Page 6 of Alien Prince's Fated Mate

But Laren’s breathing grew ragged, her body shaking. “No, no, we can’t... they’ll find us. They always find us.”

“Laren, please,” I begged, reaching for her. “We’re so close-”

She shoved me away with unexpected strength, her eyes wild with fear. “No! I won’t let them take me again!”

Before I could stop her, Laren bolted back the way we came, disappearing around the corner.

“Laren!” I called after her, my voice echoing in the empty corridor. But she was gone.

I stood frozen, torn between chasing after her and continuing my attempts at the door. The sound of approaching footsteps made the decision for me. Guards were coming from both directions. I was trapped.

My mind raced, searching for a way out. There were no vents, no maintenance hatches, nowhere to hide. I pressed my back against the unyielding door, my last hope of escape.

As the footsteps grew louder, I steeled myself for what was to come. I wouldn’t go down without a fight, even if it was hopeless.

The first guard rounded the corner, weapon raised. I tensed, ready to spring-

A blur of movement caught my eye. Something massive barreled into the guard, sending him flying. More shouts and the sounds of combat filled the air.

I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. A giant figure tore through the guards like they were nothing, moving with terrifying speed and grace. In seconds, it was over. Bodies littered the floor, and silence fell once more.

The figure turned to face me, and I got my first clear look. It was a Shakai male, towering over me with bronze skin and hair a mix of deep blue and silver. His face was all sharp angles and hard planes, undeniably alien yet breathtakingly beautiful.

But it was his eyes that held me captive. They glowed with an inner fire, a double ring of blue and green.

He took a step towards me, and I pressed myself harder against the door, my heart pounding. “Who are you?” I managed to ask. “What do you want?”

A predatory smile spread across his face, chilling me to my core. “I've come for you, little one,” he said. “And it's a good thing that I did.”

THARON

Istood there, the blood rushing in my ears with a mix of elation and disbelief. Niam was right in front of me, her delicate form pressed against the wall. Her wide eyes locked onto mine, a flicker of fear and curiosity dancing across her face. Every fiber of my being screamed to reach out and touch her, to claim what was mine.

But the clatter of armored footsteps broke through my haze. More guards rounded the corner, their swords glinting. A deep growl rumbled from me as I positioned myself between Niam and the oncoming threat.

The first guard lunged forward, his blade whistling through the air. I dodged to the side, my fist connecting with his jaw. He crumpled to the ground. Two more rushed at me, their attacks coordinated but predictable.

I felt the familiar surge of power coursing through my veins, the Valti part of me begging to be unleashed. But I pushed it down, relying on my training and strength alone. I wouldn’t give in to that primal side, not here, not now.

My elbow slammed into one guard’s solar plexus while I swept the legs out from under the other. They fell in a tangle oflimbs and curses. I spun, narrowly avoiding a blade that sliced through the air where my head had been moments before.

The fight was brutal but quick. Bodies littered the floor around me, some groaning in pain, others ominously still. I stood there, chest heaving, my knuckles bruised and bloodied.

I turned to Niam, worry gnawing at my gut. How would she react to this violence? To the monster I truly was? But to my surprise, her face remained calm, almost impassive as she surveyed the scene.

“Are you alright?” I asked, taking a step towards her.

She nodded, then moved away from me, her eyes darting down the corridor. “We need to go. There will be more.”

“Where exactly do you think you’re going?” I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face. Her spirit was intoxicating.

“I don’t know where you’re going,” she said, her voice firm despite her obvious exhaustion. “But I’m leaving this place.”

I grinned, admiring her fire. “Then it seems we’re headed in the same direction, little one.”

A distant shout echoed through the halls. I grabbed Niam’s arm, tugging her along. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

She stumbled, her legs weak and unsteady. Without hesitation, I scooped her up into my arms. She was so light, so fragile. The coarse material of her robe scratched my arms, igniting a spark of anger. She deserved silks and jewels, not this pitiful excuse for clothing.

---