4. Isla

The weight of Thillak's revelation pressed down on me, making the mattress beneath me feel harder than it really was.

The crisp, clean sheets enfolded me, their scent oddly comforting — like fresh laundry on a summer's day back on Earth.

Even though the room was dim, the soft glow of the walls illuminated my surroundings.

And what a bizarre place it was!

I was in a cell, yet it looked more like a luxury suite in some five-star hotel.

The hum of the background machines droned on, a subtle but constant reminder of where I was — or, more accurately, where I wasn't.

Earth seemed so far away now, a distant dream.

But Thillak's words haunted me more.

Fated mates?

Past lives?

It was too much to process.

Rolling to the edge of the bed, my feet made contact with the cold, smooth floor.

As I stood, the silken touch of the coat Thillak had given me brushed against my legs.

It was gentle and reassuring, but it was also a reminder of my current situation.

I couldn't stay there.

Despite Thillak's kind demeanor, I felt like a bird in a gilded cage.

I can't stay here, in this prison.

I shouldn't be here.

Silently, I tiptoed towards the door.

A quick glance showed it was unguarded.

The light outside my room was brighter, and I had to shield my eyes for a moment, the sudden luminosity causing my pupils to constrict rapidly.

I moved cautiously, my ears straining to pick up any noises.

The plush carpet muffled my every step as I crept through the roomy confines of the cell.

It was odd to call it that.

With its well-appointed furniture, tasteful art adorning the walls, and even a small kitchenette, it felt more like a luxurious apartment than a prison.

The bouquet of something floral and sweet wafted through the air, probably from some flower arrangement, providing an odd comfort amid the unfamiliarity.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I approached the door, expecting it to be locked or at least monitored.

As it hissed open, revealing the corridor beyond, I nearly gasped.

However, the unexpected sight that greeted me quickly turned my relief into anxiety.

Standing outside was an enormous guard.

He looked like a mix between an ogre and a rhinoceros, with thick blue-gray skin, multiple tusks protruding from his mouth, and piercing yellow eyes that studied me with unblinking interest.

Frozen in place, I waited for him to make the first move.

But instead of reacting with hostility or suspicion, the guard simply tilted his head and rumbled in a voice that vibrated the very floor. "Do you require assistance?"

His surprisingly polite inquiry caught me off guard, but I responded, trying to keep my voice from quivering. "I… I just wanted to go for a walk."

"A walk?" The guard seemed slightly confused, then his expression shifted to one of understanding. "Ah, you need some time alone to think. This place can be overwhelming for newcomers."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, exactly."

The guard took a step back, making room for me to pass. "It can be dangerous to walk these corridors alone. I should accompany you."

"Thank you, but I'll be okay on my own," I responded, trying to infuse confidence into my words.

He looked hesitant, the sharp lines of his features softening with concern. "Very well," he rumbled, "but stay within the residential sectors. Avoid the lower levels. And if you need anything, just ask one of the guards and tell them you're with Thillak."

I'm with Thillak.

What kind of influence did he have when even the prison guards had to respect him?

I shuddered to think of the control he would exert over me if he had the chance.

I couldn't let him have that chance.

I needed some freedom and get back home.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out into the corridor.

The walls emitted a soft, ambient light, casting a gentle glow that seemed to pulsate in rhythm with the distant hum of the prison's machines.

I followed the corridor, listening to the whispers of conversations, the sounds just distant enough to be unintelligible.

Every so often, I would pass a viewport, and the vastness of space stretched out before me, stars twinkling and nebulae swirling in colorful displays.

The beauty of it was almost enough to make me forget my situation.

The few aliens I encountered were as varied and colorful as the stars outside.

Some gave me curious looks, while others hastily lowered their eyes and continued with their business.

The sensation of so many eyes on me was unnerving, but I kept my chin up, refusing to let fear control me.

I rushed down a dimly lit corridor, anxiety gnawing at my gut.

I had thought the symmetrical architecture of the prison would make it easy to find a way out… instead, it was a perfect maze.

I felt like a rat trapped in a labyrinth.

The distant hum of the prison thrummed beneath my feet, while the soft, rhythmic pulsation of lights from the walls gave everything an eerie glow.

I breathed faster, trying to get my bearings.

As I skidded around another identical corner, the odor changed, replaced by something musky and primal.

The prison was filled with strange, fragrances that both confused and fascinated me.

Suddenly, I collided with something, or rather someone.

The force of the impact nearly sent me to the ground, but two strong hands caught me just in time.

"I'm sorry," I began, my voice breathless and shaky.

Looking up, I froze.

Before me stood a massive, scarred creature, with skin the texture of cracked leather and eyes that gleamed like twin molten pools.

Large, jagged scars snaked across his broad chest and face, telling tales of countless battles.

The sight was intimidating, to say the least, but what caught my attention was the intricate tattoo that spiraled down his arm, glowing faintly.

Recovering from the shock, I tried to step back, only to bump into another solid form.

I turned, startled, and was met with the face of another creature, this one just as formidable, but with fewer scars and a different, but equally mesmerizing, tattoo.

"Well, look what we have here, Krag," the second creature rumbled in a voice that sounded like the echo in a vast cave. "A lost little female human."

The one named Krag, the scarred one, tilted his head, studying me. "Are you lost, little one?"

I gulped, the dryness in my mouth suddenly palpable. "I just… wanted to explore," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Krag's eyes shimmered with amusement. "This is not a place for exploration, especially not for someone as… fragile as you."

The other one chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine.

Krag's gaze remained on me, and slowly he reached out a massive hand, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

The touch was surprisingly gentle, and I could feel the rough texture of his fingertips.

A warmth spread where he touched, and a heady scent of woodsmoke and autumn leaves surrounded me.

His companion rolled his eyes, a surprisingly human gesture. "Stop toying with her. Can't you see she's terrified?"

Krag withdrew his hand, looking almost sheepish. "Apologies. I was merely curious."

Looking between the two giants, I cleared my throat. "If you could point me to my… room, I would appreciate it."

The one without scars, who I now assumed was the more reasonable of the two, nodded. "We can do that. But be careful wandering around. Not everyone is as understanding as we are."

As they led me through the maze of corridors, I couldn't help but notice the sounds of the prison more keenly.

The gentle hum of conversations in languages I couldn't understand, the echo of distant footsteps, and the occasional beep or chime of some exotic technology.

It was all so overwhelming.

Krag, who walked beside me, occasionally threw me curious glances. "Why did you leave your room?"

I shrugged. "I needed to think, to breathe. Everything's been too much."

He nodded, seeming to understand. "This place can be a lot to take in."

His companion added:

"Especially when you're not from around here."

We eventually arrived at a door that looked just like all the others, but as it slid open, the essence that came out was not like Thillak's.

"Welcome to my humble home," Krag said, pulling his arm back to shove me forward.

* * *

I ducked justin time as Krag's shove passed over my head.

I immedaitely turned and slipped between their massive bodies.

They groped for me but I was already gone.

Every footstep on the metallic floor echoed ominously, as if I was trapped in an endless drumbeat of terror.

My lungs were on fire from my attempts to outrun the behemoths chasing me, but I couldn't stop.

I couldn't let them catch me.

But despite my determination, I was faltering.

I could hear their echoing laughter behind me, getting closer with each step I took.

I felt the walls closing in on me as the odor of sweat and ozone filled the air.

How had I ended up in this situation?

Just as I thought I'd recognized a familiar corridor and a hint of hope rekindled, they appeared ahead of me, their looming forms casting shadows on the glowing corridor walls.

They'd somehow managed to outflank me.

My heart thudded, deafening in my ears.

I skidded to a halt, my eyes darting around in desperation, seeking an escape route.

I felt the coarse fabric on the wall against my back, the fine graininess of its texture pressing into my palms as I backed away from the advancing duo.

Their eyes, which held a predatory glint, roamed over me, their mouths twisting into triumphant smirks.

"It's been a long time since we've had a Prize," one of them, the one with a scar running diagonally across his face, murmured.

His voice was gravelly, and there was an unsettling hunger in his tone. "And with our records, it's doubtful we'll get another anytime soon."

The other, slightly taller one, grinned, revealing a set of sharp, yellowed teeth. "We ought to savor the moment then, shouldn't we?"

Their meanings were all too clear.

Fear welled up inside me, so raw and potent I felt almost paralyzed.

My eyes stung, and the familiar tang of tears threatened to spill over.

I would not give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

I had to do something.

Gathering every ounce of strength and defiance I had left, I let out an ear-piercing scream.

I screamed for help, screamed in the hope that someone, anyone, would hear me.