2. Passing wrath
Maya sat on the edge of the low bed, her gaze sharp as she took in her surroundings. The dim lighting cast strange shadows across the room, highlighting walls carved with symbols that were foreign to her. Kai leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, watching her with an unreadable expression. His presence was intense, radiating authority and command in a way that made her both wary and curious.
After a long silence, she finally spoke. “So what now? You saved me, I guess I should say thanks. But I don’t plan on staying.”
Kai raised an eyebrow. “I’m afraid leaving isn’t as simple as you think, Maya. You’re a human in an alien world, and my people aren’t exactly known for their hospitality.”
She scoffed, brushing off his words with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’ve faced worse. I can handle myself.”
Kai’s gaze darkened. “You misunderstand me.” He took a few steps forward, his tone low. “The gravity here, the atmosphere, the energy our bodies process—all of it is different. If you leave now, you won’t last a day.”
Maya’s confidence wavered for a split second before she lifted her chin, defiance flashing in her eyes. “So what are you suggesting? That I stay here under your watch?”
He hesitated, aware that what he was about to suggest would not be easy for either of them. “If you want to survive on this planet… you’ll need to adapt to our system. Your body will need to adjust to the way we process energy, or you’ll become weaker by the day. I can help you, but it will require… cooperation.”
Maya’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze never leaving his. “And what exactly does that entail?”
“Training,” he replied. “I can teach you to harness the energy of this world, to align your body with its frequency. But it will require intense effort—and a certain amount of trust.”
Her laugh was sharp and humorless. “Trust? You mean the kind of trust where I’m expected to follow orders blindly?”
He didn’t smile, his gaze hardening instead. “Trust that I know what’s necessary to keep you alive. You may not like it, but you don’t have much choice if you want to survive here.”
Maya’s jaw clenched, but her silence spoke volumes. She knew he was right; the weakness she felt now was only the beginning, and without his help, she’d be in serious trouble. She sighed, glancing at him reluctantly. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”
Kai straightened, nodding once. “We’ll start now.”
He led her out of the chamber and into a vast training hall, its walls covered with strange glowing symbols that pulsed in sync with their footsteps. At the far end of the room, platforms floated, suspended in midair, while a series of weapons and other unknown objects lined the walls. Maya looked around, her eyes widening despite herself.
“What is this place?” she murmured.
“A training hall designed for our elite,” Kai replied. “Our system of energy, our way of survival, demands physical and mental strength. Each of these platforms is designed to challenge both.”
She folded her arms, skeptical. “And how does that help me adapt?”
He motioned her forward, stepping onto the first platform, which glowed faintly as he approached. “The platforms emit a field that aligns with our energy. It will strengthen your endurance… if you can keep up.”
Maya frowned but stepped onto the platform beside him. The second her foot touched it, a strange tingling sensation surged up her leg. It was unlike anything she’d felt before—a combination of warmth and pressure, as if the air itself had weight. She stumbled, but Kai caught her arm, steadying her.
“Easy,” he said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “It’s different from what you’re used to. Your body will resist it at first, but that’s part of the process.”
She shook him off, straightening herself. “I’m fine.”
“Very well.” He moved to the center of the platform, motioning for her to follow. “Stand here. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.”
Maya narrowed her eyes at him but complied, closing her eyes. The strange tingling intensified, spreading through her body in waves. She focused on her breaths, trying to tune out the discomfort. After a moment, she felt a strange warmth settle in her chest.
“Good,” Kai said, his voice soft. “Now, imagine that warmth spreading throughout your body. Picture it moving through every limb, every muscle.”
Maya tried, but the warmth wavered, flickering like a weak flame. She clenched her fists, trying to concentrate, but her frustration grew with each passing second.
“It’s not working,” she muttered, opening her eyes.
“It takes time,” Kai replied calmly. “You can’t force it. Let it come naturally.”
She sighed, closing her eyes again, trying to relax. This time, the warmth stayed steady, pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat. Slowly, it began to spread, moving through her veins like liquid fire. She felt a surge of energy, a strange strength that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Just as she was beginning to enjoy the sensation, the warmth turned cold. A sharp, icy pain shot through her, making her gasp.
Kai’s hand gripped her shoulder. “Stay focused. Don’t let the energy control you. You control it.”
“I’m… trying,” she said through clenched teeth, but the pain was relentless, growing stronger with each second.
“Push through it,” Kai urged. “If you let the energy overpower you, it will break you. Show it you’re stronger.”
Maya gritted her teeth, forcing herself to breathe through the pain. She concentrated, willing the coldness to subside, and slowly, the sensation began to ease. The warmth returned, filling her with a newfound strength, more potent than before.
She opened her eyes, meeting Kai’s gaze. He gave her a brief nod, respect glinting in his eyes. “Not bad.”
She smirked, her confidence returning. “Told you I could handle myself.”
Kai’s lips twitched in a hint of a smile, but before he could respond, a loud beeping sound echoed through the hall. He froze, his expression hardening as he glanced at the door.
Maya frowned. “What’s going on?”
He didn’t answer, his jaw tight as he listened. After a moment, he turned to her, his gaze serious. “Stay here. No matter what you hear, don’t move.”
A chill ran down her spine. “Why? What’s happening?”
“Kai!” A voice called out from the doorway, and a figure stepped into the hall, clad in dark armor. “The Council has summoned you. Now.”
Kai’s expression darkened. “Tell them I’ll come when I’m ready.”
The figure gave a mocking smile. “They said it’s not optional. They know you’ve brought a human here. And they’re not happy.”
Maya’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Kai, whose face had gone pale with anger. “What does that mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kai’s gaze flicked to her, and for the first time, she saw uncertainty in his eyes. “It means that the Council is about to intervene,” he said, his voice grim. “And if they find you here, they’ll see you as a threat to the throne.”
She took a step back, fear tightening her chest. “A threat? What are they going to do?”
He clenched his fists, looking at her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. “They won’t risk anything that jeopardizes their control. Which means, if they think you’re a danger, they’ll have you eliminated.”
Before she could process his words, the armored figure stepped forward, his hand hovering over the weapon at his side. “They’re waiting, Kai. And you know how they deal with… risks.”
Kai’s gaze hardened, his stance defiant. “Tell them I’m coming.”
But as the guard turned to leave, he glanced back at Maya, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Better hope she’s worth it, Prince. Or you may find yourself facing the Council’s wrath, too.”
As the doors shut behind him, Maya’s mind spun, her heart pounding as she looked at Kai. “What now?”
Kai’s voice was a quiet promise. “Now, we fight.”