Authors note 2023: With 2023 almost over, I'd just like to say I'm so sorry to all my followers for keeping this story in limbo for the past 2 years. A lot has happened. A few people have moved away and some have gone on to better places. I graduated, moved, new job, etc. I didn't want to write a story if it wasn't up to par or standard but I'm here now haha. Hopefully this will reignite my desire to write.

Azure and I got in the truck. We didn't know where to go but we knew that Nadia was out there somewhere. She was probably scared and afraid. I turned the key and felt the car come to life. I felt the car shake and tremble from Azure's weight in the car. The wheels struggled under her girth and muscle.

"Sorry!" Azure muttered out as her face grew red with embarrassment.

"It's nothing. This car is as old as me." I reply as I push the accelerator and drive us off the farm. Surely Nadia couldn't have gotten far.

The old truck rumbled down the dusty country road, the sun casting long shadows as it began to dip below the horizon. Azure gazed out of the window, her eyes scanning the vast fields and dense forests surrounding the farm. We had no idea where to start, but our determination to find Nadia, the elusive lamia, pushed us forward.

I glanced over at Azure, her face etched with worry. She was a unique companion, a creature of mythical origins, and her help was invaluable in our search for Nadia. The lamia had been helping on the farm for a while, but she disappeared so suddenly, leaving only a cryptic note that hinted at a dire situation.

As the truck rumbled on, Azure broke the silence, her melodious voice filling the cab. "Do you think Nadia is in danger?"

I took a deep breath and replied, "I don't know, Azure, but we have to find her. She's become a friend to us, and she wouldn't have left without good reason."

Azure nodded, her biceps flexed around the seat. Her presence was both enchanting and comforting, a reminder of the fantastical world that we inhabited. As we continued to drive, the familiar sights of the farm disappeared, replaced by a dense forest. The trees loomed large and ominous, casting eerie shadows as the last remnants of daylight faded.

We drove deeper into the woods, the truck's headlights cutting through the darkness. The night was silent, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. The forest seemed endless, and our hope of finding Nadia began to wane.

"Where could she be?" Azure wondered aloud.

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white. "We won't give up, Azure. We'll search every nook and cranny of this forest until we find her."

We drove for what felt like hours, the forest growing darker and more mysterious. Suddenly, Azure's head snapped up, her eyes focused on something in the distance.

"There! I see something!" she exclaimed.

I followed her gaze and saw a faint light in the distance, flickering like a beacon in the night. Without a second thought, I accelerated toward it, my heart pounding with anticipation. As we drew closer, we realized that the light was coming from a small cabin nestled deep in the woods.

I parked the truck in front of the cabin, and we rushed towards it. The door was ajar, and I cautiously pushed it open. Inside, we found something that made our eyes widen in wonder.

The interior was illuminated by an eerie, bluish luminescence, revealing intricate crystal formations that adorned the walls and ceiling. As we ventured further into the cave, we encountered a sight that left us in awe: a monstergirl like no other.

She had iridescent wings that spanned the width of the cave, casting prismatic reflections onto the walls. Her lower body was that of a spider, with multiple legs gracefully moving in a mesmerizing dance. A serene expression graced her humanoid upper half, which was adorned with intricate, iridescent patterns reminiscent of butterfly wings.

Azure and I stood in amazement, observing the creature in silent admiration. The monstergirl seemed equally intrigued by our presence. With a soft, melodious voice, she addressed us, "Welcome to my sanctuary. I am Selene, a guardian of this mystical cave. What brings you to my domain?"

I stepped forward, introduced myself, and explained our quest to find Nadia, who had gone missing. Selene listened intently, her multifaceted eyes showing empathy.

"I have not seen your friend, but I have sensed a disturbance in the forest's magic," Selene replied. "There is a malevolent force at work, and it may be related to your friend's disappearance."

Azure and I exchanged a knowing look, their shared intuition reaffirmed. We realized that Selene's knowledge and guidance could be invaluable in our quest to uncover the truth and reunite with Nadia. We requested her assistance, and she agreed to join us, her sense of duty to protect the forest and its inhabitants aligning with our own mission.

"I shall accompany you on your journey to find your friend, but I'll need a favor first." Serlene responded as I nodded.

"Tell me what it is." I said. I was willing to do anything to get Nadia back.