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The relentless roar of the waterfall echoes the chaos in my mind. There’s a truth in M’ijel’s actions — he’s the only semblance of an ally I’ve encountered.
Then the thought of venturing back into the maze’sunknown perils alone, especially with my injury, fills me with dread.
In a decision that surprises even myself, I turn back towards the cave. My voice is almost lost amid the waterfall’s thunderous cacophony. “I’ll trust you… for now. But if you showanysigns of danger — any at all — I’m out of here.”
M’ijel’s silent nod is an acknowledgment, perhaps even a sign of gratitude.
Gathering my courage, I limp back into the cave and take a seat on an upturned rock. My head is buzzing with pressing questions.
“Tell me everything about this place,” I demand, my voice firm and unwavering.
In truth, it’s the verylastthing I want to learn about but understanding the nature of this maze, the reason behind our presence here is the only real possibility of escape.
M’ijel
Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I begin to unravel the complex web we find ourselves entangled in. “We’ve been altered,” I explain with a measured tone, aware of the gravity of my words. “Exposed to a substance, a gas, that’s transformed us.” My gaze meets Zoey’s, searching for signs of understanding. “The others, like me, are driven by an urge to mate with you. I feel it too, but…”
Zoey’s expression tightens, a blend of alarm and inquisitiveness. “Why can you resist it? The others seem totally consumed by it.”
I nod, recognizing the weight of her query. “My species inherently possesses greater control over our primal instincts. That’s likely why I’ve been able to fight against the urges, unlike the others.”
Admitting to the base instincts stirred within me by the gas is difficult, but necessary for her comprehension.
“But you’re still driven by your need to mate?” she asks.
I nod. “Very much so. It’s all I can do to keep myself from tearing your clothes off right now as we speak and—”
Iturn my head to one side. Having her so close, with her scent infiltrating my nostrils, threatens to overwhelm me.
Her eyes linger on me, probing for deeper truths. “Where are you from?” she asks, her voice tinged with a mix of trepidation and intrigue.
Leaning back against the cave’s cool, rugged wall, I let my mind wander to my distant homeland. “I hail from a far-off world,” I reply, feeling a pang of nostalgia. “My people are known as skilled warriors. We’re raised to master both body and mind, valuing honor, discipline, and resilience.”
A pause hangs in the air as I lose myself briefly in the memories of my planet, of a life now achingly out of reach. “Our culture is steeped in history and tradition,” I add, my voice imbued with a hint of longing. “Despite our occasional conflicts, we share a profound sense of community and allegiance.”
As Zoey listens, her expression subtly shifts, a trace of empathy emerging. She’s trying to reconcile the image of the fearsome creature she first encountered with the alien before her now.
“And you’re a warrior?” she inquires, a newfound respect coloring her words.
“Yes,” I affirm, straightening up. “I am a warrior, trained not just in combat, but in strategy, discipline, and the values of honor.”
I meet her gaze, hoping she can see the sincerity and truth of my identity.
It’s vital for her to comprehend who I am, to know who I was before this cruel twist of fate morphed me into something else.
“I am a warrior, a guardian. And at this moment, my duty is to protect you.”
Zoey
“Protect me from what? Why am I even here?” My voice betrays a blend of fear and exasperation. “What’s the purpose behind all this madness?”
M’ijel’s face takes on a grave expression. “It’s uncertain,” he admits. “Sometimes there seems to be a method to their madness, but often, there’s none. The Malquarans are enigmatic in their intentions.”
“Malquarans?” The word feels strange as it leaves my lips, alien and unfamiliar.
He nods solemnly. “Yes, they’re the architects of this labyrinth, this twisted spectacle. They’ve abducted us for their own amusement.”
His voice drips with disdain for our captors.
