Page 62

The only one who ever cared for me was Maya, and I betrayed her.

After everything I did, it was for nothing.

I glance around at my bedroom—luxurious sheets on a large bed, smooth rock walls intermixed with metal doors. Food, fruit from the surface, and other luxuries litter my personal space. More wealth than I could possibly ever need… and I would trade it all just to know that Maya was safe.

I’m trapped in this gilded room, forbidden from leaving.

I glare at the locked solid metal door, barring me from my escape… and rampage. I wouldn’t claw through it even if I tried. The only way to operate that lock and free myself is by using one of my father’s toys; devices similar to the ones that Maya carried with her. Only the highest-ranking guards have those devices. I’ve never bothered carrying one, never barred from entering anywhere before.

Even if I were able to get to the other side, the King’s personal guards are waiting. ‘For my protection’, my father had claimed. No… they are here to trap me like the raving animal that I am. Even if I were able to escape this prison, there would be no convincing them to look the other way.

“You know, you should try to eat something,” Tanis says, as he sits at my desk. He picks at the food, taking the best pieces for himself. I’ve never seen him so… disrespectful. Even he’s lost his faith in me. I can’t blame him.

“Where is she?” I ask, my voice guttural.

“Your father sent her to the arena cells,” he replies. “Along with your other two companions.”

“She’s alive,” I breathe out a sigh of relief. I receive a grunt in reply.

Tanis casually peels back the skin of some fruit, completely undeterred by my aggressive pacing. He holds out a piece of fruit towards me, “Want some?”

“Of course I don’t!” I snap, slapping the offending food from his hand. It bounces across the room. “Why are you here, Tanis? Shouldn’t you be out there with the other guards, keeping me locked up?”

“I’m here for your orders,” Tanis sighs, staring up at me.

He’s never been the smartest of males, but his heart is always in the right place. I’ve never really been able to fault him for anything. His loyalty touches me.

“My orders?” I scoff. “What could I possibly order you to do? What would even be the point? It’s not like I can help anyone from in here.”

“Is that what you want to do?” He asks, leaning forward. His eyes bore into me, as if he’s trying to see into my soul. “To help?”

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is help!” I shout, throwing up my arms and pacing away. “I want to help our people. I want to help Maya. Hell, I want to help you even find that perfect mate, just like how you’ve always talked about.”

I sink onto the soft mattress of my bed, a groan slipping free. I scrub furiously at my eyes.

The luminae on Tanis’ skin pulse gently, telling me he’s happy. Probably because I admitted that I cared about the unfeeling bastard. The very bastard that thought to bring me food and drink, knowing he was likely to be turned away by the King’s guards. The only being to consider me at all after my arrest.

“I’m sorry for…” I sigh, waving my hand at the discarded fruit. “I just… Our people are dying, Tanis. Ever since we found ourselves on this planet, we’ve been rotting away in the dark. We are supposed to be warriors. We should have led the charge to the surface. We should be liberating this world, defending others from danger… and instead, we force other tribes to fight in the arena, all so that they might live another day while they battle the dangers alone. Tell me, Tanis, how are we any different from those slavers? What happened?”

“Your father happened,” Tanis replies. “And you happened.”

I huff, unable to deny him. “I’ve been spoiled. And naive. How could I not see it? All those times I was forbidden to go on patrol. All those times he turned me away, telling me I was not ready to rule. I believed him. I thought he loved me, he was grooming me to take over… but…”

“He’s your father,” Tanis replies. “You’re supposed to trust your father. As our king, we are supposed to never question his wisdom.”

I scoff. “If I’m ever being that stupid, you’re welcome to punch me.”

“Noted.”

I glance across at the male. He’s back to picking at what is supposedly my dinner.

“Oh Tanis,” I sigh, exhaustion pulling at my shoulders. I spent so many years of my life dedicated to my people, and look at where I’ve ended up--alone, trapped, and helpless. It’s not like they even care; the only one here is Tanis, and he’s eating my damned food!

“As soon as the door opens, you should just leave. Get away while you can. If I live through the night, and that’s a big if, then best I can even hope for is exile. And I’ll tell you now… I’m not leaving my mate behind. I’ll fight for her.”

And I’ll die for her. As strong as I am, I’m just a singular warrior. There is no way I can fight against hundreds of warriors. I doubt I’ll even make it to her side… but I’ll still try.

I hang my head, defeated. There’s nothing I can do. I can’t help myself. I can’t help Maya. I’ve doomed everyone.