Page 11 of Rescued By the Alien Acolyte

“What?” he asks, clearly surprised.

“To Terrax,” I explain. “I have connections there. We could both disappear into the smuggling network.”

Finzar pauses, studying me intently. His brow furrows as he contemplates my words. “I… I cannot simply leave,” he says, his voice heavy with conflict. “I have a plan. I can claim the acolytes were traitors, working against the Nexus. Sakar might believe me if I present it right.”

“It’s too dangerous,” I tell him. I see the struggle in his eyes, years of indoctrination warring with the spark of rebellion that made him save me. My heart aches for him, and I make a silent vow to get him out, whether he believes it’s possible or not.

“Finzar,” I say softly, reaching out to touch his arm. He flinches slightly but doesn’t pull away. “Your plan is brave, but it’s a death sentence. There’s no guarantee you can convince anyone that they were traitors. And then what? You’ll be alone, with no one to help you.”

He remains silent, his pale eyes searching mine.

“The Nexus is everywhere,” he argues. “They’ll hunt us down and kill us both.”

“We have to try,” I say firmly. “We’ll figure it out together. But first, we need to escape. In Terrax, we’ll have resources, allies. We can fight the Nexus from the outside where they can’t touch us.”

Finzar sighs deeply, running a hand through his long black hair. I can see the moment his resolve wavers then breaks. “You are a strange one, little flame,” he says, a hint of warmth in his voice. “Perhaps… perhaps you’re right. Very well. We leave together. But we must hurry. Every moment we linger increases our risk.”

four

Finzar

Together.

The word echoes in my mind as we move swiftly through the dim corridors, my hand gripping Loelle’s firmly. I can feel the tremor in her fingers, the fear she’s trying to hide. I pull her closer, my body shielding hers from potential threats. The corridor’s candlelight flickers across her features, highlighting her beauty and vulnerability. She may be fierce, but right now, she needs my protection.

We reach a fork in the tunnel. One path leads to the inner sanctum, where Sakar is undoubtedly preparing for the Solstice ritual. The other leads to the main gates. Both options reek of danger.

“Which way?” Loelle whispers, her eyes searching mine for guidance.

I quickly assess our options, my mind racing through potential scenarios. “The gate is heavily guarded, and the outer tunnelsare regularly patrolled,” I growl, my voice low and authoritative. “We’ll take the inner path. It’s risky, but it’s our best shot.”

Loelle nods, trusting my judgment. “Any guards that way?”

“Not yet, but it passes the High Inquisitor’s chambers,” I warn. “If we’re seen…”

Her eyes widen slightly, but she steels herself. “Then we move fast and silently.”

I nod approvingly. Her courage impresses me, even as I feel the weight of responsibility for her safety.

We rush through the corridors, our footsteps eerily loud despite our attempts at stealth. The walls seem to close in; the shadows deepening with each step. As we round a corner, the imposing door to Sakar’s chambers looms before us, partially open. My arm shoots out, pressing Loelle against the wall, stopping her in her tracks.

“Wait,” I command, my voice barely audible. “Sakar might be inside.”

Loelle leans forward, her body pressing against mine as she strains to see. Her scent envelops me, threatening to cloud my judgment. I force myself to focus, listening intently for any sound from within the chamber. Her breath is warm on my skin, the scent of her intoxicating.

“I don’t see him,” Loelle breathes, her lips close to my ear.

“Stay behind me,” I order, taking the lead. We creep past the open door, my every nerve on edge. The silence is oppressive, broken only by our shallow breathing and the pounding of my heart.

Halfway down the corridor, I freeze. Before Loells can speak, I clamp my hand over her mouth, pulling her into a shadowy alcove. Her eyes widen in alarm, but she doesn’t struggle as I pull her in close to me, pressing her back against the wall.

“Voices,” I mouth silently, nodding toward the approaching sounds of conversation and heavy footsteps.

Their sound fills the corridor, the heavy tread of boots echoing off the stone walls. I press Loelle further against the wall, using my body to shield her from view. Her hair tickles my nose, and I breathe in the scent of her, spicy and exotic. Loelle trembles against me, her fear palpable. I tighten my grip, silently willing her to remain still.

The voices grow louder, almost upon us. I can make out fragments of conversation—something about increased patrols and a Solstice raid on Terrax. My muscles coil, ready to spring into action if we’re discovered.

“Check down there,” a harsh voice commands, far too close for comfort.

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