Page 52 of Fated to the Alien Chieftain

Pebbles glances upward, straining to hear, worry spreading across her sweet face. “I can hear them now,” she says, looking at me almost pleadingly. “It’ll start soon, won’t it?”

I nod solemnly, finding it heartbreaking to see my Pebbles look so panicked and anxious, wishing I could take away her pain. “Pebbles, I know this is hard for you. But there is no need—”

She cuts me off abruptly, her voice urgent. “Don’t send me away, Krogoth!” She declares, rushing closer and grasping my hand. “Unless you’re coming with me, I don’t want to hear it.” She buries her head against my chest.

Stroking her back gently, feeling her softness as I breathe in her scent. I desperately and greedily absorb her essence, savoring these last moments together. “Thank you for showing me what true love really is,” I whisper, like a spirit.

Pebbles’ shoulders tremble with silent sobs as we cling to each other. “I’m sorry, Krogoth, I promised myself I’d be strong foryou,” she confesses, tears shimmering in her eyes as she meets my gaze, “but I can’t let you do this.” Her embrace tightens with fierce desperation. “Your fear, it’s so strong. I won’t let you go out and die if there is no hope of you returning. Please, Krogoth, I beg you, don’t do this!” Her anguish pierces my heart like a blade.

I brush the tears from her flushed cheeks. “We all fear and doubt at difficult times, Pebbles,” I smile sympathetically. “It’s what gives us the strength to overcome our limitations.” A soft laugh escapes me before continuing. “Remember, I was fearful the first time we met. If I had turned back, I wouldn’t have known the joy and honor of ever loving you.”

Pebbles emits a mixture of laughter and tears, breaking our embrace. “Okay,” she whispers, rubbing her eyes. “Okay,” she repeats louder, her eyes now full of renewed resolve. “I’m glad you never turned back either, because I love you so fucking much, Krogoth,” she says, her smile tender.

A knock on our door draws our attention as Xandor enters wearing his full armor and half cloak. “Hail High Chieftain and Chieftainess,” he greets sternly, as he performs a military salute.

A laugh escapes me at his unusual formalness. “Gods, you look more nervous than me, Xandor,” I quip.

Xandor softens his posture, smiling, “You should be more nervous, fighting that big bastard again,” he jests before his face turns serious again. “They’re ready for you now.”

My heart pounds in my chest at his words as I clench my fists. “Lead the way, brother,” I say, fortifying myself.

The three of us travel along a winding cavernous tunnel, with a few braziers providing the only source of flickering firelight. With each step, the voices from above grow louder, matching the increasing pace of my heartbeat.

“Do you think Astraxius will watch from among the ancestors?” Xandor inquires, breaking the tense atmosphere.

His question catches me off guard. “I have no doubt,” I answer.

Xandor turns to me, his face tense. “But who does he bless?” He asks bitterly.

I halt, placing a hand on Xandor’s shoulder. “Astraxius, gave everything to reverse the wrong he had done. It’s because of him we are here now, with this opportunity,” I assure him, offering a smile. “He will strengthen me, along with all our ancestors that cry out for vengeance.”

As we continue walking, Xandor nods thoughtfully. “Honor to Astraxius!” He declares, his voice reverberating off the narrow walls.

“Honor to Astraxius!” Pebbles and I echo simultaneously.

Daylight filters in, illuminating the stairs leading to the mountaintop. The air grows colder and gusts of wind can be heard whipping through the air. So close now, my anxious fear gives way to an unshakable resolve, fueled by the adrenaline flowing through my veins.

“Honor to Clan Draxxus!” I shout out, climbing the stairs.

“Honor to Clan Draxxus!” Pebbles and Xandor echo, following closely behind.

I emerge from the stairs feeling the strong winds brush through my long hair, as the rain pelts down on my forehead, feeling surprisingly refreshing. Sounds of thunder boom and flashes of purple lightning streak across the skies. All eyes from the awaiting spectators fixate on me. Some I recognize fondly as proud Draxxus warriors. While the majority are unfamiliar faces, showing barely suppressed snarls. They stand like hostile statues awaiting my demise.

“Honor to the High Chieftain!” Xandor’s cry warms my heart, echoed by the raised fists and fervent chants of the Draxxus warriors. “High Chieftain!” Their roar drowns out even thethunder. I grasp Xandor’s wrist firmly. “Farewell, brother. May the Gods bless you,” I assert with a nod.

“I pray they bless you first, brother,” Xandor replies with a solemn smile, “Time to show the universe why you’re the greatest warrior.” He briefly embraces me.

Turning away, I march towards the central ring of the arena with Pebbles by my side. We pass through the cheering Clan Draxxus brothers as they slap my back and offer encouraging words. They fill me with joy and an overwhelming desire to emerge victorious, as I stride as the manifestation of everyone’s hopes and dreams.

I halt noticing Rylar standing on the precipice of the arena, marked by a ring of stones “You’re used to being the bigger warrior, but now you’ll need to stick and move, dart in and out,” he advises, acting out pokes with a spear.

“I will, I swear it,” I promise with a nod, embracing him quickly, “Farewell, old friend.”

He nods in return. “Fight with honor, Krogoth,” he offers solemnly as he salutes.

The edge of the arena contains numerous weapons of various types and technologies that soon we will choose from. At the center stands Vereth the aged Speaker, waiting gravely, clutching his staff, his white robes sodden with rain. “Hail Chieftain, Krogoth.” He nods at my approach, his eyes flicker to Pebbles. “I’m sorry, Chieftainess, you must clear the arena.” He motions for her to leave.

Pebbles’ hazel eyes blaze with a fierce intensity that ignites my soul. She tugs on my hand, urging me to lean down, and plants a kiss on my cheek before whispering in my ear. “Rip his heart out and come back to me,” she says, her tone full of aggression.

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