Page 116 of Bred by the Alien Prince

I translated his words, watching as the hybrids' expressions shifted from relief to terror. Some began to cry, their shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Mei stepped forward, her chin lifted defiantly even as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"We've been poked, prodded, and experimented on enough," she said, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "I'm sure the lab on that big ship we escaped from has plenty of samples already. We won't be subjected to more tests, more violations of our bodies and our rights."

I relayed her message to Lorvian, adding softly, "She's right, you know. They've been through so much already."

Lorvian's jaw clenched as he considered Mei's words. I met his gaze, my eyes pleading silently. With a heavy sigh, he relented. "Alright. Tell them to get on board. We'll forgo the testing, for now."

Mei's shoulders sagged with relief as I translated, and she mouthed a silent "thank you" in my direction. I helped the hybrids settle into the ship. As we left Ashan behind, the stars blurring into streaks of light, I couldn't help feeling responsible for them in a way. I didn't consider myself their leader or anything, I believed that responsibility was falling to Mei. But I still knew more of what was going on and I feared that the human colony wouldn't accept them.

In the cockpit, Zantos lounged in the co-pilot's seat, his long legs propped up on the console as Connor piloted the ship. Lorvian fixed him with a hard stare, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I thought you would have gotten off on Ashan," he said, his tone sharp. "Unless, of course, you're keeping tabs on me for Xil now."

Zantos threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and mocking. "You're reading too much into it, brother. This is just the most exciting place to be right now. A ship full of lab-made hybrids? If they can all carry and birth kids like you little human mate, it'll be a boon. You'll get the credit for saving our species, for ensuring our future."

Lorvian shook his head, his expression grim. "We can't rely on the humans, Zantos. Not all of them would agree to gene therapy, and forcing them isn't right. It's not the answer. Besides, we may not need to. I have a doctor onboard who might be able to awaken those in the long sleep. If he succeeds, it could change everything."

Zantos's eyes widened, his mouth falling open in shock. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face. "Well, well. This ship truly is the most interesting place to be, isn't it?"

Exhausted, I retreated to our quarters with Lorvian behind me, the ship's soft hum lulling me and making me sleepy. Lorvian's arms encircled me as he pulled me close.

"We'll settle down soon," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "I promise, Caspian. No one will ever separate us again. We'll build a life together, a family. You, me, and our children."

"I know."

Days Later

We arrived at the planet housing the human colony. As we descended through the atmosphere, I marveled at the lush landscapes below, the vibrant greens and blues a welcome sight. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the settlement, the progress the humans and androids had made in rebuilding was taking shape.

Fran, Derek, and Swarti greeted us at the landing pad. I had spent the last few days preparing the hybrids for the possibility of rejection, knowing my earlier actions hadn't exactly inspired loyalty among the colonists. But I hoped that, given all the hybrids had endured since the Ignis attack, the humans would find it in their hearts to accept them even if they dropped kicked me off the planet.

Lorvian pulled Swarti aside, speaking to him in low, urgent tones and yeah, I eavesdropped. "I want you to know that I've decided not to rebel," he said, his voice firm. "But I also won't force you and the others to integrate with the hegemony. Instead, I plan to rule Eros as a neutral trading post. Anyone who wishes to join me there, to start a new life, is welcome. That includes your families."

Swarti's expression was guarded, but he nodded slowly. "I understand, sir. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I respect your decision. I'll inform the others."

Meanwhile, Fran and Derek approached me. I guess the little time apart did nothing to make Fran welcome my presence and Derek just looked pissed. "The US government has abandoned us, Caspian," Fran said, her voice bitter. "We're at the mercy of these aliens now, with no support from Earth."

I shook my head, but I couldn't say I was surprised. "No, Fran. You're in control of your own fate now. And Eros will be a vast trading post, a hub for commerce and exchange. You'll be able to get supplies there, rather than relying on Earth."

Fran's lips twisted into a grimace. "The head of Outer Worlds made similar promises, but it's hard to believe them now. We've been burned too many times."

Lorvian approached. "Do you have access to the leader of this program?" he asked. "I need to speak with him as soon as possible."

Derek and Fran exchanged a glance, then nodded. I wondered what they were thinking. "We do," Derek confirmed. "I…I'll arrange a meeting."

As Mei led the other hybrids off the ship, I couldn't help but notice the wary looks on the faces of the gathered colonists. Derek's eyes widened as he recognized Mei, who met his gaze with a steely glare. Did they know each other?

"These are the rest of the Ignis survivors," I explained, my voice carrying across the crowd. "You don't have to worry about the one who experimented on them anymore. He's been dealt with."

Derek's expression softened, though he still looked exhausted as hell. "I feel for them, Caspian. I really do. But right now, all we want is to move on, to put this whole nightmare behind us and start over."

Mei's face contorted with rage, her fists clenched at her sides. "How dare you?" she screamed, her voice raw with pain. "We've been through hell, and you're just going to turn your backs on us? Pretend we don't exist? You recommended me for the council we were to set up once we landed. You were my friend…or so I thought."

"I am your friend, and I'm glad you're alive, but…shit, we've all been through a lot already. We just need some normalcy, as much of it as we can get."

I stepped between them, my hands raised in a placating gesture. "Mei, there's a place for you on Eros with me. You can start fresh, build a new life for yourselves... if you want."

Mei's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of her. "Fine," she spat, "Looks like I got no other choice anyway." She cursed under her breath. "But I want to contact my family back on Earth. We all do. They deserve to know what happened to us, that we're still alive."

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