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With a nod to M’ijel, we resume our task, the gearbox now turning smoothly. Our success in restoring the control center is tantalizingly close.
We just need to reroute the power, and hopefully, we’ll be able to—
I hear the sound again. And this time, I’m certain my overactive imagination isn’t making it up…
M’ijel
Muscles tensed, I give the crank one final, arduous turn. I can’t help but steal a glance at Zoey, whose excitement is palpable. She’s practically bouncing on her toes, her hands clapping rhythmically, her joyous expression reminiscent of a child at a festival.
Her golden hair frames her flushed cheeks, creating a picture of infectious enthusiasm. I have to admit, her lively spirit is gradually lifting the heavy weight of my usual stern demeanor.
Soon, the cogs will be freed and the power restored. Then we will return to Arty and he will open a portal and let us escape this place. And if that turns out to be yet another ruse, then Zoey and I will hide away somewhere and initiate Plan B — mating and ending this nightmare ourselves.
As the machinery grinds into motion, releasing years of entangled debris, Zoey emits a triumphant cheer. The control panel flickers to life, signaling the restoration of power.
She looks around with wide-eyed amazement, as if she’s single-handedly resurrected a long-lost civilization.Suppressing a chuckle, I watch her, amused by her dramatic flair.
While I have many years of intense survival training, she was abruptly uprooted from her ordinary life and plunged into this alien madness. She’s adapted incredibly well.
Refocusing, I crank the handle faster, building momentum, determined not to let my guard down. In this treacherous maze, distractions could prove fatal.
But as I’m lost in these thoughts, focused on turning that crank just a few more times to work the final pieces of debris loose, I hear a muffled croak.
And my heart drops.
I freeze as I look over at Zoey. Her eyes are wide, staring at me with absolute terror.
And she’s not alone.
The male we saw earlier with the oversized sword and gleaming gemstones, has his claw around her throat. In his other hand, one of the alien bats we saw flutter and leave the power station earlier. The damn things must have gotten his attention.
“M’ijel—” Zoey manages before the male squeezes her to him tight.
She lets out a startled cry as his blade hovers dangerously close to her throat.
Dropping the crank handle, I lunge forward. But it’s a stupid decision.
The male lowers his blade and aims it at me. The bolt of lightning that emits from it is intense and I feel it crackle through the air as it passes within inches of my face.
I drop to one side, behind a large kiosk of buttons and switches. The male releases a bolt of fire that strikes the metal covering.
I wait a moment, preparing to leap out around the otherside and take the creature by surprise. If I act fast, it might just work.
I bellow as I leap from my hiding place. My roar dies on my lips as I find both the male and Zoey gone, leaving me standing in a sudden, oppressive silence.
Staring at the empty space where Zoey just stood, a mix of fear and anger surges through me. He took her right under my nose, and I was powerless to stop it.
But this isn’t the end. I’m already sprinting towards the exit, my body pulsing with adrenaline, rage boiling within.
Zoey’s abductor may have a head start, but I’m determined to track them down. The promise of retribution burns fiercely in me.
I’ll tear him apart piece by piece if he dares harm Zoey. She’s become my responsibility, my charge, and I’ll go to any lengths to ensure her safety.
I rush through the darkened corridors, every sense heightened, my instincts honed for the hunt. My teeth bare in a silent vow of violence.
He’s made a grave mistake taking Zoey — she belongs tome.And I’m coming for him, ready for a showdown that will decide our fates in this twisted game.
Zoey
