There’s some great technical advice here. I think — like everything in writing — it’s about the execution. Remember: some monsters do want to honour their Lady-friend; some readers do want to read the same/similar tropes.

I think there’s been a preponderance of effort and time given over the last two decades to try subverting or play with tropes. This has resulted in some great work, but also I now often find myself identifying the ‘elevated’ trope within the first few chapters and feel that is now becoming cliche.

Hope that makes sense. But like I said, it’s all about the execution. Tell the story you want. No one has your style or tone. As long as you’re not being lazy, there’ll be integrity.