Page 9 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

“My mount is that way. It would make the journey easier.”

“No. We need to go right.”

A high-pitched whir cut through the air behind us. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat. A sleek metallic object zipped towards us, red lights blinking ominously.

“Get down!” I shouted, but Tharon was already moving.

He shoved me behind him, his broad back shielding me as a burst of energy crackled past, singeing the rock wall. The acrid smell of ozone filled my nostrils.

“What in the seven hells is that?” Tharon growled.

Before I could answer, he launched himself at the drone with inhuman speed. His powerful legs propelled him high into the air, arms outstretched. For a moment, he seemed suspended against the darkening sky. Then his hands closed around the drone.

Metal crumpled under his grip. Sparks flew as he tore it apart, landing in a crouch with the broken pieces scattered around him.

My legs wobbled, and I sank to the ground. I’d known about the drones, of course. As Oracle, I’d had access to all of the Temple’s history. But seeing this flying bit of the past in action, witnessing its destructive power firsthand... it shook me to my core.

The Temple was truly unleashing everything in its arsenal to keep me from leaving.

A shrill whistle pierced the air. Tharon’s head snapped up, alert. The ground trembled beneath us. Something large was approaching, and fast.

“We need to move,” Tharon said, hauling me to my feet. “Now.”

As if on cue, hooded figures emerged from the shadows. Temple Guards. Their firewhips crackled with energy, casting an eerie glow in the growing darkness.

“Give us the girl,” one of them demanded, voice muffled by his hood.

Tharon’s grip on my arm tightened. “I think not,” he snarled.

The air around us grew thick with tension. For a heartbeat, no one moved.

Then chaos erupted.

Tharon shoved me behind a boulder as energy blasts and firewhips lashed out. He dodged with preternatural grace, closing the distance between himself and the guards.

I watched in awe as he engaged them, his movements a blur. He disarmed one guard with a swift kick, sending the firewhip flying. Another swung a sword, but Tharon caught the blade between his palms, wrenching it away.

A thunderous roar split the air. From around the bend came a massive beast, all rippling muscle and gleaming fangs. It barreled into the fray, scattering the remaining guards.

“Come on!” Tharon shouted, already astride the creature’s back. He reached down, pulling me up behind him.

I clung to his waist as we tore through the canyon, leaving the sounds of battle behind. The wind whipped my hair, stinging my eyes. My heart thundered, equal parts terror and exhilaration.

We rode hard for what felt like hours, the landscape blurring around us. Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Tharon guided his mount into a narrow crevice. The passage opened up into a small cavern, hidden from view.

“We’ll rest here for the night,” Tharon said, sliding off the bagart’s back. He reached up to help me down, his hands lingering on my waist a moment longer than necessary.

I stumbled as my feet hit the ground, my legs wobbly from the long ride. Tharon steadied me, concern flickering across his face.

“You need to rest,” he said, guiding me to sit on a smooth boulder.

“I’m fine,” I protested, even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me. “We should keep moving.”

Tharon ignored me, busying himself with unpacking supplies from the bagart’s saddlebags. He spread out a thick blanket on the cave floor, then pressed a waterskin into my hands.

“Drink,” he ordered. “Then rest. We’re safe here for now.”

I wanted to argue, to push on, but my body betrayed me. My hands were unsteady as I lifted the waterskin to my lips, gulping down the cool water. Frustration bubbled up inside me. I wasn’t used to feeling this helpless, this out of control.

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