“You have nothing to be ashamed of, Mia.” His deep voice rumbles, and I shiver at the sound. It’s like distant thunder, powerful and commanding, yet somehow soothing. “You are beautiful.”
I scoff, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice. “You can’t really mean that…” I’ve heard those words before, empty compliments from men who just wanted something from me. But coming from Krakenos, they feel different, weighted with sincerity.
Krakenos’s eyes, unreadable and intense, hold mine. “I do. You’re… captivating.”
Captivating.
The word echoes in my mind, and I think back to all the times I’ve felt self-conscious about my curves, my softness. I’ve always thought of myself as too much, too big, too overwhelming. I’ve spent years trying to shrink myself, to take up less space, to be less… me.
I glance away, struggling to process Krakenos’s words. The intensity of his gaze is too much, sending a confusing mix of fear and excitement coursing through me. My cheeks burn as I stammer, “I-I just want to get through this and go home.”
“I understand,” he says, his voice surprisingly gentle. “And I will help you. But first, we must ensure your safety.”
“And what does that entail, exactly?”
“You’re injured, and more vulnerable than ever. I believe the end of this biome is near, so I’d like to escort you the rest of the way.”
I scoff, old doubts creeping back in. “And then what? You’ll just let me go, no strings attached? Or am I supposed to ride off into the sunset with you just because you saved me one time?”
A flicker of hurt crosses his alien features before he looks away. “I know you don’t trust me, Mia. But I swear, I’m not your enemy.”
I chew my lower lip, torn between my ingrained wariness and an unfamiliar warmth spreading through my body. It’s a feeling I can’t quite name, one that seems to grow stronger the longer Krakenos is near me.
After a long, tense moment, he stands and extends his hand. “Please.”
I hesitate, staring at his outstretched palm. But against my better judgment, I place my hand in his, marveling at how his skin feels like warm silk against mine. A ghost of a smile touches his lips as he helps me to my feet.
As we set off again, Krakenos taking the lead, I feel like something has shifted between us.
I try to shake off these confusing thoughts, reminding myself to stay alert and focused on survival. But as I trudge through the murky swamp, my eyes keep darting to Krakenos’s broad back. The way he moves, all fluid grace and raw power, is mesmerizing. I catch myself wondering what it would be like to trace the intricate patterns on his skin, to feel the strength beneath…
No. I can’t go there. I clench my fists, willing myself to concentrate on the mud beneath my feet and the eerie calls of unseen creatures in the distance.
Anything but the hulky alien walking ahead of me, who’s shown me more kindness than I’ve known in years.
Chapter 8
Krakenos
I inhale deeply, the salty tang of the air filling my lungs. Relieved, I realize we’re nearing an ocean biome. It’s a small comfort amid the relentless challenges we’ve faced, but I’ll take what I can get.
Mia walks beside me, her small hand gripping my arm for support. I can sense her trust in me growing, but it’s as fragile as the delicate shells that line the shores of my home—one wrong move and it could shatter irreparably.
It is a cruel game fate is playing, having me to finally encounter the one I’m certain is my mate, only for her to believe she belongs elsewhere…
I set aside my frustration as we emerge from the dense swamp, the landscape morphing before us. The murky waters and tangled vines give way to sandy shores and the gentle lapping of waves. A salty breeze caresses my skin, igniting a spark of familiarity within me. Still, despite the comfort of being near my element, I remain vigilant, acutely aware of the dangers that may lurk beneath the seemingly tranquil surface.
As I guide Mia toward the edge of the beach, my eyes dart across the expanse of water, searching for any signs of threats. The sea stretches out before us, deceptively calm, but I don’t trust its placid appearance. Years of experience have taught me that the most lethal predators often hide just below the surface.
Mia’s voice, tinged with apprehension, breaks through my thoughts. I turn to face her, noticing how she averts her gaze as she confesses, “I… I can’t swim.”
Her admission stirs a protective instinct. “You can stay on my back as we navigate the waters,” I assure her. “I’ll keep you safe.”
She hesitates, her gaze finally meeting mine. I see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between fear and the need to trust. But then she gives me a tight nod, her body tense with unspoken anxiety.
I yearn to teach her, to guide her through the shallows until she feels comfortable in the water. But the exposed beach leaves us vulnerable, and the need to put distance between us and Vornas outweighs any other considerations.
I extend my hand to her, my voice low and urgent. “Come.”
Mia’s first step into the water is tentative. She glances back at the swamp, as if weighing the known dangers against the mysteries of the ocean. Then her gaze travels over my form, taking in my aquatic features, realization dawning in her eyes that this is my natural habitat.
“Okay,” she says, a forced smile on her lips as she grasps my hand.
We wade deeper, the water rising to our hips. Mia then grips my shoulder, her fingers digging into my skin the deeper we go. I pause, my senses on high alert. With Mia unable to swim, I’ll have to remain on the surface, leaving us exposed. It’s not ideal, but I’ll have to rely on my sonar abilities to detect any approaching threats.
Taking a deep breath, I move further into the sea. The warm water embraces my body as Mia wraps her arms around my chest. The heat of her body against my back sends a jolt straight to my loins, a sensation I force myself to ignore. This is no time for distractions.
My senses sharpen, every nerve ending alive with awareness. The sea remains still, its surface a mirror of the sky above. But I know better than to let my guard down. In this alien world, where danger can materialize in an instant, I must remain vigilant.
As we go further, the sea’s pulsing cadence envelops us, a soothing melody that replaces the chaotic clamor of the swamp we’ve escaped. I feel Mia’s grip on my shoulders gradually loosen, her body melting against mine. The tension in her muscles ebbs away, replaced by a cautious trust.
“What’s your home like?” Her soft query breaks the silence, curiosity lacing her words.
I pause, weighing my response. My past is a labyrinth of duty and expectation, not easily condensed into simple sentences. Yet, something in Mia’s tone compels me to share.
“Mythos,” I begin, my voice low, “is a world where beauty and brutality coexist. The seas I call home teem with life that would leave you in awe, but also harbor predators that could end you in an instant.”
I feel Mia shift on my back, her curiosity piqued. “What about where you live? Do you have cities?”
A hint of pride creeps into my voice. “Our underwater cities are vast, rivaling any land-based metropolis. They are still a sight to behold, even with our dwindling numbers.”
“It must be hard, watching your civilization fade away.”
“In the face of extinction, we’ve grown more resilient,” I reply, my jaw tightening. “We will return to our former glory, one day.”
Unexpectedly, Mia’s arms tighten around me, her warmth seeping into my skin. It’s a small gesture, yet it kindles a spark of hope.
Could she be our salvation? Her immunity, her resilience—they could be the lifeline my people so desperately need.
But she must agree to it.
I pause, weighing my words carefully. The truth demands to be spoken, but I know I must tread lightly.
“Mia,” I begin, “there’s something I need to tell you.” I feel her shift against my back, her attention focused on me. “From the moment we met, I sensed a connection between us. It’s… unlike anything I’ve experienced before.”
I hesitate, aware of how alien this must sound to her. “In my culture, we believe in fated mates—partners chosen by the universe itself. I believe… you might be mine.”
