Page 103 of Alien Prince

One of my men signals, pointing to a heavy metal door at the end of the hall. I know before he speaks.

She’s there.

I step forward, my heart pounding as I examine the lock. It’s rudimentary—a simple mechanism meant to delay, not stop someone determined enough.

“Cover me,” I order, my voice low but firm.

Within moments, the door creaks open, and I step inside.

The room is small, dimly lit by a single overhead light. And there she is—Emily, sitting on a narrow cot, her arms wrapped around herself.

Her head snaps up as the door opens, her eyes widening when she sees me.

“Kael?” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

Relief crashes over me like a wave, and I’m across the room in an instant. I fall to my knees in front of her, my hands cupping her face as I search her eyes for any sign of injury.

“You’re safe now,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “I’ve got you.”

She trembles under my touch, her wide eyes filling with tears. “You came for me,” she says, her voice breaking.

“Of course I did,” I reply, my thumb brushing away a tear as it slips down her cheek. “I would tear this entire place apart to find you.”

Her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me close, and I feel her sob against my shoulder. I hold her tightly, my own chest tight with the weight of everything I haven’t said and everything I can’t bear to lose.

“I thought…” she starts, her voice muffled against me. “I thought you wouldn’t come.”

I pull back just enough to meet her gaze, my hands framing her face. “I would never abandon you,” I say firmly. “Never. You’re everything to me, Emily, and I will always fight for you.”

“Kael,” she whispers, her voice trembling, but before she can say more, footsteps echo outside the room.

I rise instantly, shielding her with my body as one of my guards enters.

“Reinforcements are on their way, Your Highthos,” he says quickly. “We need to move.”

I nod, glancing back at Emily. “Can you walk?”

She stands, her legs unsteady but her determination clear. “Yes.”

I take her hand, leading her toward the door, my grip firm and reassuring. We navigate the stronghold quickly, my men clearing the way with precision.

By the time we emerge into the open air, the stars shining brightly above, the weight on my chest begins to lift.

She’s safe.

And as we board the transport waiting for us, I pull her into my arms again, holding her tightly as if to convince myself she’s really here.

“I’ve got you,” I murmur again, pressing a kiss to her hair.

This isn’t over. The rebels will answer for what they’ve done. But for now, all that matters is her. I’ll never let her go.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Emily

Kael’s chamber is quiet, the flickering light from the hearth casting long shadows across the stone walls. I stand in the center of the room, my arms crossed, waiting for him to speak.

He closes the door behind us, his movements slow, deliberate, as if he’s bracing himself. His silver skin catches the alien firelight, but his usual commanding presence feels subdued.

---