55.

Three days had passed since Aeryn and Alex's marriage, a union that had bound them together despite the vast differences between their worlds. The initial tensions and uncertainties had begun to dissolve, replaced by a growing connection that neither had expected but both silently welcomed. Aeryn, though still grappling with her situation, found herself drawn to Alex’s quiet strength and the subtle ways he demonstrated care. She wasn’t entirely at ease yet, but the walls she had built around her heart had begun to crack. Alex, aware of the gravity of what their marriage symbolized for his kingdom, took his role as her husband seriously, though he allowed Aeryn the space she needed to adjust.

Now, on the third day of their union, preparations were underway for one of the most important celebrations in Alex’s kingdom. It was the festival honoring their special crops, which bloomed once every few years, nourished by the explosive energy of stars. This celestial event was a rare and powerful sign, foretelling prosperity, peace, and a bright future for the royal family. Alex’s people saw the timing of this cosmic event as a blessing on their marriage, a good omen for the days to come. The entire kingdom was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the night ahead.

Aeryn had been given a dress unlike any she had ever worn before, crafted from a shimmering fabric that glowed in sync with the strange energies of the planet. The garment’s hues of deep green and vibrant blue matched her ever-changing eyes, which now flickered between shades of curiosity and apprehension. Despite her reservations, she couldn’t deny the beauty and mystery of this world or the complex emotions she was beginning to feel for Alex.

Unbeknownst to them, however, a dark plan was unfolding in the shadows.

Jack, who had been waiting for the perfect moment, was ready to execute his scheme. His obsession with Aeryn had grown with each passing day. For him, Aeryn wasn’t just a human; she was the key to immense power. The unique properties of human blood, combined with the abilities of his own race, could create a being of unimaginable strength—a child born from Aeryn would make Jack unstoppable. He had watched from afar, gathering information about the festivities and Alex’s movements, biding his time. Now, as the kingdom prepared to celebrate, Jack saw the perfect opportunity to strike.

---

As dusk approached, the sky above the kingdom shifted from deep purple to vibrant bursts of color. Stars flared and exploded in a spectacular light show, illuminating the fields where the sacred crops grew. The air was thick with anticipation as people gathered in the grand plaza for the festival, their faces turned skyward, entranced by the celestial display.

Aeryn stood beside Alex, still adjusting to the grandeur of it all. The crowd cheered, and she couldn’t help but glance at him, her thoughts a tangled mess. He met her gaze, offering her a small, reassuring smile that made her heart flutter despite herself.

"Are you alright?" Alex asked could hear. His voice was gentle, yet there was an underlying concern as he studied her face.

Aeryn nodded but glanced away. "It’s… a lot to take in," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everything here feels so overwhelming. The lights, the people, the… expectations."

Alex’s expression softened. "I understand. Our customs can be… intense for someone new." He paused, his hand brushing against hers briefly. "You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Tonight is about celebration, not pressure."

Aeryn gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you. I guess I’m still trying to make sense of everything… us, this marriage, and now this festival that feels like it’s about more than just crops."

Alex’s gaze turned more serious, and he lowered his voice. "In a way, it is. The stars exploding and the crops flourishing—it’s a sign of a great future for the kingdom, for us. My people believe it foretells prosperity and peace." He hesitated, his dark eyes holding hers. "But I don’t want you to feel like you’re part of some cosmic prophecy. You’re more than that, Aeryn. You’re my wife."

The word "wife" still felt foreign to Aeryn, but there was an undeniable warmth in how he said it. A part of her wanted to resist the connection growing between them, but another part—the part that had seen his kindness, his patience—couldn’t help but soften.

Before she could respond, the festival began in full force. Musicians played lively tunes, dancers filled the square, and people cheered as the sky continued to light up with brilliant explosions of stardust.

Aeryn glanced around, still feeling like an outsider despite her position beside Alex. She noticed how the people looked at them—at her—with curiosity and expectation. "They all expect me to be something I’m not," she said quietly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"They expect you to be yourself," Alex replied, surprising her. "That’s all I ask too."

Aeryn’s lips parted, but she couldn’t find the words. The sincerity in Alex’s voice left her speechless. Before she could say anything more, a loud cheer erupted as the festival reached its peak. The sacred crops, glowing faintly in the light of the stars, were being harvested ceremoniously, signaling the climax of the celebration.

Alex turned to her and smiled. "Come, there’s something I want to show you."

He gently took her hand, and Aeryn, without resistance, followed him through the crowd. As they moved, the air shifted—though she couldn't place why. Aeryn tried to dismiss the growing sense of unease, chalking it up to her nerves. But it wasn’t just her intuition.

---

In the shadows of a distant alley, Jack observed them closely. His eyes narrowed as he watched Alex lead Aeryn away from the crowd. This was his moment. The festival provided the perfect distraction. While Alex was focused on the celebration, Jack had all the opportunity he needed to execute his plan.

"He won’t see it coming," Jack muttered to himself. He had been waiting for this exact moment—Aeryn away from the crowd, away from the protection of the guards. The power of her blood and the potential of a child born from her was all he needed to solidify his domination. His fingers twitched with impatience as he made his way toward the royal couple, his mind swirling with dark fantasies of the power he would gain once Aeryn was in his grasp.

---

Alex led Aeryn to a quiet hilltop just outside the main square, where the noise of the festival faded into the distance. From there, they had a perfect view of the stars and the glowing fields below. Aeryn couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sight.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, her eyes fixed on the sky above.

Alex smiled at her words. "I thought you’d appreciate it. This spot has always been special to me. When I was younger, I used to come here alone to think."

"And now you’ve brought me here," Aeryn said softly, feeling a strange warmth spread through her chest.

"I wanted to share it with you," Alex replied, turning toward her. His voice was low, intimate. "I know things haven’t been easy since you arrived, but I want you to know I’m here for you—for whatever you need."

Aeryn looked into his eyes, her heart pounding slightly faster. The sincerity in his words was undeniable, and it made her feel something she hadn’t expected—hope. "I’m starting to believe that," she admitted quietly.

Alex’s hand brushed her cheek gently, his touch soft and careful. "You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to feel safe here. With me."

Aeryn’s breath hitched at the tenderness in his voice, but before she could respond, a rustling sound in the nearby brush caught her attention. She turned sharply, her senses suddenly on high alert. "Did you hear that?"

Alex’s expression immediately shifted to one of caution. "Stay close to me."

Just as the words left his mouth, a dark figure emerged from the shadows. Jack stood before them, his eyes gleaming with malice and triumph.

"Well, well," Jack sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "What a lovely sight. The king and his human bride, enjoying a quiet moment together."

Alex stepped in front of Aeryn protectively, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here, Jack?"

Jack smirked, his gaze shifting to Aeryn with a predatory glint. "I think you know exactly why I’m here, cousin."

Aeryn’s heart raced, and she instinctively moved closer to Alex. "What does he want?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling.

"Me," Alex said through clenched teeth. "But more importantly, you."

Aeryn’s blood ran cold. "Me? Why?"

Jack took a step closer, his smile widening. "Oh, you’ll find out soon enough, darling. But let’s just say… you’re the key to my future. The child you will bear will give me more power than you or your precious king could ever imagine."

Alex’s fists clenched, his voice a low growl. "You’re delusional if you think I’ll ever let that happen."

Jack’s eyes glinted with amusement. "Let? You’re mistaken, Alex. You don’t have a choice."

Before anyone could react, Jack lunged forward, his speed blurring in the dim light. Aeryn screamed as Alex pushed her behind him, drawing his blade to block Jack’s assault. The two men clashed, their powers erupting in a violent flurry of blows, the force of their strikes shaking the ground beneath them.

Aeryn stood frozen, her mind racing as the battle unfolded before her eyes. She knew she needed to act, but fear paralyzed her. Jack’s words echoed in her mind—the child you will bear. The idea sent chills down her spine, and she realized just how much was at stake.

"Aeryn!" Alex’s voice broke through her thoughts. "Run!"

She hesitated, torn between staying and fleeing, but as Jack’s laughter filled the air, mocking and dangerous, Aeryn’s instincts kicked in. She turned and ran, her heart pounding as she raced toward the palace, knowing that this was far from over.