Page 55 of Alien Prince

“Zoirse,” I said. “She's been invaluable since I arrived. Discreet and observant.”

He considered this. “Very well. But we proceed carefully.”

The tension in the room was palpable, a knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. The flickering light from the sconces cast long shadows, and I felt a sudden chill despite the warmth of the chamber.

“There's something else,” I added reluctantly.

Both men turned to face me.

“I believe the coup may be supported by external forces,” I continued. “Possibly factions that oppose I.R.M.A.'s involvement here.”

Ryler swore under his breath. “That complicates things.”

Kas's expression hardened. “Then we may be facing a threat not just to Xeno Prime, but to intergalactic stability.”

The enormity of the situation settled over us like a heavy cloak. I rubbed my temples, a dull ache forming behind my eyes. The scent of the incense was now cloying, almost suffocating.

“We can't do this alone,” I whispered.

Kas stepped forward, his gaze intent. “Maisie, you've already risked so much. Are you willing to see this through?”

I looked up at him, the vulnerability in his eyes mirroring my own fears. “Yes,” I replied softly. “I am.”

Ryler placed a hand on Kas's shoulder. “We're in this together.”

A flicker of a smile crossed Kas's lips. “Then we act as one.”

The resolve in his voice reignited a spark of determination within me. Despite the fear gnawing at the edges of my consciousness, I knew we had to move forward.

“First,” Kas declared, “we need to verify the loyalties of those closest to us.”

“I'll start discreet inquiries,” Ryler offered. “See who might be swayed to our side.”

Kas nodded. “And I'll tighten security around the palace.”

I glanced between them. “And I'll continue to monitor communications. Perhaps we can intercept more information.”

Kas met my gaze. “Be careful. If they suspect you—”

“I know,” I interrupted gently. “But we don't have much time.”

He hesitated, then reached out to squeeze my hand. His skin was warm, his grip firm yet gentle. “Thank you,” he said quietly.

A flush crept up my neck. “We're all fighting for the same thing.”

Ryler cleared his throat, a teasing glint in his eyes despite the gravity of the situation. “You two can have your moment later. We've got work to do.”

I laughed softly, the sound easing some of the tension. “Right.”

Kas released my hand, a hint of reluctance in the gesture. “Let's reconvene at dawn. We'll share what we've learned and plan our next steps.”

We all agreed, and with a final exchange of determined looks, we parted ways.

As I made my way back through the silent corridors, the weight of the night's revelations pressed heavily upon me. The once comforting glow of the luminescent crystals now seemed cold, casting eerie shadows that danced at the edges of my vision. The air was thick, the lingering scent of ozone following me like specters.

In the solitude of my quarters, I sank onto the plush cushions by the window. The glass was cool against my forehead as I gazed out at the twin moons hanging low in the sky, their light casting a silvery path across the gardens below. The distant echo of festival celebrations had faded entirely, replaced by the quiet rustle of night creatures and the soft whisper of the wind.

Fear coiled in the pit of my stomach. I traced a finger over the intricate patterns embroidered on the cushion..

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