Page 44 of Emerald

I can't help but snort at the bluntness of its remark. "Yeah, well, humans are amazing like that and I am a master of chaos."

Kroaicho snaps back immediately, its voice sharper, more clipped. "There is nothing amazing about a species that has the emotional control of newly lifed zhannel."

The alien word pulls me up short, and I raise a brow in curiosity. "Zhannel?" I ask, glancing up at Kroaicho. "What does that mean?"

It tilts its head, a look of mild confusion crossing its features. "Do humans not have offspring?"

I blink, surprised, then quickly realize what it's referring to. "Oh, yes. Of course, we have babies. How else would the species keep going?"

Kroaicho blinks at my choice of words, then lets out a low huff. "Babies? Zhannel. It would not be surprising if your kind fumbled something as simple as reproduction." It shakes its head, skin flashing faint purple as if to underscore its disdain.

Before I can stop myself, I grab a small rock from the ground and chuck it at its chest. The stone makes a satisfying thud as it bounces off its broad, muscled torso, eliciting a low hiss of pain from the alien. Its skin flickers between a light violet and dark purple, a swirl of discomfort and annoyance dancing on its surprisingly expressive face in a manner that makes me snicker.

"Thanks for the light show," I say dryly, folding my arms.

Kroaicho's skin shifts to a frustrated blue as it grumbles under its breath. "You are the most infuriating creature I have ever encountered."

I flash it my sweetest, most sarcastic smile. "If I'm such a pain, why not just let me go then? I'll be out of your… uh, tusks in no time."

Its eyes narrow sharply, the bioluminescence along its jaw dimming to an almost threatening shade of purple as it hisses, "No."

I roll my eyes, more out of habit than anything, and instantly see its reaction. Kroaicho stiffens, its posture going rigid. It takes a step back, eyes wide, skin flaring a distressed mix of colors.

"Stop doing that," it snaps, its voice edged with genuine alarm. "The thing with your eyes. It is unsettling."

My smile turns vicious. "This?" I roll my eyes again, slow and exaggerated, just to see its reaction.

Kroaicho lets out a distressed hissing sound, its skin flashing a panicked purple. "Yes! That! It is… unnatural."

I let out a short, sharp laugh, then do it again. "Well, I'll stop if you let me go."

Kroaicho huffs, visibly agitated, its skin flickering rapidly between different shades of purple, red, and blue. "I will not be coerced by your strange eye movements."

"Fine," I sigh dramatically, tossing my hands in the air. "But just know, I can do this all day." I roll my eyes again, a slow, exaggerated motion that draws another hiss from the alien.

I hope it doesn’t call my bluff because it’s starting to get uncomfortable. But still worth it.

Its frustration is almost palpable as it growls, "If you continue, I will have no choice but to cake your face in mud. You will learn what it means to be difficult."

I give it a flat look, then, without hesitation, flip it the middle finger. Kroaicho's eyes flick toward my hand, confusion flickering across its features as if trying to understand the gesture. I keep rolling my eyes as I retreat to my little corner of the cave, somehow managing to not fall and break my neck before settling myself down by the bioluminescent mushrooms.

The soft, glowing light from the fungi casts eerie shadows on the ground, and I lean back against the cold stone, letting the tension in my muscles ease. My body still feels strange—like there's something bubbling just beneath the surface—but I force myself to ignore it. Whatever's happening to me, there's nothing I can do about it right now. Not without help, anyway. And considering Kroaicho's attitude, I'm on my own.

Kroaicho watches me for a moment longer, probably trying to decide if it should continue the argument or just leave me be. Finally, it lets out a low clicking, a sound somewhere between resignation and annoyance, before turning away and settling back into its spot in the cave.

I sigh softly, staring at the strange glowing mushrooms around me, their soft blue light pulsing faintly like tiny stars scattered across the cave walls. It's almost peaceful, in a weird, alien way. But my mind is far from calm. The strange sensations in my body, the spiky growths on my ears, and the weird, almost giddy rush of adrenaline coursing through me—it's all too much. I need answers, but right now, I'm stuck.

I shoot a glance toward Kroaicho, who seems content to sit in brooding silence across the cave, slowly and carefully sorting through the rocks and bits it calls treasure. Does it ever stop obsessing with things?

And I’m apparently part of that hoard. How would it organize me if I let it? It’s disgusting.

Its skin has settled into a steady, muted hue, a sure sign that it's calming down, or at least no longer on edge. I wonder, not for the first time, what its deal is. Why keep me here? What does it want?

What does it gain by keeping me here? It’s made sure I had a bath, gave me space, hasn’t tried anything hinky or sexual, talked with me when I said I was bored. All it has asked is that I stay where it is safe.

I mean, that’s basically keeping me captive, but for what purpose? Why can’t it just let me go? I’m clearly more trouble than I’m worth.

I’ve tried being cheerful, angry, annoying as fuck… nothing is working.

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