Page 30 of Alien Prince

I feel the invisible bond between Gemma and me strengthening, solidifying with each passing moment. I can sense her fear, her struggle, and it fuels my determination. I won’t let the Queen take her from me.

As the guards advance, I reach out with my mind, trying to stabilize with Gemma.

Gemma, fight her. I know you’re there. Fight her.

For a moment, I feel a flicker of response, but it's weak. The Queen's grip on her is too strong. I need to do something—and fast.

“Raif,” I call out, redirecting my attention towards him while he skillfully fires at the guards who are rapidly approaching. “Distract her. I need to get close enough to touch her.”

Raif nods, his eyes locked on the Queen. He fires with precision, each shot landing just right to keep her and her guards on edge. His aim is perfect—close enough to pressure them, but not enough to cause harm. The guards tighten their formation, focused entirely on protecting her.

Seizing the moment, I move quickly and quietly. When I'm close enough, I lunge and grab Gemma’s—or rather, the Queen's—arm.

The connection is instant, electric. I feel the Queen's presence, cold and overpowering, but I also sense Gemma, buried deep within. I focus all my energy on her, pushing against the Queen's hold.

Gemma, it's me. You have to fight. I need you.

I feel her struggling, trying to push the Queen out—to latch onto me.

It's working, but it's not enough. I pour more of my energy into her, our bond strengthening, solidifying. With each blow of my fists and each dodge of the guards' bullets, my galaxy-like body becomes more human, more solid.

I feel a surge of energy from the Queen, a desperate and powerful push. She manages to slip out of my grip, her presence momentarily overpowering me. In that instant of distraction, a guard takes aim and fires.

A burning sensation sears through my arm, intensifying into a fiery agony that spreads like molten lava. I look down and see blood—deep purples, vivid blues, fiery reds, brilliant whites—a galaxy bleeding stardust into the ether. The pain is unbearable, each pulse of blood sending shockwaves of torment through me. Panic surges. I'm becoming solid.

Human.

Vulnerable.

My eyes dart around the room, fear gripping me as the pain threatens to overwhelm my senses. I struggle to maintain control, to fend off the guards, but the excruciating pain makes every movement a battle.

Out of nowhere, Raif appears beside me, his presence a steadying force in the chaos. He fights off one of the guards with a fierce determination, his movements precise and calculated. Ina swift motion, he thrusts a gun into my hand. The cold metal is foreign and jarring against my new flesh.

For the first time, I'm acutely aware of the raw, unfiltered sensation of holding a weapon in my true form. The weight and texture of the gun ground me, a stark reminder of my vulnerability. But with Raif by my side and the gun now in my grasp, a surge of resolve courses through me.

“Welcome to the fight, Your Highness,” Raif says, a smirk playing on his lips as he takes down another guard.

“Don't get used to this,” I respond, raising the gun and firing at an approaching guard. The recoil shocks me, but I quickly adjust. “I'm not exactly here to join your fan club.”

Raif laughs, the sound somehow managing to cut through the chaos. “Yeah, well, desperate times, right? Besides, you look almost competent with a gun.”

“Thanks for the backhanded compliment,” I mutter, shooting another guard. “But let's focus on not getting ourselves killed, shall we?”

“Good plan,” Raif replies, his tone lighter than the situation warrants. “Just try to keep up, Your Highness.”

“Keep up? I'm practically doing all the work here,” I retort, dodging a guard's attack and firing back. “You should be thankingme.”

Raif glances at me, a brief look of amusement crossing his face. “I'll send you a thank-you card later. Right now, let's not die.”

“Deal.”

The Queen’s composure starts to crack as she clutches her head, her face contorted in pain as if she has a terrible headache.

“Guards, kill them!” she screams, her voice rising in panic. “Do not let them near me!”

But the guards hesitate, their eyes wide as they witness my injury—their gaze glued to the black hole that is takingshape where the bullet ripped through galaxies and flesh. Instead of attacking, they surround the Queen, stunned and unsure. They’re torn between their duty and the unprecedented vulnerability she is displaying. She has never shown such weakness before, and her behavior is shocking to everyone present.

Taking advantage of their hesitation, Raif and I push forward with unyielding determination.That's my girl, Ithink, feeling a swell of pride as I watch Gemma fight with relentless vigor, exhausting the Queen with every move.

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