Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

T iffany's shoulders ached as she stepped out of the classroom, her mind buzzing with the day's lessons. The school gardens beckoned, promising a moment of peace. She meandered along the winding path, alien foliage brushing against her legs.

The vibrant purples and blues of the Nova Auroran plants still took her breath away, even after a week of living on this extraordinary planet. She trailed her fingers along a leaf that seemed to pulse with an inner light, marveling at how something so alien could feel so much like home.

A gentle breeze carried the sweet, unfamiliar scent of alien blossoms, and Tiffany closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. As she did, an image of Zak flooded her mind - his strong, chiseled features softened by the tender look he reserved only for her. A warmth bloomed in her chest, spreading through her body like wildfire.

"I'm in love with him," she whispered to herself. There was no more questioning it. No more being unsure. "Completely, crazy in love."

She opened her eyes, gazing out at the otherworldly landscape before her. The thought of returning to Earth, of leaving all this behind - leaving Zak behind - made her heart constrict painfully. No, she couldn't go back. This was where she belonged now. With Zak.

Tiffany's mind raced with visions of the future. She saw herself standing beside Zak, working together to lead the Larkana Kingdom into a new era. She imagined their children, a perfect blend of both worlds, running through these very gardens, their laughter echoing among the alien flora.

"I want to be his queen," she murmured, the words feeling right on her tongue. "I want to build a life here with him."

The certainty of her decision filled her with a sense of peace and purpose. Whatever challenges lay ahead - adapting to a new culture, facing opposition from those who might not accept an Earthling queen, learning to rule a kingdom - she would face them head-on.

Tiffany took another deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She was ready for this new chapter in her life, ready to embrace her role as Zak's partner in all things. As she turned to head back to the school, eager to finish her lessons so she could share her epiphany with Zak, a twig snapped behind her.

She whirled around, her heart leaping into her throat as she came face to face with a stranger, his eyes cold and predatory. In that moment, all thoughts of love and future plans vanished, replaced by a primal fear as she realized the danger she was in.

"Who are you?" Tiffany demanded, her voice steadier than she felt. "You're not supposed to be here."

The man's lips curled into a sneer. "You don't belong here either, Earthling."

He lunged forward with frightening speed. Tiffany's self-defense training kicked in, and she blocked his first strike, the impact jarring her arm. She countered with a punch to his solar plexus, but he barely flinched.

Panic surged through her as she realized how outmatched she was. The man was faster, stronger, and clearly trained for combat. Still, Tiffany fought with everything she had.

She ducked under another swing, her legs trembling with adrenaline. "Help!" she screamed, praying someone would hear. "Somebody help me!"

The man growled, grabbing her arm and twisting it painfully behind her back. Tiffany cried out, tears stinging her eyes. She stomped on his foot and kicked back.

He cursed, his grip loosening just enough for Tiffany to wrench free. She sprinted down the path, lungs burning, the sound of his footsteps right behind her.

Suddenly, her foot caught on a root. Tiffany crashed to the ground, pain exploding in her ankle. She rolled onto her back, raising her arms in a futile attempt to protect herself as her attacker loomed over her.

"This is your last day on Nova Aurora," he snarled, raising his fist.

The blow never came. A chorus of young voices rang out, startling the man. Tiffany's vision swam as she saw a group of her students running toward them, shouting and waving their arms.

The man hesitated, looking from Tiffany to the approaching students. With a final, venomous glare, he turned and fled into the dense foliage.

Tiffany collapsed back onto the ground, her whole body shaking. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead, and every breath sent shards of pain through her ribs.

"Miss Whitlock!" Hara cried, skidding to a stop beside her. The young alien's extra set of eyes were wide with horror. "Oh no, you're hurt!"

"I'm okay," Tiffany gasped, though she felt anything but. "You all came just in time."

As her students gathered around her, their faces etched with worry, Tiffany fought to stay conscious. The attack left her battered and terrified, but a spark of defiance burned in her chest. She wouldn't let this drive her away from her new home or the life she was building with Zak.

Whoever was behind this, whatever they wanted, Tiffany would challenge them. For herself, for her students, and for the future of Nova Aurora. But first, she had to survive this day.

The world spun as Tiffany was carefully lifted onto a hovering stretcher. Her students' worried faces blurred together, their voices a distant hum. The journey to the castle passed in a haze of pain and disjointed thoughts.

Suddenly, Zak's face swam into view, his golden eyes wide with concern and barely contained fury. "Tiffany," he breathed, reaching for her hand. "I came as soon as I heard."

Tiffany tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. "Hey, there, Your Hunkiness. Looks like I got into a bit of trouble."

Zak's jaw clenched, but before he could respond, a flurry of activity erupted around them. Queen Astra swept into the room, her regal bearing softened by genuine worry. Gerri looked ready to kick someone's ass and Sia was pale with shock.

"Oh, sweetie," Sia gasped, rushing to Tiffany's side opposite Zak. "What happened to you?"

Tiffany opened her mouth to respond, but a wave of dizziness washed over her. Zak's grip on her hand tightened.

"Let's get her treated first," Queen Astra said firmly. She turned to a tall, willowy being with iridescent skin. "Dr. Viiks, if you would?"

The alien doctor nodded, approaching Tiffany with a device that looked like a cross between a tablet and a medical scanner. "This won't hurt a bit, Miss Whitlock," Dr. Viiks said. The voice from the doctor was melodious and soothing. She couldn't tell if the alien was male or female. But did that really matter? Not really. As long as he was competent. "Just try to relax."

A warm, tingling sensation spread through Tiffany's body as the device hummed. The pain in her ribs eased, and the throbbing in her head subsided to a dull ache.

"There," Dr. Viiks said after a few moments. "I've stabilized her injuries and started the accelerated healing process. She'll need rest, but she should be fully recovered in a day or two."

Zak nodded, his expression a mix of relief and lingering anger. "Thank you, Doctor. Please, give us a moment."

As Dr. Viiks stepped away, Gerri moved closer, her usually cheerful face uncharacteristically serious and angry-looking. "Tiffany, honey, can you tell us what happened?"

Tiffany took a shaky breath, the memory of the attack still fresh and terrifying. "I was in the school gardens, taking a break between classes. This man... I didn't recognize him. He came out of nowhere and attacked me."

Zak's grip on her hand tightened, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Tiffany squeezed back, drawing strength from his presence.

"He was so strong," she continued. "I tried to fight back, but... if my students hadn't shown up when they did..."

She trailed off, unable to finish the thought. Sia made a choked sound, reaching out to stroke Tiffany's hair soothingly.

Queen Astra's expression hardened. "This is unacceptable. An attack on you is an attack on the crown itself. We will find who's responsible, I promise you."

Gerri nodded in agreement, her eyes flashing with fury. "I am not going anywhere until I'm sure you will be safe here. We will figure out who this person is and make sure he doesn't get away with it."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Tiffany felt a bubble of laughter rise in her chest. It came out as more of a pained hiccup, but it seemed to break some of the tension in the room.

Zak leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Tiffany's forehead. "Rest now, my love," he murmured. "You're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you again."

As the healing technology worked its magic and exhaustion began to pull at her, Tiffany found herself believing him. She was scared, yes, and knew this attack was likely just the beginning of something bigger. But looking at the determined faces around her – Zak, Sia, Gerri, and Queen Astra – she felt a surge of strength.

Whatever was coming, she wouldn't face it alone. This was her family now, her home. And she'd fight with everything she had to protect it.