Page 108 of Alien Prince

“You’ve lost,” I growl, pressing the weapon to his chest.

His defiance falters, but before he can respond, Emily appears at my side, her own blaster aimed steadily at him.

“Don’t make this harder on yourself,” she says, her voice cold and commanding.

Nyran glares at us and then lunges for her blaster.

I don’t hesitate.

I shoot him right in the center of his head.

He’s dead.

Moments later, the guards have rounded up the rest of Nyran’s men and take them into custody.

I sink to the floor, the adrenaline fading as the pain in my side sharpens.

“Kael!” Emily drops to her knees beside me, her hands hovering over the wound.

“It’s nothing,” I say, forcing a weak smile. “Just a scratch.”

She scowls, her hands pressing gently against the injury. “You’re a terrible liar.”

Despite the pain, I can’t help but smile at her. “You were incredible,” I say softly, my gaze locking with hers. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Her expression softens, her hand brushing against my cheek. “You trusted me,” she whispers.

“I always will.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Emily

The halls of the palace are quiet now, the once-constant tension of the rebellion finally lifted. With Nyran dead, the stronghold emptied, and his remaining rebels all locked up, there can be peace.

Outside, Erythos’s twin moons cast a silvery glow over the gardens, their light spilling through the windows and pooling on the floor like liquid mercury.

I stand by the balcony, gazing out at the city below. The celebrations have already begun, the people rejoicing. I should feel that same sense of triumph and relief.

But I don’t.

Instead, my chest feels tight, my thoughts a tangled mess as I replay everything that’s happened. The battles, the betrayals, the moments where I wasn’t sure we’d survive…

And Kael. Always Kael.

He’s been my anchor through it all, his unwavering strength a beacon, but now that the fighting is over, the question I’ve been avoiding comes crashing to the forefront: can I stay here?

This world is beautiful, yes. Its people are strong and resilient.

But it’s not Earth. It’s not home.

And what if staying here means losing myself? I’ve changed so much since I came here, but is that for the better? I’ve shot at the rebels. I even killed some. Yes, we were at war. Yes, you could argue self-defense, but…

The sound of footsteps pulls me from my thoughts, and I turn to see Kael stepping onto the balcony. He looks tired, his silver skin catching the moonlight as he moves toward me. The softness in his gaze makes my heart ache.

He’s changed so much too since I first met him. He’s not cold and unfeeling.

“You’ve been quiet, Emily. Is everything all right?”

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