would exhale. a shaky breath. It rattled his bones and burned in his chest. As if nothing but flames raged in his insides. Before him laid a friend, a betrayed comrade, someone who put too much trust in the wrong people. You. You were asleep there, in a bed of thorns and roses, nestled deep and safe. Each petal cradled your cheek like a picture frame and you were a work of art. It all felt so clinical, so far away that Malleus could hardly tear his eyes away from your sleeping form. while constricted by vines to your familiar bed in ramshackle, no thorns pierced your skin. you knew no pain lying there. only dreams. It hardly felt real.

Malleus had made a mistake. He knew he had as soon as the blot began pouring from behind his tongue. but he couldn't stop it. the delirium. it poured out of him like a cracked glass of sand. In those fleeting moments, nothing had mattered more to him. The blot retched every single negative emotion out of his soul, bearing it for the world to bear witness to. And he was ashamed.

but you and the others had succeeded against him, saving all of your classmates and himself from the curse of eternal slumber. One by one, they all began awakening. Eyelids fluttering in the new morning sun. He awoke to the sound of laughter and cheers while he laid there on the broken floor, alone and empty and so so cold. Quietly, Malleus raised his head to thank? Curse? The Ramshackle prefect that laid beside him.

only, you remained there. asleep. too far gone and too far deep for anyone to reach out to. it was like your soul and body were separated, torn asunder. the only sign of life was your chest moving up and down from the breath that filled your lungs. At the moment, Malleus thought perhaps you were simply exhausted, with the heavy bags under your eyes and the pale complexion dusting your cheeks. Like the others, he thought that you only needed more rest. But days passed and there were still no signs of life behind those closed eyes. The teachers talked amongst themselves, unwilling or perhaps unable to offer any sort of explanation. There were talks about asking for assistance from other bodies but they were quick to be shot down. It seemed like nobody knew what to do with you. Or… your body. 

Nobody took it well.

Malleus in particular had ceased his studies, locking himself away in your room in Ramshackle. Ace and Deuce would appear on occasion, Grim in tow, but the three were quick to make themselves scarce once Malleus made it clear he was not leaving your bedside. He sat there for hours, uncaring of the passing of time as night became morning and dawn became dusk. What were mere days to a nigh immortal fae. If this was his curse, to watch the one human who befriended him and suffered for it waste away from his own folly, then so be it. Every morning, like clockwork, he sat there. Unflinching. Unmoving. Like a gargoyle. His eyes were empty and red, long dried from tears but he couldn’t drag himself away from you - he refused to even think of calling you a corpse. 

This day was like any other. He sat there beside you, his hands in his lap, the book he had foolishly planned to humor to read had been cast aside long forgotten, but for some reason the sight of you there pricked at his heart more than before. His voice came out quiet, weak from disuse, but he made an effort all the same. 

“My child of man.” he croaked, his tone heavy with shame and sadness, “I will not ask you for forgiveness.”

He took a shaky breath. Hesitantly, he reached out with a weak hand and clasped your own. The thorns around you pricked him and drew blood, but he paid no mind to it. He felt nothing. Numb. Malleus choked back tears as he pulled your hands close to his chest and against his still beating heart. He lowered his head in agony as he confessed like a convict at death’s door. “What I have done to you is unforgivable.”

He held you to him. Like if he held onto you tight enough, you wouldn’t fall even more to pieces. “You were my first true friend, my closest companion. The only one who treated me as if I was an equal…” He bit back a sob as he tried to cradle his face between his hands, desperate for your touch to once again warm his bones. But there was nothing. Only the cold. “And now I’ve lost you.”

“And not a day shall pass in the centuries that I am cursed to live will I ever forget your smile.” Then with an almost reverent touch, the prince brought your hand to his lips and pressed a delicate kiss to the back of your hand. His lips stayed there, the taste of salt and skin filling his tongue, but he made no effort to move while he cried.

So far gone was he that he never noticed the batting of eyelashes, the furrowed brows, or the intake of breath. So far gone that it wasn’t until he felt your hand, tiny and weak, press against his dark hair, did he lift his head.

“Good morning, Hornton.”

[dark-moonlust]

Gargoyle Guardian

Pairing: Gargoyle x human reader

Summary: The gargoyle guardian awakened upon sensing your presence. His mate. He will have you no matter what.

Warnings: minors don't interact, 18+!!!!, monster smut, double 🍆🍆, vag and anal, explicit descriptions. Don't like, don't visit my blog.

The clock struck midnight.

Stone cracked and fell away.

“I have watched over this place for centuries,” the creature rumbled. “But in all those years I have never come upon something so beautiful.”

You turned around and stood frozen. The gargoyle had talked. It was alive when mere seconds ago it was a mere rock. His dark red gaze locked onto yours as he descended from his pedestal in the ancient cathedral. The full moon cast light over the creature’s form, he was large and imposing with a chiseled chest, firm legs, and huge wings.

You wanted to run, to flee but you felt a strange pull that made you stay.

The gargoyle landed with grace, barely disrupting the ground despite his formidable size.

Dark red eyes stared at you and for a second there they flashed with animosity. And then, liquid lust coursed through you. You forgot the need to run, you ignored your fear, too entranced by the creature’s ancient magic.

You were being seduced.

And you willingly succumbed.

In a flurry of moments, he lifted you, placing on the cool platform of the cathedral.

You found yourself on all fours, palms and knees on the floor, ass up high in the air. Clothes were ripped and your skin shivered once exposed to the cool night air. You felt icy fingers traveling over your flesh, cupping your breasts, pinching your nipples.

The touches continued. He caressed your sides, your arms, feeling your belly and thighs, stopping at your mound. He cupped you there, probing your wet cunt with a blunt finger. An involuntary moan escaped you.

“My mate,” the gargoyle drawled against your neck. “I finally found you. Mine. Mine.”

“Yours?” You asked, too entranced by the hold he had upon you, mental and physical.

“You’re mine, little pet,” he said fondly, retracting his sharp nails and letting his fingers safely slide across your pussy, rubbing your clit before slipping inside.

Eyes closing, you whined and wiggled your ass as he fingered you, fucking you with one digit then adding one more. He gathered your wetness in two digits and rubbed them on your pouting asshole, before pushing them inside. You protested but his free hand slapped over your mouth, robbing you of speech.

No one had touched you there before.

Another whine left you.

The fingers in your ass turned from two to three. Your unused hole stretched around the gargoyle’s thick fingers, causing you pain and pleasure. You burned and craved to come. But just as you were about to have your release, the fingers drew back.

“You’ll take me now, little mate. You’re ready.”

Before you could summon a reply, you felt the press of something warm and pulsing. You looked back, jaw going slack at the two cocks pressing against you. Two! They were similar, gigantic, and an angry gray color. The first shaft was thick and curvy with pearly drops on the bulbous head. The other one was just as big, etched with throbbing veins and self-lubricant.

Fear flashed in your eyes as both shafts settled on your little holes. The pressure and stretch overwhelmed you. Inch by inch they invaded your depths, claiming you. They reached the hilt, your belly round and so very filled. Growling, the creature drew back, his cocks coming out slick with your juices.

The gargoyle growled in satisfaction and fucked you slow and steady.

The palm covering your mouth loosened so he could slide two fingers in your mouth. They curled and reached the back of your throat. You gagged and whimpered as he took you, and you came wildly on both cocks while they thrust and thrust inside you. He didn’t stop fucking you. The primal pounding didn’t stop for what felt like hours. He kept you there, pinned under him while he fucked your pussy and your ass, your belly bulging with his cocks.

As the first light of dawn approached, his movements turned frantic.

You were a mess, having had one climax after the other.

When he finally came, both cocks exploded within you, spurting buckets and buckets of warm cum. It overflowed, dripping down your shaking legs and making puddles on the ground. Your eyes closed as sleep and exhaustion took you, while the gargoyle held you close, his cocks still hard inside you.

“You are mine now. And I will protect you always.”

[deadsetobsessions]

Some night, he flew above the twinkling lights of Blüdhaven’s buildings, wind rushing through his hair and the feeling of weightlessness pushing at the curve of his back.

There were a multitude of things that Dick Grayson appreciated, loved, Bruce for. One of those things would always be that his adopted dad allowed him to fly once more, even after his parents’ wings were cut.

In the air, he was home.

In the air, Dick Grayson felt like he was living up to, flying alongside, the Flying Graysons. Every flip, every trick he used to go faster, to fight better, felt like his parents were there guiding his every move.

Time healed his hurt, but still, the hole in his heart remained.

So when one of his best friends, a ghost vigilante by the name Phantom, asked him if he wanted to see his parents, he froze like a deer in bright white headlights.

“What…?”

Phantom did a flip in midair. “Wanna see your parents? They’ve been asking if they could talk to you.”

“My parents… are ghosts?” That was the least pressing question he had right now, but it was all his mouth could speak.

“Kind of. It’s complicated,” Phantom side-eyed him. “It would require going into the zone.”

And just like that, Dick understood. After the Amity Park came onto the map and the Justice League fixed the human and alien and meta rights violations that were happening right under their nose, Phantom had permanently closed all access to the Zone. Save, of course, for himself and a few magic users, who all refused to anger the King of the Dead.

“The only way you’re getting to my people now, is through me. Should anyone try to get into the zone, without my permission… I will make sure that you and your family’s afterlives will pay the appropriate price.”

No-one wanted to test his threat. The afterlife is something few fucked with and came back whole.

The Phantom they’d seen on the news then was incredibly different than the one in front of him now. Dick knows, understands now, that it was because Phantom trusted him. After years of being denied help, years of struggling all by himself to keep reality from collapsing while avoiding getting experimented on by humans understandably closed his heart.

“You’d take me into the Zone?” Dick didn’t know what he was feeling. Hope, fear, trust, touched, happiness, something.

A lot of things.

Danny shrugged. “Yeah. I trust you,” he said as he glanced back at Dick-at Nightwing. “Only you, though. No one else.”

The question that remained was whether Dick trusted Phantom too. And considering the fact that the ghost king ironically saved his ass from being killed a couple of times meant, “Yeah. I- I’d love to.”

Danny smiled, all pointed teeth and solemn trust. “Okay. Let’s go.”

“Now?!” Dick stood up anyways, his heart in his throat. Danny held out a gloved hand.

“Yeah, now. Haven’t you heard that death waits for no one?” At Dick’s concerned look, Danny added, “Don’t worry. You won’t actually die. You’ll come back whole and alive, I promise.”

“Oh, okay. Let’s go, then!”

——

Clark Kent threw himself out of the window, Superman suit already on.

Seonds later, he was hovering in front of Bruce’s shadowy form on top of a gargoyle.

“Clark,” Batman greeted in his gravelly voice, irritated. “What.”

“Batman, Nightwing’s heartbeat- it disappeared!”

Bruce’s heartbeat stuttered.

[determunition]

i took the switcheroo week as an excuse to finally try my hand at some scrybeswap designs! got a bit carried away as you can see, i love doing character design so much

decided to keep their species/major design elements fairly consistent (e.g. grimora's makeup, mag being vague and indistinct, leshy having nonhuman legs, p03 only having one arm) while still switching up their aesthetics as needed; super happy with all of these as a result!

design notes for each scrybe under the cut! def open to any further questions or curiosities, i always think way too hard about characters while designing them lmao

P03:

scrybe of the dead: i went for a possessed tv vibe; he's still mechanical but those bones do have a living soul trapped in them...also shoutout to @squid-hug for suggesting the x-ray machine, i was very tickled by that lmao

scrybe of beasts: overgrown old bot was kind of a given for this one, but i was also thinking that the plants are part of what's keeping him running somehow

scrybe of magicks: the magic eye is the core powering that top monitor, and the two side monitors display what he's seeing with that eye at any given time

grimora:

scrybe of beasts: she's a witch! like a chill terry pratchett kind of witch, she works with a lot of herbs and such; also her makeup is meant to mimic blood drops

scrybe of magicks: magick grimora is more of a warlock type, her magic is a lot more sinister and she almost never opens her eyes (whereas her third eye is basically always open)

scrybe of tech: tech grimora is kind of a wacky machinist-flavored dr. frankenstein; she inscribes by writing on circuitboards!

leshy:

scrybe of the dead: this leshy is a gargoyle/vampire hybrid! i thought a mirror would be fun for him bc you can get two different cultural refs; medusa (bc stone gargoyle), and the idea that vampires don't appear in mirrors!

scrybe of magicks: i decided to make him a bird guy (kinda harpy-esque) bc he's basically a more whimsical baba yaga hermit; the baba yaga thing carries over from slavic folklore obvs. also he has polycoria!

scrybe of tech: tech leshy was super fun, bc he's steampunk! rather than animal legs i gave him digitigrade robot legs, but other than that he's the most like, normal human guy here probably lmao; despite his well-adjusted appearance though i still think he's got a bit of freaky wonk in him

magnificus:

scrybe of the dead: this one was very ring-inspired lol, got those clump of hair you found in the shower drain vibes

scrybe of beasts: bush magnificus real! i think he'd be a bit more quirky trickster fae in this form

scrybe of tech: one of my favorites; tech mag is an emaciated cyborg draped in so many loose cords and wires that you can't tell what he looks like anymore. a lot of those cords are connected to him, and he plugs them in wherever as needed! he also has a drawing stylus, making him just an average art student tbh lmao

[twistedmir]

KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE !

⇀ summary : your partner talks too much, and what better way to make them shut up by kissing them?. (Malleus, Ace, Riddle, Vil.)

⇀ write's note : i have a favorite and its showing.

MALLEUS DRACONIA !

This man, it has already been two hours since he started talking about gargoyles. On any other day, you wouldn't have minded his rambling. But today you were particularly exhausted from babysitting the ADeuce duo, so you could only bear so much.

“ they were originally created as a means of disposing of water, but with time..—” there he goes again, this cute little dragon fae ranting about some random fact about gargoyles. Your head was starting to hurt, you just wanted to cuddle him and let this awful day pass. Despite the growing headache, you didn't have the heart to cut him off.

However, a bulb light up in your head.

You grabbed the fae from his necktie earning a surprise noise from him. You brought him down to your level and kissed his lips. It was a light peck, but you lingered a little bit too long. “ can we go inside now? I want to cuddle? ” Malleus was frozen in place, his lips could still feel yours. He didn't know what to do so he simply nodded, letting you guide him toward the house, your hand in his. Humans were rather bold.

ACE TRAPPOLA !

It was during lunch, your boyfriend's neck was decorated with his housewarden's magic. Ace was complaining—yet again— about how ridiculous the rules are. (something about not eating leftovers that had a green sticker on top of the containers, he swears he didn't know it was someone's else.) His lips were pouting, arms crossed over his chest he looked so cute. Until he opened his mouth to complain this time about Deuce. You sighed, this man always finds something to complain about.

And there he goes again, talking his head off about sevens knows what. This man would not for the sake of it be quiet. You wished to eat in peace, maybe talk with your boyfriend. But he kept going on and on, it was starting to get on your nerve. You love the guy, but he talks too much. Finally, as if the sevens heard your pleas, Ace quieted down. A sigh of relief left you. At last, you could eat—

“ and then Deuce just—” And there we go again. A bulb light up, it'll be funny to see him match with the collar on his neck. Moving closer to Ace, the boy not noticing your approaching figure still going on about how much of an idiot the blueberry boy is (his words.) your hands cupped his cheeks, ceasing his chatter. You lightly pecked the soft lips, pulling away after a short time. The boy was stuck speechless, his mouth closing and opening like a fish, face as red as the Heartslabyul's warden. A chuckle slipped past you, how cute.

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS !

In your defense, Ace payed you. He knew how soft the warden goes on you whenever a rule is broken by you. Which is why, the first year though it was better for you to paint the flowers in his place. Riddle was unaware it was Ace's turn—for the first time— so, imagine his surprise when he saw how wrongly you painted the roses. It wasn't such a deal, but it bothered him how dangerously close you were to falling from the ladder. Riddle walked up to you, keen on lecturing you all about safety. Until you wondered if his face can match his hair.

“ How many time have I told you to be careful? You know this ladder is not in the best shape, I wouldn't want you to match it's state. ” The housewarden was scolding you for being careless. While your eyes were focused on his, your mind was wandering somewhere else. Thinking back on Ace's words, you were curious just how far was Riddle lenient on you. A smirk formed in your face.

The Housewarden wasn't aware of the Adeuce level of mischief stirring up in your mind. Closing the distance between you, relishing in the small stutters in his words, you placed your lips on his owns.

It was quiet. Maybe he did let you go with anything—

“ OFF WITH YOUR HEA—”. nevermind.

VIL SCHOENHEIT !

Vil was lecturing some first year about the proper use of skin care. The poor first years were so frightened by his harsh scold and cold voice that when they saw you they pleaded you with their eyes to help them escape from this hell. You took pity on them, Vil, even after his overbolt, still couldn't get rid of some of his habits. Mainly his harsh scolds, but he made progress. The first years looks frightened yet still listen to him. Before, some even cried while others were crushed by his words. So you saw this as a progress of some kind.

Walking up to them, you taped the beauty on his shoulder, making him cease his talk and turn to look at you. He quirked an eyebrow at you, his hands unconsciously finding yours. He was waiting for you to speak, you always taped him when you wanted to talk.

Your heart swell at his small yet meaningful gesture. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time for you. Even when he was scolding his juniors, you clearly saw how his eyes soften at the sight of you. (you made a mental note to pamper him later today in his room).

You signalled him to lean down, which he did despite the obvious confusion. Hands finding their place on his cheeks, cradling Vil's face. You laid your lips on top of his, eyes widening at you actions. The first years took this as a sign and quickly left.

After the initial shock, Vil grumpily returned your kiss. His clean hands pinching your cheeks. “ Honestly, just what am I going to do with you... ”. Even though he was complaining, you didn't miss the pinkish colour at the tip of his ears.

©— twistedmir. 2024 / DO NOT REPOST OR PLAGIARISE MY CONTENT IN ANY WAY.

[deunmiu-dessie]

sacraficial lamb!reader who lies strapped to an altar just outside of the village's small abandoned cathedral. sacraficial lamb!reader who struggles against the binds that dig into their flesh painfully, securing them to the concrete. sacraficial lamb!reader who sobs heavily, eyes finding their father's within the minor crowd that has formed around them. "f-father please don't leave me here! please, help me!". sacraficial lamb!reader who watches in horror and disbelief as their father turns away, hugging your brother close. sacraficial lamb!reader who mewls in fear as the village head burns some type of sage over them, drawing symbols on their forehead. sacraficial lamb!reader who begs and pleads as the crowd disperses to their homes, locking their doors and covering their windows. sacraficial lamb!reader who looks toward the stone gargoyle crouching menacingly atop the cathedral. sacraficial lamb!reader who starts to pray.

gargoyle!monster who comes alive in the night, stone crumbling from its body to crash onto the ground below. gargoyle!monster whose wings stretch and span wide, catching the moon's glow and painting them sinisterly. gargoyle!monster whose eyes narrow in on the small, shaking human sacrifice upon the altar hungrily. gargoyle!monster who ominously slithers down from its perch on the cathedral, blending into the night. gargoyle!monster who sneakily finds perch on the end of your altar, head tilted at how tightly you keep your eyes shut, murmurs of scripture falling from your lips. gargoyle!monster whose chuckle is dark and grating, inhumane. gargoyle!monster who takes pleasure in how your body coils tight and your lips wobble as his clawed fingers skitter down your bare legs. gargoyle!monster whose long tongue disappears beneath your gown, caressing your inner thighs; leaving them slick with viscous saliva. "i shall enjoy your body, little human, before devouring you."

˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖

[kiame-sama]

Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 16

(Azul usually only enters his full Cecaelia form when he is completely submerged in water, as it is hard to move with tentacles out of water. Azul is not the best swimmer, but he makes up for it with how powerful his tentacles are as he can actually do immense damage with them while underwater. There is a small heart shape on his right cheek beneath his eye among the natural dark coloration on his face. He doesn't like this heart very much until the Human points it out, now he thinks it is his best quality because it was enough to draw the attention of the Human in the first place.)

Warnings: yandere, multiple yanderes, platonic and romantic yanderes, bullying, the day of representatives is upon us, Malleus tries, some canon Malleus interests mentioned, unnamed students causing problems, mending some bridges, lending support, light cat vs cat conflict, Dragon, Hellcat, Shinigami, Cervitaur, Nemean Lion, Unicorn, Kelpie, mention of Water Nymph,

~~~~~~~~

This wasn't really how you had expected to spend the day. Through it was interesting at first, after the first hour you and every other companion had already become bored. Every companion except for Malleus.

"This one is a crow gargoyle, made 100 years ago. Out of all the Gargoyles, this is the only one that depicts a crow harpy as a Gargoyle, not to be confused with the crow Harpy Grotesques that line the fencing-"

Grim, Ortho, and Silver were already bored to tears after the long winded introduction to the Gargoyles that lived around Ramschackle as Malleus then moved on to the Gargoyles around the fencing. Honestly, it had been interesting at first to learn about the Gargoyles. Many had history you didn't know and it was always nice to talk to someone about their passions. Given this was the 50th or 51st Gargoyle the Dragon had introduced you to, you were a little bored.

It was while you were envying Grim- who slept soundly in your arms, the both of you atop Silver's back- you heard a strange sound on the wind. The sound was as if there were several voices shouting over one another. As you listened attentively to the sound, you heard a higher pitched cry that made your heart seize.

"What was that?"

"Hmm? That is a Grotesque-"

"No, not the Grotesques, Tsuno, that scream. What was the scream?"

Malleus paused his lecture to listen, Ortho and Silver doing the same before another high-pitched scream split the air again. Silver was first to turn and head towards the direction of the sound, your other two guards easily keeping pace with the Cervitaur. The increased jostling woke Grim who scowled and looked around at whatever was so important to draw your group away from the monotonous Gargoyles.

It wasn't hard to find the source of the sound.

"Come on, you stupid cub! You said you wanted to play, so we are just trying to play! Don't hide from us right after we start playing."

"Leave me alone!"

The crying voice of a young child made your blood boil as you saw the scene playing out in front of you. There were several students you didn't recognize- judging from their arm bands and magestones, they were from Heartslabyul- and they were heckling what seemed to be a young boy who hid in the roots of a tree. It was obvious the boy was crying and the sinister grins on the student's faces told you they had been tormenting him.

"Malleus-"

You didn't even have to finish your sentence before the Dragon acted on your behalf. Clearly the offending students were caught off guard by the sudden and harsh winds that threw them to the ground. They almost seemed ready to fight before they realized it was a less than pleased Malleus Draconia staring them down, the group scattering from the location to try and avoid the wrath of the strongest student among them. It didn't take much for you to memorize their faces, knowing you were due a conversation with Riddle and figuring you could mention their poor behavior to the temperamental Unicorn.

Once the offending students cleared out, you could see the boy better as he cowered among the tree roots. He was wearing a bright yellow shirt that had a few rips and tears in it. His hair was a red to gold gradient that highlighted and complimented his golden ears, tail, and back legs. The young boy was crying and trying to push himself further back into the roots even as Malleus approached, hissing warily at the Dragon and letting out pitiful mewls. He looked like a brighter and happier version of Leona.

"Here, let me try."

The mewling was hurting your heart more than you realized it would as you passed a somewhat displeased Grim to Silver. Malleus didn't allow you to dismount on your own from the Cervitaur's back- your leg was still injured- and instead chose to lift you up with his tail, setting you in the grass in front of the roots the child hid among. Where you wished you could have approached the clearly frightened child on your own, you weren't going to bemoan the fact now.

"It's okay," you began in a soothing tone, your voice taking on a much softer pitch, "they're gone now."

"They- They're gonna come- come back!"

"No, they won't. I can promise you that."

"Stay away!"

You frowned slightly at how clearly afraid the cub was and you shuffled closer, trying to not stress the cub further. He had several scrapes on his soft skin and you couldn't help but feel pity for the clearly frightened child. Honestly, you had half a mind to go straight to Riddle after this and inform the Unicorn of the poor behavior shown by his dormmates. First, you had to make sure the cub was alright.

"Let's try this again, my name is (Y/n) (L/n), what is yours?"

"Ch-Cheka. My name- my name is Cheka."

"Okay, Cheka, where are you supposed to be right now?"

"Unca- Unca said I was- was 'posed to- to stay in the Greenhouse. But it- it's boring there! I just wanted to play..."

"Oh, you poor thing. I'm going to guess those students said they would play with you, but their games weren't very fun, right?"

"They weren't fun at- at all! They kicked and chased me, an-and they yelled at me-!"

The cub cut off with a loud sob and covered his face, crying his little heart out as he curled in on himself. You saw your chance to reach out and grab the cub as he cried, taking it slowly so he could pull away if he wanted to. He didn't fight as you lifted him into your lap, instead he curled against your figure and sobbed into your warm body, seeking comfort and affection after his frightening experience.

"I'm so sorry they did that to you. That isn't fair to do to anyone, especially someone so young."

"They- they hit me, an-and they said I was stupid-! And- and- and then they chased me-!"

You just held the cub and let him cry it out, rubbing his back to soothe him. He seemed like he was around five years old, maybe younger, and he clearly didn't expect anyone to be so cruel to him. Honestly, the more the cub sobbed, the angeier you became at those who dare to hurt him so gleefully. He was just a child, what kind of monsters were they to get off on hurting this poor little cub? Kids could be annoying, sure, but that wasn't an excuse to hurt and terrify them.

"Okay. It's okay now. I won't let them hurt you again, okay?"

"Okay..."

You swayed slightly to try and soothe the cub further, his heartwrenching sobs slowly dying down to sniffles as he cuddled against you. Once the cub has mostly calmed down, he seemed drowsy and low energy. It took a lot of effort to cry so much especially after being so scared.

"Cheka, Honey, where are your parents?"

"Unca is in the greenhouse... I don't know where Dada is... He said I had to stay with Unca, but..."

"Okay. Do you want to go see if we can find Unca or Dada first?"

"I want my Dada..!"

"Alright, let's find Dada. You can stay with us until we find him. We'll make sure those mean students don't bother you again."

"Okay..."

Malleus used his tail once more to lift you and Cheka up, back onto the back of the Cervitaur. Neither he nor Silver seemed put off by the extra weight of the cub. The only one who seemed angry was- surprisingly- Grim.

The little Hellcat's ears were flat on his head and his three pronged tail was lashing in frustration.

"That's my Hooman..."

As he growled, you frowned at the small Hellcat, but you figured he would be less than pleased with the situation. Cats from your world were territorial, especially the males, and now Grim had to compete with Cheka for your affections. He was clearly angry that he was relegated to Silver's arms and not yours as he glared jealously at the younger cub.

"Grim," you started with a gentle but warning tone to the Hellcat, "calm down. Cheka isn't a threat to you."

"Yes, he is. You are my Hooman and that means I should be the one you hold, not that- that cub!"

"Grim, just because we are helping Cheka out doesn't mean you're not my boy anymore. I'm your Hooman, and you're my Grimmy. Okay?"

He was still frowning, but his tail had stopped lashing as he slowly nodded. It was clear he wasn't happy with the situation but he wasn't going to be mean to Cheka either. Now, all you had to do was find Cheka's Dad- who was more than likely a Nemean Lion, judging from Cheka- somewhere on campus.

"Tsuno, is it okay if we pause the Gargoyle excursion for now? I think getting this little one somewhere safe should take priority."

"... The Gargoyles will still be here another day."

"Thank you, Tsuno. You're a good guy."

Malleus seemed to get a somewhat darker tint to his pallid cheeks, his tail curling and waving with your light praise. Cheka finally pulled away from your warm hug, looking around now at the several monster men that stood around the two of you and even at Silver, who you both were riding. His eyes seemed to train on Malleus before returning to you and he almost looked confused, glancing back and forth for a moment.

"Aunta, what are you? You smell like," he paused to sniff at your arms and shoulder, "like a weird Lizard, but you don't look like a Lizard..?"

"Because I'm Human, Cheka."

"Hooman?"

"Close enough."

"Wait, so you're who Dada is here to meet? He said Unca was talking about a Hooman that stays at the school, and that he had to go to a meeting with the Hooman. Mama told Dada to take me along too, and Dada told Unca to watch me while he went to the meeting thingy."

"Okay, so your Dada is one of the representatives. Got it. I'm guessing you're from Sunset Savana?"

"Yeah! That's Dada's Kingdom and it will be my Kingdom some day too!"

"Gotcha. Well, I know where your Dada will be come lunch time, can you wait to see him until then, or do you want to go see him right now?"

"... Well, those meanies aren't here anymore... And you're really nice to me, Aunta, so I can wait to see Dada. Just don't leave me alone again, okay?"

"Okay, I'll stay by your side until we get you back to your Dada."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

~•§•~

Leona slowly woke from a surprisingly peaceful slumber, humming as he came back to consciousness. It was nice to not be woken up for the hundredth time by his nephew. While he slowly woke a question soon floated up in his sleep hazed mind.

Where was the cub?

Usually Cheka's energy was boundless and insatiable in his desire to play, so he should have technically been the one to wake Leona. The fact alone that he wasn't in Leona's immediate line of sight put the Nemean Lion on edge. He didn't fear what his older brother Falena would do to him for losing the cub, he feared what Falena's wife would do.

That fear and concern was what pulled the Lion to his feet and began his increasingly worried search of the greenhouse. There was no trace of the cub.

"Damn that brat! He couldn't just stay in one place for only a few hours?"

Leona snarled as he began the long and arduous task of tracking the cub, following one of countless scent trails in the hopes he could find the Cub before other students did. Most of those at Night Raven College would have a field-day tormenting such a young cub, and he didn't really want to face the wrath of his brother's wife. As annoying as Cheka was, he also didn't want the cub to get hurt because of his negligence.

One thing was for certain though, he would never agree to watch that nuisance again.

~•§•~

Your rag-tag herd made their way through the mirror and into the Heartslabyul domain, Cheka looking around in awe at the many different rose bushes and the large swooping architecture. Malleus took the lead, followed by Silver, and Ortho brought up the back of the group. You were very thankful Ortho was there as he seemed to befriend the little cub easily and the two were able to talk about everything and anything.

Though you thought the cub was absolutely precious- and a certain part of your brain wanted to adopt and keep the cub- you knew he would have to go home eventually. That didn't mean you were going to let the cruelty others showed to him go unanswered, however. Trey and Riddle were both supposed to be at their dorms today, or so Ace told you, so you figured you could visit as promised and tell Riddle about those students.

It didn't take long for you to locate the Unicorn and Kelpie, both were at the Heartslabyul lake. Riddle was laying on the grass on the bank of the Lake and Trey seemed to be swimming in the water. When your group approached, you could have sworn you saw Cater laying across the Kelpie's back. The moment you called out to them there was a loud splash, and you didn't see the Water Nymph anymore.

Part of you wondered if Cater was avoiding you due to what happened with the Wolves, but you weren't going to push to befriend the Nymph either. There were still things left unspoken between the two of you. You were still injured, so he couldn't possibly face you after what he did.

"Hey, Riddle, Trey!"

You waved as your group approached the equine students who both looked surprised at your presence in Heartslabuyl.

Riddle was first to stand to greet you, but it was Trey that caught your attention. Slowly pulling himself out of the water, you saw that his typically white coat was a deep lake-green. Fins protruded from the backs of his front legs and it was clear his back legs were one large fin, reminding you of a Hippocampus from Greek mythology. His tail- which was usually a fine strands of green like his usual hair- was now stringy kelp looking fins that flicked off water.

He seemed to struggle for a moment as he pulled himself onto the bank, but the large tail-fin split back into two legs rather quickly, allowing the Kelpie to stand. Apaprently Trey wasn't just a white horse afterall and seemed to actually be a Kelpie as you knew them. It made you vaguely wonder why Kelpies weren't considered dangerous to you, as your home legends of Kelpies usually depicted them eating Humans.

"(Y/n), it's such a relief to see you," Riddle started, drawing your attention back to him, "when we heard you were injured, I feared the worst."

"So I've heard. Don't relax too soon, there are representatives I have to meet today, and apparently they will be deciding if I get to stay here or not..."

"What? Where will you go if they decide you can't stay?"

"I don't know. All I know if I have to meet with them around lunchtime. Trey, thank you again for the pastries, we thought they were delicious. Papa Hades says 'thank you' as well."

This seemed to make the two startle somewhat as clear shock was on both their faces.

"Wait- Hades? As in, one of the Seven Hades?"

"Yup. He's staying at Ramschackle for a bit."

"I mean, I expected the patron protector of Humans to take an interest in you, but I didn't think the rumors of him being on campus were true."

"Yeah. He's actually really nice. He said Trey's pastries were some of the best he's ever had."

Trey smiled at this, looking somewhat wistful as he glanced away. Honestly, he hadn't expected anyone other than you and Grim to eat the pastries, but it made him happy to know one of the Seven liked his family recipie. Maybe it would be a good thing if the Shinigami decided he wanted more pastries from the family of Kelpies. It could certainly help their profit margins.

"Glad to hear he liked them. Also good to see you, you seem to be in high spirits despite everything-"

Trey cut himself off as he realized you were cuddling what looked like a small Nemean Lion cub, his eyes wide in shock.

"Is that-?"

"This is Cheka, he's a Nemean Lion cub. He came here with his father, but his uncle- who I assume is Leona- was supposed to be watching him. We found him being bullied by a bunch of Heartslabyul students."

This made a certain dark look of anger take over Trey's features and you vaguely recalled Ace telling you about Trey's many younger siblings. No doubt the Kelpie was furious students from his dorm were so keen to bully a literal lost child.

"Point out these rule-breakers and it will be off with their heads!"

~•§•~

Leona was more than a little stressed as he continued to search, finding what seemed to be the remnants of a scuffle outside of the Greenhouse. Several scents he didn't really recognize mixed with Cheka's scent and led to a large gnarled tree. Obviously some students decided to use little Cheka as sport and this genuinely made Leona start to worry.

At first, he was irritated that the cub had not heeded his warning to stay in the Greenhouse, but if others got a hold of him it was possible Cheka was hurt. Leona didn't like Cheka one bit and hated looking after the nuisance of a cub, but he didn't want the little idiot hurt by any means. It would not only make him feel awful, but it meant the women of his house would turn on him for letting the cub wander off.

He tried to take in as much information as he could despite the many different scents present among the tree. There didn't seem to be the smell or presence of blood, so Cheka was not gravely injured before he left the tree. The only conclusive scent he could distinguish among the many was the scent of the his precious little Mousey.

There were worse people who could have found the cub and Leona hoped his Mousey hadn't gone far with Cheka. Of course, that probably meant the overgrown Lizard was with her, one of his scales being enough proof of his presence among the many. Even if his Mousey was a safe bet to leave Cheka with, he still didn't want to get chewed out by his family for not searching for the cub.

Falena wouldn't let him hear the end of it and neither would Falena's wife. There was also the possibility that Cheka could befriend the little Human and put in a good word for Leona. If the Human liked the cub, he could use the boy to get closer to his Mousey in the future. Turns out Cheka may not be so useless after all.

[shadowpuppetteer]

Just wanted to see what human versions of Angela, Staghart, and Katana would look like. Wanted to also give human Staghart freckles cause I thought it would look cute. Also would a human version of a monster be called a human-sona?

[lustlovehart]

I know I’ve expressed it before, but I absolutely love this monster au and its Reverse set up too, especially with how the dynamics change! No matter the universe and its setup, MC is surrounded by besotted, dangerous individuals, whether monster or man.

I wonder how this setup would work with Jack, since he and Hunter!MC are coworkers even if separated. Perhaps he met Monster!MC prior to becoming a hunter, spared by them for some reason or another and, after being inspired by Leona too, Jack decided the best way to find Monster!MC again was to learn from the best and track them down.

Love how Malleus is so clearly already obsessed with them even before meeting them and returns frustrated and in love to the point few of his faction even comment on his brooding. Poor guy just wants to woo the beautiful monster he’s been assigned to kill, but he will ignore the orders from Crowley because he acknowledges it’s a stupid order.

And just all the scenarios of the Event dudes too!

Human Fellow quickly going from personal to romantic gain after meeting Monster!MC is so funny, especially when he’s not affiliated with the Hunter organization. He’s probably spared by them for this reasoning:

Monster!MC to Human Fellow: You’re stupid, I like that in a man.

That or the fact he’s accompanied by young Gidel and Monster!MC has some boundaries about killing kids or leaving them orphaned. Either way, they’ve now added a conman to the list of their dogged pursuers.

This is probably just a random idea, but Neige’s blurb for the reverse au makes me wonder if he did meet Monster!MC in another lifetime, only to recall them via his dreams/memories (depending on how old MC is here). Perhaps as a besotted young royal who saw the beauty of the monster long ago, only to die tragically before he could express his love or before they could return it. And perhaps there is a near forgotten law from ages past of some forgotten kingdom, whose destruction is credited to Monster!MC, that Riddle finds that would have pardoned a monster from execution via marriage to someone of high standing.

A law Riddle may keep in his back pocket to justify his obsession while finding a loophole to executing Monster!MC. One that a few others might discover if he’s not careful…

Rollo, Rollo my favorite Catholic guilt menace. You are not immune to hot monsters in your area.

Seriously, love this au and all the fun scenarios fit paints, thank you for the brain rot and creativity!

Jack is such an interesting concept in both Au’s! There’s a certain masked stoicism he gives off, whether he has a tail or not, he gives the vibe of one wagging behind him whenever in your vicinity, even when avoiding eye contact…! When I think of one of Jack and Monster!Mc’s first meetings, I imagine you falling out of a tree again except this time, Jack is there to accidentally catch you (Through push ups. When you fall on him, he stays in perfect push up form. It’s you first sign there’s… definitely something different…) When you don’t attack him despite having him underneath you, his curiosity spikes once more. Leona busts into their lounge complaining about you escaping once again.

Maybe… Jack can prove himself to Leona if he catches you (totally has nothing to do with you though, definitely not.)

He has no idea this will actually backfire on him.

Ahh!! I’m so glad the Malleus idea is appreciated!! It’s actually a parallel to Twst!Mc knowing absolutely nothing about Malleus in their first meeting. Meanwhile, Malleus knows everything about you! He knows your capabilities, your height, your weight, your hand size, but.. He knows nothing about you. His only wish is to know your favorite color, your favorite time of the day, perhaps your favorite… gargoyle? Crowley knows about his ever growing infatuation with you…

He always tries his best to tell Malleus you’re just a heinous murderer… But then he glares at him, and the Foundations all powerful leader, backs away immediately.

Fellow is so silly, he looks at you with dollars signs in his eyes, and then you growl a “Shoo” too him with your face in view, and the money is replaced with heart eyes. And ugh!! You’re so right about Monster!Reader not killing younger humans!! Both Mcs have a semblance of kindness. While Hunter!Reader may have a much much bigger soft spot than Monster!Reader, M!Reader doesn’t like the thought of killing a mortal who hasn’t even had the chance to do anything wrong yet… The hearts in Fellows eyes grow bigger while he schemes about having Gidel expose you’re human empathy much more.

You’re actually right about Neiges whole meeting MC in a different life!! It’s really up to interpretation but my idea with it was more like, Neige remembering Monster Hunter!Reader instead! I was listening to “Birds of A feather” by Billie eilish when I was writing his part and then these lyrics popped up and I was struck with inspiration!!

“I knew you in another life. You had the same look in your eyes…” I like to think, even though Monster!Reader is the reason his comrades are on the verge of dying, for single moment, you and Neige lock eyes. He recognizes the way they soften… A more humanized version tenderly smiling at him as they decorate his wings with pretty paint. Except, he never remembers having bright feathers flailing behind his back. Neige is the only one who experiences this phenomenon. When he brings it up the rest of the Reverse cast, they look at him in confusion for these so called dreams.

I do love the idea of him being a prince though, and forbidden romance!! Maybe while Neige damsel in distress carries you away, he confesses a love he never remembers existing. And then… You’re left wondering… How the hell did the royal from 200 years ago find you again? The one who… Begged you to rule over his kingdom with him?!

Riddle finding loops holes in rules is also yummy?!? He wants to follow rules so bad… Finding loopholes almost feels like breaking them in truth, but then again, many less than legal actions have happened within the other units (Not Heartslaybul though, he’ll never let that happen). Before you know, You wake up painted in red roses, Riddle crouching next to you. The pattern is inconsistent, but that’s not the point…

“One is forbidden from yearning for a clean, unsullied, pure monster.” You shiver with the feeling of red paint dripping down your head. “You’re not clean anymore. You’re dirtied with red.” Your clawed hand reaches to wipe the paint from your face, but calloused hands stop you. “That means it’s not forbidden.”

I like how rather than having four ways to treat you like everyone else (Depending on the Au and its Mc), Rollo only has 2. His attitude depends on soley whether you’re a monster or a human. For a human, it will always be “You’re pure, untainted I love you I shall forever stand by you.” Meanwhile 💀, Rollo has a more domineering countenance if you’re a monster… He’ll call you all mannerisms of a devil, yet the beating in his chest can’t stop the fact he heavily yearns for your touch. He’s convinced you’ve hexed him. He’s litterally that Plankton meme. “Oh no, you’re hot!”

I’m so happy my brainrots have been enjoyed by you! I’m always looking forward to your comments on Monster!Twst posts with your thoughts! It’s amazing to see and feel how much you enjoy the Au and my writing ( ´ ▽ ` ).｡ｏ♡

[chknbzkt]

Anddd for the one that started it all: Moondrop the Night Terror!!! \o/

Stand-alone!!!

More pictures and lore below!!

Proto dragon Moon (yucky man, I love him so)

Gremlin to not-gargoyle pipeline is so real lmaooo-

The shades, abyssal inky monsters that take vague, bastardized forms based on things they see (and oft consume) are infamous for only venturing out of their pools at night. Shades are, however, not the only thing that stalks Hyde’s Crossing and it’s people when the sun falls ‘neath the horizon.

Yet another “problem dragon” (with an impressively sizeable bounty on his head!!), Moon’s disposition towards humans in particular is hostile at best, potentially deadly at worst. He relishes in the chaos and unrest his nightly excursions cause to all manner of folk, seemingly unpredictable in that he never sticks around in any one part of Hyde’s Crossing for too long.

No, indeed efforts have been ramping up of late to catch him. He’s responsible for all manner of crimes including arson, murder of livestock, theft, jaywalking, vandalism, bribery, forgery… and murder. Never you mind that the deaths in question were either an accident on his end or that of his would-be slayers, unfortunately he’s not particularly interested in sticking around to give his testimony to the contrary.

So, as efforts to encourage monster hunters to kill him dead in the form of steadily rising bounty rewards continue being made, he’s stuck nomadically jumping around from place to place to evade capture or worse. He’s not keen on stopping his nightly reigns of terror, he wants to be feared and he likes the purchase that comes with having no alignments or attachments.

He’s made attachments with humans before. He has the iron collar to show for it. Never again.

He has no hoard to call his own and it’s not doing his dubious mental stability (with like zero support) any favors. He does tend to linger near villages with libraries a tad longer despite the risk, however.

It’s only a matter of time before his bounty gets upped to “kill on sight,” though to finally sort himself and his baggage out may require being “slain” by the right hunter he meets at the right time…

[robin-evry]

IF YUU IS A KITSUNE 🦊🦊

A kitsune is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, often depicted as a fox with magical abilities. Kitsune are known for their shape-shifting powers, commonly transforming into humans, They are intelligent, cunning, and can live for hundreds or even thousands of years, with their powers and wisdom increasing as they age.

( English is not my first language)

In my head, I imagine Kitsune!yuu would be sorted between savanaclaw or pomifiore as their dorm. It depends on you guys to be honest. During the ceremony the area is filled with mist when they step out of the coffin. Or when grim opens the coffin he immediately jumps back because, kitsune!yuu would have already been awake and stared at grim with a grin

Kitsune!yuu would be a hundred years old, maybe 500 years or older. fried tofu with a bowl of udon would be their favorite food. They could come from a clan of kitsune or they grew up all alone in the forest. Since most kitsune are able to shape shift, kitsune!yuu are able to change their appearance to their liking or which form they will find comfortable.

During when grim was about to be kicked out of the school grounds, kitsune!yuu would vouch for him asking headmaster Crowley if they can keep him ( by hypnotizing him ) using their amazing negotiation skills the head master agrees

I imagine kitsune!yuu would disguise themselves as a normal beast man, to hide their true identity, only people who have a strong tuition to tell something is unusual with yuu and their true identity being a normal beast man.

Kitsune!yuu tend to play harmless pranks around the school, even tho many students have been of the victims of these harmless, kitsune!yuu will always manage to find a way to get away with these pranks.

Their ability to use illusionary magic is just one of their magical abilities, For example they are able to create clones of themselves to attend classes while they chill and sleep in the garden. This part will immediately make Leona be suspicious of them because how can they be sleeping in the garden when ruggie said that he saw them walking between periods in the hallway with the Adeuce and grim at the same time. Something is definitely not right with them.

They even know when rook is stalking them, they even look at his direction and wave at him with a grin. Caught him off guard. It seems like they are able to sense or smell his location even if it's a mile away.

What's more weird, when kitsune!yuu is in a reflective surface example when they were ordering a drink at monstro lounge, Their reflection on the aquarium was different, instead of one tail, they had multiple tails by jade who manage to take a glimpse of the reflection and when he looks at yuu, they were smiling and waving at him, and then they leave with their drink in hand.

Kitsune!yuu is also recognized to be very beautiful to the point it can suppress and rival vil beauty, they also tend to release a pheromone or a scent that can make people relax ( making them to be more easier to hypnotize ).

And during the night, they sometimes can be seen with malleus, having a nice stroll together enjoying the night sky and talking about gargoyles.

Grim originally was afraid of kitsune!yuu believed they would eat him one day, but both he started to warm up upon them.

During the Octavinelle chapter, every time Azul makes a contract with them it will always end the same, they will always manage to outsmart him. He even asks the twins to follow them, but every time they will always discover the twins without much effort.

[mxnsterbabe]

Male Gargoyle/Female Reader SFW Wordcount: 5,890 Commissions | Ko-fi | Masterlist

A new human resident, seeking refuge for reasons of your own, finds love in the form of a monstrous guardian.

The halfway house loomed ahead, its imposing stone walls etched with shadow in the moonlight. You clutched your bag tighter, your pulse drumming in your ears. 

You glanced over your shoulder for what must have been the hundredth time, the cold weight of dread pressing against your ribs.

The door rose before you, solid and unyielding, its brass knocker shaped like a wolf’s head glaring at you. Your fingers hovered above it, trembling slightly. For a moment, you considered turning around. Would this place really keep you safe? Could it?

Before your knuckles touched the brass, the door swung open with a long creak. A woman stood framed in the warm glow spilling from inside, her sharp features softened by the lamplight. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her golden eyes swept over you.

“You must be the new arrival,” she said, her voice rich but calm. The kind of calm that unnerved you because it was something you’d forgotten how to feel. “Come in. It’s late, and you look like you’ve had a long journey.”

The way she spoke wasn’t a question, and somehow, it put you at ease. You stepped over the threshold, your grip on your bag loosening just slightly. The door closed behind you with a weighty click, and you tried not to flinch.

The house’s interior was warm, the dark wood floors gleaming and the sconces casting golden light along the walls. It smelled faintly of lavender and something spicy, like clove. Your breathing slowed as you took it in, though your heart was still racing.

“You’re Esmeralda?” you asked, your voice raspier than you’d hoped.

She nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I am. You’re  Lucas’ friend?” Her head tilted slightly, studying you with a kind of quiet intensity. “He said you’d been through a lot. That you needed somewhere safe.”

You swallowed hard. “He didn’t lie.”

Her smile grew warmer, more assured. “This is the safest place you’ll find. The wards will keep out... whatever it is you’re running from.”

The words hit you like a blow, and for a moment, you thought you might cry. Weeks of running, of watching shadows that seemed to creep too close, of every breath feeling like a gamble—all of it had been eating away at you.

“Are you sure?” you asked, your voice trembling.

“Positive,” she said firmly. “Lucas wouldn’t have sent you here if it weren’t.”

Her certainty left you speechless. For the first time in weeks, the knot in your chest began to loosen, even if only slightly.

Esmeralda’s gaze softened further. “Come with me. I’ll show you to the kitchen. You look like you could use some tea.”

You followed her down the hallway, the house quiet except for the faint creak of the wooden floor beneath your steps. As she guided you toward the warm glow of the kitchen, the fear still lingered, but her steady presence made it easier to breathe. For the first time, you let yourself hope this sanctuary might be real.

Esmeralda moved about the kitchen with quiet efficiency, the sound of water filling the kettle breaking the heavy silence that had settled over you. The faint scent of lavender hung in the air, mingling with the sharper tang of herbs drying in bundles above the stove. You sank into one of the wooden chairs at the table, the weight of exhaustion pressing you down as the kettle began to hum, low and steady.

Your hands rested against the table, fingertips brushing over its scarred surface, worn smooth by years of use. Esmeralda’s presence at the counter was a comfort, her movements deliberate yet soothing, as though she’d done this a hundred times for people like you.

The kettle hissed as it came to a boil, and the click of Esmeralda turning it off was sharp but satisfying. The earthy scent of tea leaves followed, curling into the air as she poured steaming water into two chipped mugs.

“You’ll feel better with something warm,” she said softly, setting a mug in front of you. The steam rose between you, and you curled your fingers around the cup, letting the heat seep into your hands.

“Thank you,” you murmured.

The silence stretched again, broken only by the faint creak of the house as the night settled into its bones. Your eyes wandered to the doorway beyond Esmeralda, the dim hall beyond swallowed in shadows. For the first time since entering, the warmth of the kitchen didn’t feel as reassuring. The dark seemed to press against the doorway like a heavy thing, waiting.

Then it moved.

Your breath caught as a shadow shifted in the hall, something large and hulking stepping into view. Your pulse spiked, fear tightening your chest, and the chair scraped loudly against the floor as you stumbled to your feet.

“I—” a voice rumbled, low and gravelly, almost a growl. “I didn’t mean to...”

The shadow resolved into something more solid, a figure stepping closer. He was tall—massive—with broad shoulders and thick arms almost as big as your thighs. The light from the kitchen caught his face, the deep grooves and ridges of his features etched deep into his skin. His flat nose and sharp tusks gave him a beastly look, but his amber eyes held something that was almost shy.

“I didn’t realise there was a newcomer,” he said awkwardly, his claws curling slightly as his hands rested at his sides. “It’s late.”

Your heart pounded, the initial fear still rushing through your veins. “I—sorry,” you stammered, stepping back toward the table. “You startled me.”

He hesitated, his wings shifting slightly behind him as if he were trying to make himself smaller. “My fault. I thought everyone was asleep.”

Esmeralda turned to him, her voice calm. “This is Olivier. He helps keep the house running.”

You nodded quickly, still clutching the edge of the table. “I didn’t mean to... react like that.”

Olivier tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “You’re fine,” he said, his voice low. “I’m sorry for scaring you.”

The tension in the room eased, though your hands still gripped the edge of the table like it was the only thing holding you steady. His size had your pulse thrumming, the sheer presence of him filling the doorway as his amber eyes lingered on you for a moment longer. Then, with a quiet nod, he stepped back into the shadows, his heavy footsteps receding down the hall.

Esmeralda sat down across from you, sliding her mug closer. “He’s not so scary once you get to know him.”

You nodded faintly, though your pulse hadn’t quite settled. “I didn’t mean to react poorly.”

She smiled slightly. “He understands. Olivier’s... quiet, but he’s one of the kindest souls you’ll meet.”

You glanced toward the hall where he’d disappeared, the echo of his presence still lingering like a shadow in the warm light of the kitchen.

Esmeralda sipped her tea, her fingers delicate around the mug. She watched you with a sly smile as Olivier vanished, but said nothing. 

Across the table, you tried to steady yourself, the warmth of the drink doing little to calm the residual unease from your earlier scare. The room was quiet except for the faint clink of her spoon against the rim as she stirred absently.

“Feeling better?” she asked, her dark eyes studying you over the edge of her cup.

You nodded, though your hands still trembled slightly as you lifted the mug. “A bit. I just... I didn’t expect to see anyone.”

“Olivier isn’t usually up this late,” she said, a faint smile pulling at her lips. “He must have been finishing up something. He can be... intense at first, but he’s good. You’ll see.”

Her reassurance didn’t dispel the lingering image of his massive frame silhouetted in the dim hall, his amber eyes glinting in the shadows. Still, there had been something awkward about him, a reluctance that softened the fear he’d sparked.

You took another sip of tea, the earthy flavour grounding you as Esmeralda leaned back in her chair. She gave you time to gather yourself, her calm presence filling the silence.

“Come on,” she said gently after a while, setting her empty mug down. “You need sleep more than anything right now.”

You followed her out of the kitchen, the warmth fading slightly as you entered the cooler hall. The sconces along the walls cast soft light, their glow illuminating the space just enough to make the shadows feel less oppressive.

Esmeralda led you upstairs and past several doors, some plain, others with small, worn nameplates fixed above the handles. Your eyes lingered on the engraved names as you walked.

Olivier. Laurent. Lucas.

She noticed your gaze and offered a small smile. “Some of the residents here are permanent,” she explained. “Olivier and his brother, Laurent, have been with me the longest. Lucas helps me run the house, though you already know that.”

You wondered what kind of people—or creatures—could find permanence in a place like this.

Esmeralda stopped in front of a door near the end of the hall and pushed it open, revealing a cosy room with a double bed tucked beneath a window. The quilted covers looked inviting, and a lamp on the bedside table cast a warm, golden glow over the space.

“This will be yours,” she said, stepping aside so you could enter. “It’s comfortable, and there are extra blankets in the wardrobe if you need them.”

You nodded, your body already aching for the bed’s promise of rest.

She lingered in the doorway, her tone softening. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll start figuring out how to deal with your... problem.”

The words brought a flicker of relief, though your shoulders remained tight. “Thank you,” you murmured, meeting her gaze.

Her smile was steady, reassuring. “You’re safe here. We’ll make sure of it.”

The door closed gently behind her, leaving you alone in the quiet. The soft creak of the bed as you sat down was the only sound, the room still save for the faint rustling of leaves outside the window. For the first time in what felt like forever, you let yourself believe her words.

***

The morning sunlight filtered weakly through the heavy curtains, painting the room in muted gold as you pulled on a fresh set of clothes. The bed, softer than you’d expected, had offered fleeting comfort, but the unease hadn’t left you completely. Whatever was following you, whatever had driven you here, still loomed at the edges of your thoughts.

A knock at the door startled you from your reverie, sharp but familiar.

“It’s Lucas,” came a deep, cheery voice.

You opened the door to see your old friend standing there, his broad frame filling the doorway. His dark hair was tousled, and the warmth in his grin was the first thing to settle your nerves since arriving.

“Morning,” he said, holding up a duffel bag in one hand. “Thought you might want this. Picked it up from your house this morning.”

Your heart twisted at the sight of the bag, a tangible piece of the life you’d left behind. “Lucas... thank you,” you said, your voice wavering slightly. “I can’t believe you went back there.”

He shrugged, his easy smile never faltering. “It wasn’t a problem. Esmeralda told me what was going on, and I figured you’d want your things.”

You stepped aside to let him in, the bag dropping heavily onto the bed. “I’m sorry,” you murmured, glancing at him. “I know we haven’t talked much lately, and now I’m here, asking for help.”

His expression softened, a hand coming to rest on your shoulder. “Hey, that’s what friends are for. Besides, you’ve got plenty on your plate. Let’s get this sorted, yeah?”

You nodded, the knot in your chest easing slightly.

“Esmeralda wants to see you downstairs,” he said, gesturing toward the door. “They’re waiting.”

You followed him down to the living room, the scent of tea and something herbal lingering faintly in the air. Esmeralda stood by the fireplace, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders as she sipped from a mug. Olivier was seated on a low armchair, his wings folded tightly against his back, and another creature—taller, lighter in complexion—leaned casually against the wall.

“You must be Laurent,” you said hesitantly, catching his sharp amber gaze.

“Guilty,” he replied, his voice low and smooth.

Esmeralda turned to you, setting her mug down on the mantle. “Good, you’re here. We were just discussing your... visitor.”

Your stomach tightened at the mention, the faint sense of being watched creeping back like a chill on your skin. “What do you think it is?”

“A shadow spirit,” Esmeralda said carefully, her tone matter-of-fact but not unkind. “They’re rare, but dangerous. The fact that it’s targeted you makes me think it has a purpose—or a grudge.”

Laurent’s gaze darkened, his sharp features set into a frown. “You’ve been followed for weeks. Why didn’t you come here sooner?”

You hesitated, guilt flickering in your chest. “I didn’t realise how bad it was. I thought it would stop.”

“It never stops,” Olivier said quietly, his voice carrying a weight that drew your attention. His expression was unreadable, but his amber eyes held yours for a moment longer than felt comfortable.

Esmeralda broke the silence. “There’s someone in the house who might know more. Rio. He tends to avoid most of us, but he’s knowledgeable about... unusual things.”

You nodded, though her tone sent a prickle of unease down your spine.

“Until we know more, we should take precautions,” she continued, glancing between the brothers. “It wouldn’t hurt to have someone watching your back.”

“I can do it,” Olivier said, his voice steady.

Laurent raised a brow but said nothing, while Esmeralda nodded thoughtfully.

You looked at Olivier, startled by the offer. “You don’t have to—”

“I don’t mind,” he said simply, his gaze unwavering. “You’re here to be safe. I can make sure of that.”

His calm certainty silenced your protests, leaving you both unsettled and oddly reassured.

Esmeralda smiled as she leaned against the mantel, her dark eyes scanning the room with quiet authority. The glimmer of sharp fangs momentarily distracted you from Olivier. 

“We need to cover every angle,” she said, her tone calm but firm. “Lucas, you’ll keep an eye outside and sure the wards hold. Olivier and Laurent will take shifts keeping an eye on her. There’s no telling how persistent this thing is.”

Lucas nodded, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “You got it. I’ll do a sweep after breakfast, make sure nothing’s slipped through.”

Laurent, still leaning against the wall with that lazy confidence, tilted his head. “What about Rio? If anyone knows what this shadow creature is, it’s him.”

Esmeralda’s lips twitched into a small smile, though her eyes remained serious. “I’ll talk to him. He’s not easy to pin down, but he might know something useful.”

You shifted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention even as they spoke around you. “Is... is it really that bad?” you asked, your voice quieter than you’d intended.

Esmeralda turned to you, her expression softening. “We don’t know enough to say for certain, but whatever’s been following you isn’t ordinary. Shadow spirits are rare, and they don’t pick targets without reason.”

Your stomach twisted at her words. “So it won’t just... stop?”

“No,” Laurent said bluntly, his amber eyes meeting yours. “It won’t.”

The chill in his voice sent a shiver down your spine, but you caught yourself staring again, drawn to the way the light caught on the mossy brown texture of his skin. He wasn’t just imposing—he was striking in a way that made it hard to look away, even as your nerves frayed under his gaze.

He must have noticed, because his lips curved into a grin that bared sharp, gleaming teeth. Heat surged to your face, and you quickly turned back to Esmeralda, clutching your hands together in your lap.

“We’ll handle it,” she said, her voice cutting through your flustered thoughts. “You’re safe here. Between the wards and the watch, nothing will get close enough to harm you.”

Lucas clapped his hands together, the sound breaking the tension. “All right, then. I’ll start outside. If anything’s lingering, I’ll scare it off.”

Esmeralda nodded as he made his way to the door. Laurent followed a moment later, giving you one last glance before disappearing down the hall.

“I’ll stay close,” Olivier said quietly, his voice breaking the silence.

You looked up at him, startled to find him lingering by the doorway. His expression was unreadable, but his amber eyes held steady as he stepped closer, his massive frame making the space between you feel suddenly small.

“I—thank you,” you murmured, unsure of what else to say.

“If you need anything, let me know,” he said, his voice low and deliberate.

The faint scent of coffee lingered as he stepped even closer, mingling with the warmth of the room. It caught you off guard, the normality of it. Such a human scent.

The rough texture of his skin, the faint rustle of his wings, the intensity of his gaze—it all should have overwhelmed you, but instead, your chest tightened in a way you didn’t entirely understand.

“I will,” you managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Olivier’s grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, exposing the faint points of sharp teeth. It wasn’t a mocking smile, though something about it felt deliberate, like he enjoyed watching you fluster under his gaze.

Your breath hitched, and the space between you suddenly felt far too small. For one wild moment, you thought he might kiss you. The idea hit you like a jolt, bringing a hot flush to your cheeks.

Instead, he raised a clawed hand, his touch far gentler than it should have been as he brushed a strand of hair from your face. His claws just grazed your temple, enough to send a shiver down your spine.

“You don’t need to look so alarmed,” he said, his voice soft, almost a murmur. “I’ve got you.” 

Then he stepped back, wings ruffling, and smiled a toothy grin.

“Olivier!” Laurent’s voice called sharply from the hall, and it snapped you from your reverie.

Olivier glanced over his shoulder but lingered for a moment longer, his amber eyes dipping to yours before he finally turned and stepped away.

From where you stood, you could see him and Laurent in the hallway. They spoke in low tones, their words too quiet to catch, but Olivier’s gaze kept darting back to you. Each time, the warmth in his gaze made your stomach flip.

You found yourself studying him, drawn to details you hadn’t taken in before. His face, squashed and batlike, was a jarring mix of harsh angles and ridges, his flattened nose and prominent tusks giving him an almost batlike look. It wasn’t conventionally handsome, but there was something about it—about the roughness, the sheer presence—that made it impossible to look away. His amber eyes gleamed under heavy brows, alive with a quiet heat that made your stomach flip.

His body was no less commanding. His shoulders were broad, a muscular slope that led to heavy, wide wings. Even his chest was massive, his stone-like skin shifting over powerful muscles that filled the doorway and then some. It should have been overwhelming—too much—but instead, it sent a flare of heat low in your belly that caught you off guard.

You tore your gaze away, forcing your attention elsewhere. Anywhere but the hallway where Olivier stood, glancing back at you like he knew.

The feeling simmered, hot beneath your skin. It wasn’t fear or gratitude, though those lingered too. This was something deeper, hotter, that made your pulse race and your thoughts scramble.

You barely registered Laurent leaving first, striding away with a final glance over his shoulder. Olivier lingered for just a moment longer, his gaze locking on you once more before he disappeared into the shadows of the hall.

Your chest felt tight, your fingers curling into the fabric of your shirt as you let out a slow breath. Whatever had just happened left your heart racing and your thoughts spinning. You couldn’t explain it—didn’t even want to try.

***

The garden was quiet the next afternoon, save for the faint rustle of the breeze through the hedges and the soft buzzing of bees flitting between flowers. You stepped through the gate, its iron latch squeaking, and paused when you saw Olivier.

He was crouched low by a patch of flowers, his wings furled tightly against his broad back as he worked the soil with surprising delicacy. The image caught you off guard—this hulking creature, all sharp edges and stone skin, tending to flowers with the care of someone cradling something fragile.

You almost turned back, unwilling to disturb him, but the moment your foot shifted, his head lifted. His amber eyes found yours immediately, sharp but unthreatening, and you realised there was no sneaking away now.

“Didn’t think anyone was out here,” he rumbled, straightening. He brushed dirt from his hands, claws leaving faint scratches on his palms.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” you said quickly, stepping closer. “I didn’t know you liked gardening.”

He shrugged, glancing back at the flowers. “It’s quiet. Doesn’t need much from me except patience.”

The corners of your mouth twitched, his unexpected softness making it hard to hide your curiosity. “What are you planting?”

“Nothing. Just cleaning up the beds. Weeds get in the way of the hellebores.”

“Hellebores?” You crouched beside him, taking in the wide, waxy petals of the pale pink flowers. “Are they your favourite?”

“Yeah,” he said after a moment, his voice lower, almost shy. “They remind me of the ones that used to grow wild around the castle.”

Your brows lifted. “The castle?”

He nodded, brushing his hands together. “It’s where Laurent and I started. Our... creators used to plant fields of flowers to keep the grounds from looking so grim. The hellebores always grew first, even in the frost.”

You watched him as he spoke, his eyes distant, his features softening in a way that made your chest ache. “You must’ve loved it there.”

His lips twitched into a faint, wry smile. “I don’t know if love’s the right word. It was duty. We were made to guard it. Guard them. We didn’t have a choice.”

There was no bitterness in his tone, but the heaviness of his words lingered between you. “Now?” you asked quietly.

“Now…” He trailed off, his gaze shifting to the trellis where climbing vines curled lazily. “Laurent found his purpose again. There’s a woman in town, they’re so in love it’s almost offputting. She’s young, kind. He’s taken it upon himself to keep her safe. Guess it gives him something to fight for.”

“What about you?”

He let out a low, rumbling sigh, his wings rustling faintly. “Still figuring that out.”

Something about the admission struck you, the vulnerability beneath his gruffness pulling at something tender in your chest. Your eyes drifted over him as he turned back to the flowers, his massive shoulders hunched as he worked the soil again.

The roughness of his stone-like skin, the powerful lines of his arms, it all made you feel so small in comparison. Your heart gave a small, rebellious flutter.

“I think you’ll find it,” you said softly, your gaze lingering on the curve of his wings. “Maybe sooner than you think.”

He looked at you then, his amber eyes catching the light just enough to make them burn. For a moment, you forgot to breathe, his gaze grounding you and scattering your thoughts all at once.

A small smile pulled at his lips, softer this time. “Maybe.”

You smiled back, the warmth in your chest blooming into something unfamiliar but far too pleasant to ignore.

 As you watched him return to his work, your affection grew, mingling with a desire that surprised you with its depth. It wasn’t just the strength in his hands or the curve of his wings—it was the way he treated the flowers like they mattered, like they deserved care despite their fragility.

It made you wonder, briefly, if he could ever look at you the same way.

The words you were about to say dissolved on your tongue as something at the edge of the garden caught your eye. Across the hedges, where the sunlight should have been golden and steady, shadows seemed to pool unnaturally, creeping into places they didn’t belong.

Your chest tightened. It was only three in the afternoon; the sun still hung high in the sky. It shouldn’t look like twilight was creeping in.

“Olivier,” you said, your voice thin and trembling.

He looked up from the flowers, his sharp eyes narrowing instantly. Following your gaze, he stood slowly, his wings spreading just slightly as if instinctively preparing to shield you.

“I see it,” he muttered, his voice dropping to a growl.

A shape moved through the shadows—low, slinking, formless and wrong. It seemed to flow rather than walk, black tendrils stretching out across the grass. Wherever they touched, the green blades curled and blackened, withering into ash.

The fear hit you like a punch, sharp and paralysing. You tried to step back, but your feet felt glued to the ground, the cold creeping up your legs like icy water.

“Get back to the house!” Olivier barked, his voice breaking through the pounding rush of terror in your ears.

You couldn’t move. The cold seeped deeper, into your chest now, slowing your thoughts, clouding them. The darkness curling at your feet seemed alive, pulling you down into itself.

“Olivier—” you gasped, but your voice was barely a whisper.

He didn’t wait. With a growl that shook the air, he launched himself forward, his wings spreading wide as he leapt between you and the creeping shadow. His claws tore into the ground as he landed, and with a snarl, he swiped at the creature, the force of his strike sending a ripple through its inky form.

The shadow hissed, a sound like air escaping a tomb. It recoiled, twisting into a mass of writhing tendrils that lashed out at him. One wrapped around his arm, and you watched in horror as his stone-like skin darkened where it touched, the veins beneath it turning black. Olivier snarled in pain, tearing the tendril free with a vicious jerk of his arm.

“Move!” he roared at you, but you still couldn’t. The cold was overwhelming now, like it had rooted itself in your spine.

The creature surged toward him again, its tendrils darting forward, trying to snake around his wings. Olivier ducked, twisting with surprising agility for his size, and swiped with his claws, raking through the darkness. His strike left faint trails of light where the shadow split, a strange, glowing wound that made the creature recoil again, its form shuddering as if in pain.

“Don’t you touch her!” Olivier’s voice was raw, almost feral, as he lunged forward again. He sank his claws deep into the mass, pulling it apart with brute strength, even as its tendrils lashed at his shoulders and legs. 

Each hit made him grunt in pain, but he didn’t falter, didn’t slow.

The creature screeched, the sound high and piercing, and it began to pull back, shrinking away from him. Its tendrils dragged across the ground as it fled, and you felt the cold start to lift, your body slowly releasing from the grip of paralysis.

As the creature slithered into the farthest shadows of the garden, he gave chase, his wings unfurling with a powerful snap. His claws tore into the ground as he launched himself after it, his bellow of rage rattling the stillness.

You watched, frozen in place, as he disappeared into the darkness. The garden, so tranquil moments ago, now felt sharp and foreign. Your stomach turned.

Your legs wobbled as the last of the cold released its grip, and you stumbled backward. The image of Olivier—his glowing amber eyes blazing, his movements brutal, his roar like something from a nightmare—seared into your mind. 

You had never seen him like that, not the quiet, watchful gargoyle who worked with careful hands in the garden. This Olivier was terrifying, unrelenting, and your chest tightened with fear—not of him, but for him.

“Olivier!” you called weakly, though the sound barely carried past the hedges.

Before you could take another step, someone gripped your arm gently. You spun to see Lucas standing there, his angular face tense but reassuring as he crouched slightly to meet your gaze.

“Come on,” he said firmly, guiding you toward the house. “You shouldn’t stay out here. He’ll be fine—Laurent will follow him.”

You stumbled inside, the warmth of the house washing over you like a balm. Lucas guided you to a chair in the kitchen, his presence solid and grounding. “I’ll make tea,” he said, already reaching for the kettle.

“What if he doesn’t come back?” you asked, your voice thin.

“He will,” Lucas said without hesitation. “He’s strong, and stubborn.”

The tea was warm in your hands, but it didn’t quite settle the knot in your stomach. Lucas checked you over, his gaze flicking between your face and your hands. “Whatever made you freeze like that,” he said, “it’s gone now. You’re fine.”

Hours passed, the clock ticking loudly in the quiet. Evening turned to night, and still, Olivier didn’t return.

When Laurent came through the door after dark, his expression was grim. He shook his head, his glowing amber eyes meeting Lucas’s. “No sign of him,” he said quietly. “I’ve searched everywhere.”

The fear that had been simmering in your chest all day spilled over, your heart sinking. For the first time since arriving at the halfway house, the wards, the walls, the safety it promised—all of it felt suddenly, terrifyingly fragile.

The tea sat cold in your hands as Laurent’s words echoed in your ears. No sign of him. You barely spoke a word after that, nodding numbly when Lucas told you to rest. The sound of the chair scraping against the kitchen floor felt distant as you rose and made your way to your room.

The bed was warm and inviting, but sleep didn’t come. You lay on your side, staring at the faint glow of moonlight spilling through the curtains, your mind a whirlwind of fear and what-ifs.

What if the creature returned? What if it was lurking just outside the wards? What if Olivier hadn’t been able to stop it—or worse, what if it had stopped him?

Your fingers gripped the blanket tightly as those thoughts twisted deeper. You had never felt so helpless, so completely vulnerable. No matter how much Esmeralda assured you the wards would hold, you couldn’t shake the image of the thing slinking across the grass, the way Olivier had thrown himself into the fight without hesitation.

You turned onto your other side, then onto your back, and then your stomach, unable to find a position that would still your restless mind. Hours passed like this, exhaustion pulling at your body while your thoughts refused to quiet.

Finally, at some point in the night, you drifted into a shallow, uneasy sleep.

***

The creak of your balcony door startled you awake hours later. Your heart leapt into your throat, and you shot upright, your pulse hammering in your ears. The room was dark, lit only by the faint silver glow of the moon, but the silhouette in the doorway was unmistakable.

“Olivier?”

He stepped forward, his massive frame filling the space. Even in the dim light, you could see the damage to his stone-like skin, mottled with dark streaks like the withered grass where the shadow had touched. His wings drooped, and his movements were slow, but his amber eyes glowed softly as he offered you a small, tired smile.

“Sorry,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Didn’t mean to scare you. I just... I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Your breath caught, relief crashing over you like a tidal wave. Before you could stop yourself, you were out of bed, crossing the room in an instant. You flung your arms around him, burying your face against his chest, uncaring of the rough texture of his skin.

“Olivier—” His name was all you managed before you tilted your face up, and without thinking, you kissed him.

It wasn’t planned, wasn’t careful—it was desperate, a release of everything you’d been holding in. His lips were warm, softer than you expected, though you could feel the roughness of his cracked skin. His wings shifted behind him, and his claws brushed lightly against your back as he steadied you.

The kiss deepened before you realised it, your body pressed against Olivier’s as though he was the only solid thing in the world.

His claws hovered at your back, hesitant at first, before resting lightly on your waist, their sharpness dulled by the gentleness of his touch. When he tilted his head slightly, his lips parted, and the warmth of his breath sent a shiver cascading down your spine. 

You felt the edge of one fang graze your bottom lip, the faintest scrape that left you trembling and breathless.

You pulled back suddenly, your chest heaving, your lips tingling from the kiss. “I—I’m sorry,” you stammered, your voice breaking. “I don’t know what came over me.”

His amber eyes burned into yours, glowing brighter now, as though your kiss had stoked something deep within him. He didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he reached up, one massive hand cupping your face with a gentleness that sent your heart pounding harder.

Then he kissed you again.

This time, it was rougher, hungrier. There was no hesitation now, his claws pressing just enough to hold you firmly as his lips moved against yours with purpose. His fangs scraped lightly over your mouth, and the weight of his wings brushing against your arms made your knees weak. His other hand settled at the curve of your hip, pulling you closer, and you felt the full breadth of his powerful chest rise and fall against you.

Heat surged through you, overwhelming and consuming, as though the kiss was pouring all of the tension and fear of the day into something raw and tangible. 

He groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating through your chest, and it sent a spark of need curling through your stomach.

When he finally pulled away, his breath came rough and shallow, his forehead pressing against yours as his claws rested at your hips. You couldn’t move, couldn’t think—his presence filled the room, grounding you and making you weightless all at once.

“Don’t ever be sorry,” he rumbled, his voice low and thick with something that made your pulse stutter. His amber eyes locked on yours, the intensity in them leaving no room for doubt. “Laurent found his purpose. Protecting someone he cares about.” His voice dipped even lower, almost reverent. 

“I think I’ve found my purpose. In you.”

[godzillabreath]

unfortunately I do have more to say about wwdits.

I think one of the most egregious things about the development of the show over the seasons is the tonal shift. I was watching it from the beginning to convince myself I wasn’t crazy for feeling the first three seasons were better, and I felt vindicated.

It was always a dark comedy, but it wasn’t always a zany dark comedy. It had been grounded in real, everyday life. The vampires prey on a LARP group, the vampires ride a late night bus to go to a city council meeting, Nandor tries for citizenship, etc. I think once they started introducing a slew of supernatural creatures like a monster-of-the-week a la carte, the show became increasingly less focused and outlandish. There are episode I don’t like even in seasons 2 and 3 that are emblematic of this shift. The siren, the gargoyles, the troll—they just feel out of place in a story that is supposed to focus on out-of-time vampires and how they engage with the modern world. They aren’t really adding anything to the characters or the plot when they appear either. They just make a flashy CGI appearance and give some quippy line, which ultimately eats up time where our main cast that we actually care about could otherwise be on screen, doing things. And then there was a point in time where this show just did not allow itself any more sentimental moments between characters. These moments, for me, made for refreshing moments between comedic situations. It balanced the humanity in all of the main cast. But the show opted out of those moments, and it just became a back-to-back comedic situation with less and less interesting character moments to look forward to. Anyway, I just find it kind of sad that the writers completely detonated all of the characters’ inner emotional lives by the series finale. I liked to see Nadja bored in her marriage and pursuing this lustful encounter with Gregor through reincarnated generations. I liked to see Colin challenged by another energy vampire undermining his territory. I liked to see Guillermo struggling with his fractured relationship with his family, his discomfort in his own sexual identity, and his need to cling on to this group of vampires that disrespect him if only to find family and personal liberation in their company. I liked Nandor being so disconnected from modernity that he became listless and depressed and lonely and clung on to the idea that he might make himself human again. I liked the romance that the writers were building literally textually and in all of their marketing material from season 3: that Guillermo (at least) had these unrequited and very frustrating feelings for Nandor and how that affected their relationship with each other. I liked the idea of Laszlo forming these personal connections with both Sean and Colin, even if I found their conclusive arcs to be lackluster, strange, or unpalatable (baby Colin to weird co-parent Colin was a bizarre arc.) I liked the idea of Nadja wanting power and community because of the impoverished, desolate conditions she grew up under (especially the class dynamic of marrying Laszlo and how that could be at times a schism in their relationship), even if the writers did not care to expand upon this. The potential just drives me crazy. I can’t believe they opted out of tying up any of these emotional hooks. I think it might drive me crazy forever.