Page 66 of Saving the Alien Chieftain

“Pray? Right,” I respond, my hands trembling with uncertainty.Sounds so simple, but how exactly?I glance up at the face of Machsin feeling her serene strength, recalling that I spoke a prayer to her before embarking on the Proving.If she is real, she has got me this far.

Grimacing in pain, I struggle to kneel before her statue, clasping my hands together and bowing my head. “Great Goddess Machsin, thank you for your guiding wisdom and mercy during my Proving. Please keep Cupcake safe. She’s a very good girl…”Nothing’s happening. Do I keep going?

“And thank you for bringing me Krogoth. I love the way he makes me smile, how safe I feel when he’s near, and how he always looks out for me, ensuring I’m okay. His beautiful, confident smile, his silky long raven-colored hair. His strong, masculine jawline and those intense purple eyes. Oh! The way his abs look when the light hits just right, and how his powerful arms and shoulders feel when I touch them. The way his hands explore my body, hmm…”Crap, I got distracted.I cautiously peep with one eye, disappointed to see no change happening.More?

“I’m very sorry for what the Scythians have done to your people… I lost both my parents several years ago. They died within a few months of each other. I know it’s not the same thing as losing your entire female population, but I still miss them… It was such a shock. It seemed like one day they were just gone, and life carried on, like they never existed. But I’ll always remember them. If you’re watching, Mom and Dad, I could really use your help…”

Blinking, I’m surprised to feel tears softly streaming down my cheeks.I guess the Gods won’t grant me their blessing.Krogoth places a hand on my shoulder and as I turn to meet his gaze, sudden blackness rushes in, swallowing everything.

I can hear the slow lapping of waves as I glance about, confused about what the hell is going on. Recognition dawns on me. This is the beach Mum and Dad took me to as a child! Briefly, I enjoy the peaceful serenity of the seagulls squawking in the distance and the coarse feel of the pristine beige sand onmy bare feet. The pleasant warmth of the golden sun now seems strange, having become accustomed to Klendathor’s purple tint.

As I enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters of the lazy lapping waves, I gasp, noticing I’m holding a child’s plastic beach spade and bucket.When did I pick these up?Examining the red-colored objects, I glance down, stunned, realizing I’m a child again, or more precisely, the child version of myself.Is this one of my memories?

Near my feet stands a half-constructed sandcastle. I jump with joy at seeing it.I’ve nearly finished it, just needs a couple more turrets and walls!I hum a tune Mommy likes to sing to me near my beddy-bye times.I hate beddy-bye times!I busily scoop sand into my red bucket and pack it tightly, whacking it with the spade.Why does this feel so satisfying?

I toddle over towards the corner of my sandcastle, where the prince and princess live. Holding my breath, about to do something very important, I carefully tip the bucket of packed sand, daring not to make any unnecessary movements, ever so slowly lifting the bucket away. I peer at the bottom, hoping the sandy shape holds.

Please, please, please.

Just as I’m about to exhale in delight, the corner breaks off, crashing into the sand, taking my hopes and dreams with it. “No! Stupid sand.” I stamp my feet in annoyance, overcome with a surge of intense anger and disappointment. Taking deep breaths, I try to quell the irrational feelings.Why do I care so much about a little broken bit of sand? Am I always like this?

Two shadows loom behind me. I recognize the two giants as my mommy and daddy. Happiness explodes in my chest like an uncontrollable torrent. “Hello, Mommy and Daddy!” I scuttle over, hugging their legs, before shame crashes over me, crushing my happiness in an instant. “No, you can’t see my castle. It’s not done yet!” I exclaim, placing my hands on my hips.

My parents laugh, which causes me to pout.Why can’t they see how important this is?Daddy peers down, inspecting my sandcastle. “Hmm, looks good. What happened here?” He points his giant finger at my recently broken turret.

Anxiously, I rush over, trying to sprinkle sand atop the damaged section. “The sand is broken!” I shout in frustration.

Mommy and Daddy share a quiet chuckle. I glance between them, confused, not fully understanding the humor. Their laughter brings me joy, so I continue saying similar things. “Silly sand is so naughty!” I laugh, peering into their faces.

Please laugh, please laugh.

A pang of sadness strikes when they remain silent. “We bought you an ice cream cone,” Mommy says, offering me my most favorite food in the entire world.

Thrilled, I’m compelled to leap in excitement, trampling all over my sandcastle, but I hardly notice. Ice cream reigns supreme. “Thank you!” I carefully cradle the cone like it’s the most precious treasure in the world. “Oh, it has sprinkles!” I exclaim before eagerly devouring the cold, delicious treat…Something’s not right. I’m not this person anymore.

“I know this isn’t real. I’m not a little girl anymore. Stop wasting my time and give me some answers!” I shout, glaring at the parental figures.

Reality seems to twist and warp, or perhaps it’s my perception of it. I remain on the beach, but now in my true form, adorned in the worn and battle-tested exoenhancer armor that carried me through the Proving.

The sight of my parents, seeing me as I am now, overwhelms me. A rush of tears fall from my face, now my clarity has returned. My parents both appear so young, scarcely older than I am now, and my chest is heavy as my heart aches, seeing them again.

“What’s wrong, Roxanne?” Mom asks, concern etched on both their faces as they wrap a comforting arm around me. A torrent of emotions surge within me. Seeing them in person and hearing their voices again feels so real, causing more tears to spill from my eyes. “Never thought I’d see you again. I miss you both so much,” I manage, my voice quivering with sobs as I pull them closer.

Dad’s brown mustache, no longer gray, curls into a smile. “There’s no need to cry, Roxanne, because we’re always by your side,” he reassures, his voice steady.

“Yes, we’ll always watch over you, my little miracle. You’re never truly alone,” Mom adds, her blue eyes shimmering with compassion.

I squeeze them harder as they finish speaking, never wanting to let go. “I’ve been lost without the two of you. I don’t know if I’ve made the right choices.”

“Everything is as it’s supposed to be, sweet pea,” Mom affirms with a gentle nod.

“Relax, Roxanne, you’re a smart woman. Trust your instincts,” Dad chimes in, positioning himself beside Mom.

“But I’m not strong enough. I tried so hard, gave everything I had, and I still would have died if Krogoth hadn’t stepped in at the last moment,” I confess, brushing away the tears streaking down my cheeks.

“Your mother and I helped each other a lot over the years. It’s ok to rely on others who care for you.” Dad smiles, draping an arm over Mom’s shoulder.

“We’re both so proud of you, Roxanne. No one could have asked any more of you.” Mom shares a smile with Dad before continuing. “We just want you to be happy.”

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