Page 29 of Alien Prince

Chapter Twelve

Kyron

I feel her presence fade into the background, like a star being swallowed by a black hole. Something isn't right. I rush through the corridors of the palace, my heart pounding in my chest. The Queen's aura is unmistakable, and it's mingling with Gemma's. I know what that means.

She’s taken her.

“Mother!” I shout, my voice echoing off the marble walls. I burst into the grand hall, and there she is—Gemma, or rather, what looks like Gemma, standing with a chillingly familiar posture.

“Kyron, darling,” she purrs, but it's not Gemma's voice. It's the Queen's, cold and calculating.

“Let her go,” I demand, my fists clenched at my sides. My knuckles are white, energy pulses through me— I’m ready to explode.

The Queen smirks, using Gemma's lips. “Oh, Kyron, you've grown soft. This human... She’s made you weak.”

I step closer, trying to keep my composure. “Release her, Mother. Now.”

She laughs, the sound echoing eerily around us.

“Why should I? She's perfect for you, isn’t she? Like she wasdesignedfor you.”

My blood boils. “She is mine,” I growl, the possessiveness in my voice barely controlled. “And you will not harm her.”

The Queen's eyes narrow, and her smile turns sinister.

“Do you even know who she is, Kyron? She’s the daughter of my ex-skin and the leader of the rebellion against our crown. I tossed her into your closet because you’re an embarrassment. You never use all the pretty skins I’ve graciously given you. I thought she’d be kept quiet and hidden, but of course not. But the moment I sensed your energies intertwined, the way your aura flared and resonated with hers, I knew. She’s your mate,” she seethes.

She chuckles darkly, her fingers tapping against Gemma's thigh in a mockery of casualness. “And now, she’s trying to fight me, poor little thing. You should feel her struggle, Kyron. It’s almost... amusing.”

The doors to the hall burst open, and Raif storms in, his gun drawn and eyes wild.

“Gemma!” he shouts, but then he freezes, his gaze locking onto me. His eyes widen in shock and confusion.

“Who the hell are you?” he breathes, disbelief coloring his tone. For a moment, the entire room seems to hold its breath. The guards who rushed in behind Raif come to a halt, their eyes also fixed on me with a mixture of fear and astonishment. For the first time ever, I'm seen by others who are not my family or my mate. My bond with Gemma is growing, and solidifying my body.

I look at my hands and see they are still galactically glowing and swirly but have almost a sheen-like casing around my body. Skin, I have translucent skin forming as my body starts to take its corporeal form now that I've found my mate.

The Queen, still in Gemma’s body, seizes the moment.

“Raif, help me,” she pleads, her voice trembling. “Please, he's hurting me.”

Raif's eyes narrow, suspicion flickering across his face.

“Gemma?” he asks, his grip on the gun tightening.

“Raif, please!” the Queen continues, her voice breaking. “He’s... he’s trying to kill me!”

Raif's eyes harden, noticing the unusual display of weakness.

“Gemma would never beg,” he growls, his voice filled with cold certainty. “Who are you?”

“Stop!” I command, stepping into his line of sight. “Raif, think this through. You shoot her, you shoot Gemma again. Let's not make the same mistake twice.”

Raif's eyes narrow, and he shifts his aim slightly, but he doesn’t lower his weapon.

The Queen laughs, a cold, mocking sound.

“You think you can save her? You can't even save yourself, Kyron.” She turns towards the palace guards stationed at the entrance. “Kill them.”

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