Page 3 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

Back in my chambers, I packed hastily, grabbing maps, weapons, and supplies. My fingers traced the outline of the device in my pouch - the key to finding Niam.

In the courtyard, I mounted my bagart, ignoring the wary glances of the castle staff. My gaze fixed on the distant mountains where Niam’s message had indicated she would be.

As my bagart’s hooves clattered on the cobblestones, a single thought consumed me: “I’m coming, Niam.”

Fear gnawed at the edges of my mind - fear that I wouldn’t reach her in time, that I would lose myself to the beast within before I could claim my mate. But I pushed it aside. I would find her. I had to.

The open road stretched before me, and I urged my mount faster. Every second counted.

Niam. I was coming for her. And gods help anyone who stood in my way.

NIAM

The pod hissed open. I sucked in air, my lungs burning as if I’d been drowning. My body shook, aftershocks of pain rippling through me from the implant removal. I stumbled out, gripping the edge of the pod to keep from falling.

The memory of those voices haunted me as I stumbled from the pod. Had it been real? Or just dreams born from pain and desperation? But when I reached for that sense of presence, I found only empty data streams.

No. I couldn’t think about that now. Couldn’t let myself wonder about voices in the machine. I had to focus on escape, on survival.

The medbay spun around me. I blinked hard, trying to focus. I had to get out of here. Now.

My legs wobbled as I took a step. Then another. The cold floor shocked my bare feet, helping to clear my head. I made it to the door, peering out into the corridor.

Empty. Good.

I started down the hallway, keeping close to the wall for support. My thoughts raced, plans and contingencies flashing through my mind. I couldn’t leave alone. Laren was still here,trapped in her cell. The last of the temple girls. I had to get her out too.

Footsteps echoed in the distance. I ducked into an alcove, pressing myself against the wall. Two guards walked by, their conversation drifting to me.

“Did you hear about the new shipment coming in?”

“Yeah, fresh meat for the grinder. Poor bastards don’t know what they’re in for.”

My fists clenched. More innocents to be sacrificed to the temple’s hunger. No. I wouldn’t let that happen. Not anymore.

When the coast was clear, I continued on. The familiar corridors felt alien now, shadows lurking in every corner. I navigated carefully, using my knowledge of the patrol routes to avoid detection.

Finally, I reached Laren’s cell. I placed my hand on the access panel, praying my authorization still worked. The door slid open with a soft hiss.

Laren sat on her cot, staring blankly at the wall. Her once vibrant brown hair hung lank and dull around her face. She didn’t even look up as I entered.

“Laren,” I whispered, kneeling beside her. “It’s me, Niam. We’re getting out of here.”

No response. I gently touched her arm. She flinched, curling in on herself.

“It’s okay,” I soothed. “I’m not going to hurt you. We need to go now. Can you stand?”

Slowly, painfully slowly, Laren’s eyes focused on me. Recognition flickered in their depths.

“Niam?” Her voice was barely audible.

“Yes, it’s me. We don’t have much time. I need you to come with me.”

I helped her to her feet, supporting most of her weight. We shuffled out into the corridor. Laren moved like a puppet with cut strings, responding only to simple commands.

“Left foot. Now right. Good. Keep going.”

We made it halfway down the hall before an alarm blared. Red lights flashed, bathing everything in an eerie glow. They’d discovered my escape.

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