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7.

The journey back to his universe was swift, yet for Alex, time seemed to stretch endlessly. The human girl, Aeryn, lay unconscious in the ship’s med-bay, her delicate frame illuminated by the soft blue glow of the containment field that kept her stable during the journey. He had never encountered a human before, and despite his resolve, he found himself drawn to her in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Alex had seen countless beings across the cosmos—some more powerful, some more advanced—but none quite like this human. Her fragility was striking, her soft features and pale skin a stark contrast to the hardened warriors and creatures he was accustomed to. Even in her unconscious state, she was breathtaking, an oddity in his world of metal and might.

The ship glided smoothly through the void, the stars streaking past as they neared his home. Alex’s eyes remained fixed on Aeryn, studying her with a mix of curiosity and something deeper—something he couldn’t quite name. Her chest rose and fell steadily, the only sign that she was alive and not some delicate sculpture crafted by the hands of the universe itself.

He didn’t understand why he felt this way, why this one human had such an effect on him. She was supposed to be a means to an end, a key to unlocking the power he needed to secure his kingdom’s future. Yet, as he watched her, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than just that.

Alex tore his gaze away, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. His people were waiting, and they would have questions—questions he wasn’t entirely sure how to answer. He had brought a human to their world, something that had never been done before, and the implications were vast.

As the ship entered the atmosphere of his planet, the familiar landscape of his kingdom came into view. Towering spires of metal and crystal rose from the surface, their gleaming structures reflecting the light of the three moons that bathed the planet in an ethereal glow. The capital city, a sprawling metropolis of technology and life, spread out below them, its streets teeming with activity even in the dim light.

The ship descended into the docking bay, the hum of the engines quieting as it settled into place. Alex stood, his mind racing as he prepared himself for what was to come. His people had been waiting for this moment, for him to bring back the human that the prophecy spoke of. But he knew they were also afraid—afraid of the unknown, of what this could mean for their future.

He moved to the med-bay, his steps slowing as he neared the containment field. Aeryn was still unconscious, her face peaceful, almost serene. For a moment, he hesitated, his hand hovering over the controls. He could leave her here, in the safety of the ship, until he had a better grasp of the situation. But something inside him urged him to take her with him, to show her to his people.

With a deep breath, Alex deactivated the containment field. The soft blue light faded, leaving Aeryn lying on the cold metal surface of the bed. He carefully lifted her into his arms, her body limp and weightless in his grasp. She was so small, so fragile—nothing like the beings he was used to dealing with.

As he carried her through the ship, his thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He was a king, a leader, and he had brought her here for a purpose. But now, with her in his arms, that purpose seemed to blur, the lines between duty and something more becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish.

The ship’s doors opened with a hiss, and the bright lights of the docking bay flooded in. The room was filled with soldiers and officials, all of whom fell silent as Alex emerged, Aeryn cradled in his arms. Their eyes widened in shock and disbelief as they took in the sight of the human—an impossibility brought to life.

Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd, a mixture of awe, fear, and curiosity. Alex could sense the tension in the air, the uncertainty that gripped his people. They had heard of the prophecy, but none had truly believed it would come to pass, least of all in this way.

One of his advisors, a tall figure with sharp features and eyes that glowed with a faint blue light, stepped forward, his voice hesitant. “Your Majesty... is this...?”

“Yes,” Alex replied, his voice firm despite the turmoil within him. “This is the human. She is the one we have been waiting for.”

The advisor’s eyes flicked to Aeryn, his expression unreadable. “And what do we do now, my lord?”

“We follow the prophecy,” Alex said, though the words felt hollow even as he spoke them. “We prepare for the union that will bring about the power we need to save our kingdom.”

The advisor nodded, though he seemed unconvinced. “And the people, Your Majesty? They are... uneasy.”

“I will address them,” Alex replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “But first, we must ensure that she is taken care of. She is... delicate.”

The advisor nodded again, and with a wave of his hand, he summoned a group of attendants who quickly moved to take Aeryn from Alex’s arms. But as they reached out to her, something inside him resisted, a primal urge to protect her from even his own people.

“No,” Alex said sharply, his voice echoing through the chamber. “I will take her to the royal quarters myself.”

The attendants hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. But a single look from Alex was enough to send them scurrying back, leaving him alone with the unconscious girl in his arms.

As he carried Aeryn through the halls of his palace, the whispers of his people followed him, their voices filled with a mixture of fear and hope. He could feel their eyes on him, judging, questioning, but he paid them no mind. His focus was entirely on the girl in his arms, the one who had somehow turned his world upside down in the span of a few short hours.

Reaching the royal quarters, Alex laid Aeryn down on a bed draped in soft, silken sheets, her small frame almost disappearing into the luxurious bedding. He watched her for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn’t quite grasp.

She was so different from anyone he had ever encountered—so fragile, yet so vital to the future of his kingdom. The prophecy had brought her to him, but as he stood there, watching her sleep, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to this than destiny. If perhaps, in some way, this human was meant to be more than just a tool to unlock his power.

He shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside. There was no room for doubt. He had a kingdom to save, and Aeryn was the key to that salvation. But as he turned to leave, he couldn’t resist one last glance at her, the human girl who had already begun to change everything.

As he stepped out of the room, the door closing behind him with a soft hiss, the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him more heavily than ever. He had brought her here to fulfill a prophecy, but now, standing on the precipice of an uncertain future, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling that the real challenge was only just beginning.

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