The creature stepped forward, preparing to face the monster beneath the tower.
Mason grabbed its arm.
Mason: "Wait."
The creature turned.
Mason: "You said something before."
Creature: "What?"
Mason: "You called me..."
He hesitated.
Mason: "Your love."
The entire chamber went silent.
Zack's eyes widened.
Darius slowly raised an eyebrow.
Even the creature seemed confused by everyone's reaction.
Creature: "Yes."
Mason: "You... meant that?"
Creature: "Of course."
Zack: "YOU JUST SAID IT LIKE IT WAS NOTHING!"
The creature looked at him.
Creature: "Was I supposed to announce it differently?"
Zack stared at Mason.
Zack: "I don't even know what to say."
Darius folded his arms.
Darius: "You fell in love with him?"
The creature nodded calmly.
Creature: "Yes."
Mason's face turned bright red.
Mason: "You can't just say that in front of everyone!"
The creature tilted its head.
Creature: "Why not?"
Mason: "Because—because that's embarrassing!"
Creature: "I don't understand."
Zack covered his face with one hand.
Zack: "This thing has absolutely no idea what it's doing."
The creature looked back at Mason.
Creature: "I have watched you."
Mason blinked.
Creature: "You showed me kindness when you had every reason to fear me."
It stepped closer.
Creature: "You spoke to me as though I were still a person."
Mason's expression softened.
Creature: "You made me want to see the world again."
It paused.
Creature: "You made me want to live."
Everyone became quiet.
Creature: "So I love you."
Mason's eyes widened.
Darius looked genuinely stunned.
Zack slowly lowered his hand.
Zack: "...Wow."
The creature looked around at everyone.
Creature: "Why are you all staring at me?"
Zack: "Because you just confessed your love like you were announcing the weather!"
Creature: "Is love supposed to be difficult to announce?"
Mason couldn't help but laugh.
Mason: "Apparently."
The creature smiled faintly.
Creature: "Then I will learn."
Mason looked at it for a long moment.
Mason: "You're serious."
Creature: "Completely."
Mason smiled nervously.
Mason: "I don't know what I'm supposed to say to that."
The creature gently lowered its head.
Creature: "You don't have to say anything."
Then the monster beneath the tower roared again.
The walls shook.
Zack: "Can we deal with the giant nightmare underneath us before we deal with the love confession?"
Mason looked at the creature.
Mason: "He's right."
The creature turned toward the darkness.
Creature: "Then stay beside me."
Mason nodded.
Mason: "I will."
Zack stared at them.
Zack: "...This is going to be a very long night."