4. Trying to help me?

The silence in the holding cell was suffocating, broken only by the faint hum of the energy barriers that held Maya captive. She pressed her back against the cold, metallic wall, feeling the weight of her own exhaustion. The past few hours had blurred together into a series of chaotic images—Kai’s panicked voice, the Council guards bursting in, her own desperate struggles as they restrained her.

She’d fought them, but they were faster, stronger, and far more skilled. One had thrown her into some kind of energy field, instantly paralyzing her as if her entire body had locked up. The next thing she knew, she was here, in this cold, dark cell, and Kai was nowhere to be found.

Her fingers curled into fists, anger simmering beneath her fear. Where was Kai? She’d trusted him. He’d promised to protect her, to help her adapt. But now she was alone, caged like an animal in a place that felt as alien as any nightmare.

The door slid open with a low hiss, and Maya tensed, her pulse quickening. A figure stepped inside—Councilor Riven, his expression as cold and unfeeling as ever. Two guards flanked him, each with eyes trained on her as though she might leap out at them any second.

“Councilor Riven,” Maya said, her voice steadier than she felt. “Where’s Kai? What have you done to him?”

Riven’s lips twisted in a cruel smile. “The prince, as you call him, has been detained for insubordination. A fitting punishment for a royal who thinks himself above the laws of our world.”

Maya’s heart twisted, anger flaring inside her. “He was only trying to help me,” she said, meeting Riven’s gaze without flinching. “Is that what you call a crime here?”

Riven’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, a flicker of disdain crossed his face. “Help you?” he sneered. “Do you truly believe you belong here, human? This world operates on a delicate balance, and you are a disruption—a weak, unstable element. And Kai has foolishly risked his own position for the sake of that disruption.”

Maya swallowed, forcing herself to keep her head high despite the sharp fear curling in her stomach. “If that’s how you see me, then let me prove otherwise. I was training, adapting. Give me a chance, and I’ll show you I’m not as weak as you think.”

Riven’s smile widened, but it was a smile without warmth, a sneer that seemed to mock her very words. “Oh, you’ll have a chance, human. But not in the way you might hope.” He gestured to the guards, who stepped forward, unlocking the energy field that held her prisoner.

She stiffened, the fight instinctively rising in her as the guards advanced. But their expressions were blank, impassive, as if they’d done this a thousand times before. The guard closest to her gripped her arm in a vice-like hold, and she bit back a gasp as he forced her to her feet.

“You’re being taken to the Tribunal,” Riven said, his voice a chilling monotone. “If they deem you fit for the trial, they may allow you a temporary chance to prove yourself. But be warned, human—the Tribunal rarely shows mercy.”

Her stomach twisted with dread, but she forced herself to keep her face blank. She wouldn’t let them see her fear. She wouldn’t give Riven the satisfaction.

As they marched her through the dimly lit corridors of the facility, Maya’s mind raced. The hallways seemed to twist and turn endlessly, each one more disorienting than the last. Guards watched her from every corner, their eyes sharp and unyielding, as though any wrong move might earn her immediate punishment.

Finally, they reached a vast chamber, where rows of Councilors sat in raised seats, their faces shadowed beneath the harsh lights. Maya was shoved forward, and the doors clanged shut behind her, sealing her in with the Tribunal.

An older Councilor with silver hair and a scar tracing down his cheek leaned forward, his gaze assessing. “You are Maya, the human Kai brought into our world, correct?”

“Yes,” she replied, forcing her voice to remain steady.

The Councilor’s eyes narrowed. “You have caused quite the disturbance, Maya. Prince Kai’s actions have disrupted our governance, and as a result, we are now faced with a decision on how to deal with you.”

Another Councilor, this one with piercing green eyes, spoke up. “It is rare for any outsider to step foot into our domain, and rarer still for a human to survive here. Tell us, what makes you think you are worthy of remaining among us?”

Maya took a steadying breath. “I didn’t choose to come here. But now that I am, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to survive. I was training, adapting to your world. I’ll prove myself if you give me the chance.”

Murmurs rippled through the Tribunal, and for a moment, she dared to hope. But then Councilor Riven spoke, his voice slicing through the room like a blade.

“This human speaks of survival,” he said, his eyes gleaming with a cold malice. “But adaptation does not mean she is suitable for our world. Prince Kai’s actions were reckless, endangering our balance. For his disobedience, he will face punishment. And as for her…” He looked at her with disdain. “I see no reason to waste further resources on such a disruption.”

Maya’s heart pounded, and she clenched her fists. “I may not belong here by your standards, but I’m stronger than you think. Kai believed in me, and I won’t let his efforts be wasted. You call me a disruption, but maybe that’s what your world needs—a reminder that not everything can be controlled.”

Riven’s mouth twisted into a snarl, and he opened his mouth to retort, but the older Councilor raised a hand, silencing him.

“We have heard enough,” he declared. He turned his gaze to Maya, his expression unreadable. “The Tribunal will grant you one final chance. You will face a trial of endurance, one that will push you to your limits. If you survive, you may be permitted to continue adapting under supervision.”

Maya’s pulse raced. A trial of endurance… She didn’t know what it entailed, but it was her only chance. “I accept,” she said, her voice firm.

Riven’s lips twisted with scorn. “So be it. But remember, human, many have failed before you.” He gestured to the guards. “Prepare her. The trial begins at dawn.”

The guards seized her once more, leading her back through the twisting corridors. This time, however, the air was thick with unspoken tension. She didn’t resist as they pushed her into a small cell, but her mind was ablaze with questions.

As the door slammed shut, she let out a shuddering breath, the weight of the day crashing down on her. She slid to the floor, exhaustion and fear mingling in her veins. But beneath it all, a spark of defiance flared. They might see her as weak, as a disruption. But she’d survive, not just for herself but for Kai. She’d prove Riven wrong, prove them all wrong.

A soft sound from the shadows made her jerk her head up. There, pressed against the far wall, was Kai. He looked battered, a fresh bruise blooming across his cheek, but his eyes held a fierce light as they met hers.

“Maya,” he whispered, a mixture of relief and worry in his voice. “Are you all right?”

She managed a weak smile. “I’m… surviving. But they’re throwing me into some trial tomorrow. They’re giving me one last chance to prove myself.”

Kai’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching. “They have no right. This is all my fault… I never should have brought you here.”

“Don’t,” she said firmly, shaking her head. “You saved my life. And now I have to save my own.”

He reached through the energy field separating them, his fingers barely brushing hers. “Maya… I swear, no matter what happens, I’ll be there. You’re not alone.”

She squeezed his hand, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the fear. But as she looked into his eyes, she could see the same worry that weighed on her heart.

The dawn was coming, and with it, a trial that could end everything.