AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I struggle to process the concept. The idea of an alien race using us as pawns in their cruel game is both terrifying and utterly baffling. Yet, amidst the surreal chaos of this place, it’s the only explanation that makes a semblance of sense.
M’ijel suddenly perks up, his eyes shifting from me and toward the rushing curtain of water.
I follow his sightline and peer cautiously through thewaterfall’s veil. My heart hammers in my chest at the sight of a shadowy figure prowling nearby.
M’ijel rises, his muscles coiled in anticipation. I remain motionless, my breath caught in my throat.
The figure paces with predatory intent, clearly on the hunt. The realization that it could be searching for me sends a shiver down my spine.
Time seems to freeze, each second stretching into an eternity. The weight of our shared silence is almost suffocating, the tension palpable. Fear grips me, the kind that chills the soul.
Eventually, the shadowy figure retreats, vanishing back into the depths of the maze. We exhale quietly, a shared moment of relief, yet the undercurrent of dread remains unshakable.
In the aftermath, we sit in silence, the only sounds being the waterfall’s steady roar and our uneven breaths. The sense of immediate danger has passed, yet the pervasive feeling of unease remains.
We’re far from safe in this labyrinthine nightmare.
M’ijel
As I cautiously approach the waterfall, I take a moment to peer through its misty cascade, ensuring the area is safe. After a thorough scan, I nod to myself in reassurance. “The coast is clear, the creature has left.”
To my surprise, instead of relief, Zoey breaks down, tears streaming down her face, a flood of fear and desperation pouring out.
I stand, somewhat awkwardly, unsure of how to respond. In my culture, such vulnerability is often met with sternness, a prompt to regain composure quickly.
But I understand she’s not of my culture. Her way of expressing emotions is different, more open and raw than what I’m used to.
As I hesitantly step closer, contemplating how to comfort her, Zoey suddenly embraces me. The action catches me off guard.
Her warmth, her closeness, is something I’ve rarely experienced. Amongst my people, physical affection is seldom shown, usually reserved for intimate relationships. But this embrace from Zoey feels different, more profound.
Instinctively, I find myself gently stroking her hair, an act that feels both unfamiliar and oddly comforting. It’s a tender gesture, one that stirs something within me.
The closeness, her scent, awakens a deep, primal desire. Yet, I know that indulging in these urges isn’t right, not now when she’s so vulnerable.
“Whyme?Why amIhere?” Zoey’s voice is heavy with despair, her words muffled against me.
I respond with a gentle touch, cautious yet caring. I notice her slight relaxation at my touch, a fragile trust forming in this moment of shared vulnerability.
“I… don’t know,” I admit. I don’t know why I was chosen either.
While I don’t have the answers to her questions, I offer her my presence, my promise of protection, and a newfound gentleness that surprises even myself.
Behind the waterfall, in the safety of our secluded cave, a warrior and a human find a rare moment of peace and connection. It’s an unexpected bond, forged in the crucible of a nightmare. For now, it’s all we have, and I vow to safeguard it — and her — with all that I am.
Zoey
Ihesitate for a moment before reaching up to touch his cheek, my fingers trembling slightly. His body has been slowly transforming back into its original shape but his face remains as a furry beast.
As my hand makes contact with his skin, something incredible happens. The rough fur begins to recede, like a tide pulling back to reveal the shore beneath. His true face emerges, a startling yet fascinating transformation.
His eyes, previously black and lifeless like a shark’s, are now a warm, golden hue, brimming with depth and emotion. His skin is a mosaic of scales in shades of blues and greens, strikingly different from the coarse fur of his beastly form.
There is a kindness in his face, a gentleness that seems impossible given the ferocity of the monster he had been moments before.
“What happens when I get close to you?” I asked, my voice a mix of wonder and apprehension.
He pauses, seeming to consider my question carefully. “It appears you’re some sort of antidote,” he finallyresponded, his tone reflecting a mix of awe and understanding. “In your pod, did you breathe in any gas?”
