49

The tension within the kingdom was palpable. Word of Jack’s impending attack on Alex’s forces had spread throughout the palace, though few knew the full scope of the coming battle. Within the grand halls of Alex’s kingdom, warriors sharpened their weapons, prepared their armors, and spoke in hushed tones about the war that was to come.

But inside Alex’s private chamber, there was an air of satisfaction.

Alex reclined against the plush pillows of their grand bed, his eyes half-closed in satisfaction as he watched Aeryn sleep beside him. Her soft, rhythmic breathing was a comfort, a reminder of their recent union. He smiled to himself, his hand drifting lazily over her bare back. Their consummation had not only solidified their bond but had also given him something else—power.

He could feel it now, coursing through his veins like fire. His senses had sharpened; his muscles felt stronger. He had always been powerful, a ruler of galaxies, but now, something new had awakened within him. Something ancient, something primal.

“Soon,” he whispered to himself, his lips curling into a smirk. “Jack won’t stand a chance.”

Alex could already envision it—the battle, the chaos, and his ultimate victory. Jack had been foolish to challenge him, and now he would pay the price for his insolence. He would wipe Jack from existence and secure his place as the undisputed ruler of the galaxy. With Aeryn by his side, no one would dare to challenge him.

But as Alex reveled in his newfound power, another figure moved silently through the palace.

---

Arin walked purposefully through the corridors, her steps light but deliberate. The air around her crackled with energy, though it was the kind of energy that most people wouldn’t notice. It was the energy of deceit, of plans set into motion, of betrayal brewing just beneath the surface.

She had been patient, biding her time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Alex was too preoccupied with Aeryn and his war preparations to notice her subtle movements. Jack, too, was distracted, thinking he could overpower Alex with brute force.

But Arin’s plan went deeper than either of them could comprehend.

As she entered the palace’s grand kitchen, her eyes scanned the rows of herbs, spices, and potions. She moved swiftly, her hands reaching for a specific set of ingredients. Her fingers danced over vials and jars, selecting the components for a drink that would change everything.

“Aeryn,” she whispered to herself, her eyes narrowing. “I’ll make sure you’re out of the picture before this war even begins.”

She began mixing the ingredients, her hands steady as she concocted a special brew—a juice designed for Aeryn. It wasn’t poison, no. Arin wasn’t foolish enough to kill the human outright. That would raise too many questions. Instead, this juice would weaken her, slowly, subtly. By the time anyone realized what was happening, Aeryn would be too far gone to recover.

Arin’s lips curved into a dark smile. She could already hear Alex’s cries of despair, see his face twisted in anguish as he watched his precious human fade away. And Jack—well, Jack would never even realize she had played him like a puppet. Once Aeryn was out of the way, Arin could manipulate both men into destroying each other. She would emerge from the ashes as the true ruler of this galaxy.

Satisfied with her creation, Arin poured the juice into a small, ornate glass. She would present it to Aeryn soon enough. But first, she had to ensure the palace was unaware of her true intentions.

---

Back in Alex’s chamber, Aeryn stirred, slowly waking from her deep sleep. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Beside her, Alex was already awake, his gaze focused on her, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice low and smooth.

Aeryn smiled sleepily, stretching beneath the covers. “Morning.”

Alex’s hand moved to caress her cheek, his touch gentle but possessive. “How do you feel?”

She paused for a moment, considering the question. “I feel…different.” There was a faint sense of unease in her voice, but she couldn’t quite place why.

Alex’s smile widened. “Good. You should feel different. Our bond has changed things.”

Aeryn frowned slightly, sitting up. “What do you mean?”

Alex leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. “We’re more powerful now. Together.”

Aeryn’s heart skipped a beat at his words, though she couldn’t tell if it was excitement or fear that caused the reaction. She had always known that being with Alex meant stepping into a world far beyond her understanding. But now, something about his tone, his demeanor—it unsettled her.

Before she could dwell on it further, there was a knock at the door.

Alex’s eyes flickered toward the sound, his expression hardening. “Enter.”

The door creaked open, and Arin stepped inside, her face a mask of polite calm. She held the glass of juice delicately in her hands, her movements smooth and practiced as she approached the bed.

“Good morning, Alex,” Arin greeted, her voice warm. “I’ve brought something for Aeryn. It’s a special drink—just a little something to help with…adjusting.”

Aeryn blinked, looking at Arin curiously. “Adjusting?”

Arin smiled, though the expression didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Yes, adjusting to your new life here. It's a mixture of herbs and nutrients that will help you feel more… settled after the recent changes." She extended the glass toward Aeryn.

Aeryn hesitated, glancing between the glass and Alex. Something about the situation felt off, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint why. Alex, however, seemed unfazed, his eyes focused on Arin.

"Drink it," Alex said, his voice firm but casual, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "It’ll help you regain your strength."

Aeryn reached out and took the glass from Arin's hand, still unsure. She trusted Alex, but something about Arin made her uneasy. Perhaps it was the subtle glint in her eyes, or the way her smile felt too forced, too deliberate.

Arin watched closely, her heart pounding with anticipation. Just one sip. That’s all it would take to set her plan into motion.

But before Aeryn could bring the glass to her lips, Alex’s hand shot out, stopping her.

“Wait,” Alex said, his voice suddenly sharp, his eyes narrowing on Arin. He took the glass from Aeryn’s hands, swirling the liquid within. “What exactly is in this?”

Arin’s smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, feigning innocence. “It’s just a simple tonic, Alex. I thought it would help Aeryn regain her strength after—”

“After what?” Alex cut her off, his voice cold, his eyes piercing. He stood from the bed, towering over her, and the air between them crackled with tension. “You’ve never cared about Aeryn’s well-being before. Why the sudden interest now?”

Arin’s mind raced, but she kept her expression neutral, knowing she couldn’t afford to falter now. “She’s your queen, Alex. I only want to support your reign by making sure she’s at her best.”

Alex’s eyes bored into hers, and for a moment, the room was deathly silent. Then, without breaking eye contact, he raised the glass to his lips and drank the liquid in one swift gulp.

Arin’s heart sank as she watched him swallow the concoction, knowing that her plan was falling apart. The juice wasn’t meant for him, and now she had no idea what effect it would have on an alien as powerful as Alex. But she didn’t have time to dwell on her mistake—Alex was already watching her, his expression unreadable.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, Alex smiled, slow and dangerous.

“Interesting,” he said, his voice low. “Tastes like deceit.”

Arin’s blood ran cold. She opened her mouth to speak, to explain, but Alex cut her off with a wave of his hand.

“I knew you were up to something,” he said, stepping closer to her, his tone deadly. “But to try something like this, Arin? Against me? Against my queen?”

Arin’s mouth went dry. She had underestimated Alex. She had thought she could deceive him, that his obsession with Aeryn would cloud his judgment. But she had been wrong.

“I—”

Before she could speak, Alex’s hand shot out, grabbing her by the throat and lifting her off the ground with terrifying ease. He stared into her eyes, his grip tightening just enough to make her feel the weight of her betrayal.

“You thought you could poison her? Weaken her?” Alex growled, his voice like thunder. “Do you think I’m blind to your schemes, Arin?”

Arin struggled to breathe, her heart pounding in her chest. “It wasn’t… supposed to be like this…”

Alex’s eyes burned with fury as he released her, letting her drop to the floor. “You’ve always been a snake, Arin,” he said, his voice filled with contempt. “I should have dealt with you long ago.”

Arin coughed, gasping for air as she scrambled to her feet, her mind racing for a way out. She could feel the weight of Alex’s gaze on her, cold and merciless. But she wasn’t finished yet. She still had cards to play.

“I did it for the kingdom,” Arin gasped, desperation creeping into her voice. “Aeryn is a weakness, Alex. Jack will exploit her. You need to see that.”

Alex’s expression remained unmoved, but something flickered in his eyes—an acknowledgment, perhaps, of the truth in her words.

“Jack is no threat to me,” Alex said, his voice a low growl. “And Aeryn is no weakness.”

Arin shook her head, pushing herself to her feet. “You’re blind. You don’t see what’s coming. Jack wants Aeryn because he knows she’s the key to defeating you. You’ve already given her too much power, Alex. You’re risking everything.”

Alex’s gaze darkened, but before he could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hall.

A guard burst into the room, his face pale and his voice filled with urgency. “My king! Jack’s forces are preparing to attack! They’ve breached the outer defenses!”

Alex’s eyes flashed with fury, but his expression quickly shifted to cold determination. He turned to the guard, his voice steady and commanding. “Ready the troops. I’ll be there soon.”

The guard nodded and hurried out of the room.

Alex turned back to Arin, his eyes narrowing. “This isn’t over.”

Without another word, he strode out of the chamber, leaving Arin behind, her mind racing.