As the sound of the automatic doors to my cell lifted, my eyes shot open. Startled, I quickly curled my body, clutching the thin blanket tightly against my shivering form. The sudden awakening was accompanied by a deep voice, belonging to Melxa, who informed me that it was time to eat. The enclosure that once had a transparent dark glass was now once again replaced with caged bars, enclosing me once again. This sudden change brought a sense of confinement and restriction.
"Are you awake?" Melxa's deep voice inquired, probing for a response. Without turning to face him, I simply nodded my head.
Relieved that I had acknowledged him, he instructed me to sit up so that I could eat. However, a wave of apprehension washed over me as I contemplated the kind of food this creature could possibly prepare for me. I imagined it to be slimy and unappetizing, a far cry from anything I would willingly consume.
Despite my reservations, I reluctantly sat up and turned my body toward the direction of his voice. As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I couldn't help but notice how disheveled my hair felt. Strangely enough, it was one of the best deep sleeps I had experienced in a while, even though it happened on an alien ship. The more I pondered over it, the more I realized how absurd it all seemed.
As soon as the metallic door to my cell swung open, I clutched my blanket tightly around me, fearing that he would snatch it away before I could put up a fight. It was the only thing shielding my naked form, and I was determined not to let it go.
Melxa chuckled. "That is your earned reward, human. I won't take it, unless you decide to be difficult and refuse to eat."
I never wanted him to take the blanket. I had grown strangely attached to it. So, I made up my mind to eat whatever was given to me. Besides, I was starting to feel a bit hungry. I nodded faintly in response.
"Good girl," he said, taking hold of my wrist and gently turning my palm face up. He placed a warm but small bowl in my hand.
Curiosity got the better of me as I brought the bowl closer to me. "What is it?" I asked.
"It's human food. Spring vegetable soup. It's a gentle and nourishing option to begin with. Once you regain your strength, I'll introduce more solid food into your diet. For now, enjoy your meal. I'd like to see your glucose levels normalize again."
How did he possess knowledge of my glucose levels? And...did he actually expect me to eat the food without any utensils? "Um, are there any sort of utensil available?"
"You don't need any. I've cooled the soup to a suitable temperature for human consumption. Just drink it down."
I blinked a few times before draping the blanket around my body like a strapless dress and grasping the warm bowl with both hands. Surprisingly, I found the taste of the soup quite enjoyable. The temperature was just perfect, and it ended up being a much-needed treat for my rumbling stomach.
"How do you have knowledge of my glucose levels?" I inquired, while swallowing a few veggies that had a texture similar to corn.
"I am aware of everything happening within your body. The kennel is not just a means of transportation for humans. It alerts me to every aspect of your physical condition. Your temperature, breathing, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. I can even conduct X-rays of your body at any time to monitor your healing progress, as well as adjust the temperature of your surroundings.'"
Talk about cutting-edge technology. "You can see all of that?"
"Absolutely. It's how I keep an eye on my subjects. The transportation system also ensures your safety during turbulence. It automatically deploys soft pads as protective barriers, preventing any harm. Moreover, it comes equipped with a two-week air supply that can withstand high pressure and is even fire-resistant."
Once again, I was taken aback. My eyes widened, and I blinked in surprise.
"It's quite astonishing, I know. But I'm determined to preserve my work. As you probably understand, humans are scarce, so I can't afford to lose any subjects once I've started. That's why I invented this unit, to ensure the constant protection of my test subjects."
"You invented it?" I took another sip of soup.
"Yes, indeed. No one appreciates science quite like I do."
"I suppose you also included... the um... calming ambiance, right? The one you turned on while I went to sleep? Was that also for scientific purposes?"
He chuckled. "Actually, yes. Humans are greatly influenced by their surroundings and are sensitive to them. If I can reduce a human's anxiety, it becomes easier for them to sleep and stay alert for the tasks I require. I did notice that you became highly anxious when I lowered the walls of your enclosure. I waited to see if you would calm down after providing you with filtered air, but when you didn't, I decided to play soothing Earth sounds that humans find familiar."
"So, you've thought of everything," I said, thoroughly impressed. "Except for a private chef and water, that is."
He scoffed, expressing disbelief. "Do you honestly believe that I would prioritize comfort amenities over the basic needs for human health? The kennel is equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence system that will automatically activate to protect you in case of certain dangers. These dangers include a decrease in oxygen levels, high turbulence, or elevated smoke levels, among others. In the event that you get separated from the lab or lost during transportation, the AI system, powered by a long-lasting battery, will provide you with carefully rationed water and food to sustain you for at least two weeks. It will also send a signal to my lab, allowing me to locate you. Additionally, it will regulate the temperature and oxygen levels inside."
I swallowed my soup, completely speechless. It was truly astonishing how meticulously he had designed something to cater to every human need. "That is truly impressive. As a fellow scientist, I commend your work," I said with a smile as I finished the last spoonful of vegetable soup.
"I haven't fully completed the invention yet. The prolonged solitary confinement of humans could potentially jeopardize their psychological well-being. The human brain craves interaction, which is why I've taken up the AI system as a side project. It aims to offer conversation, education, audio readings of various literary works, and entertainment through popular human games."
My attention was captured by a deep growl, causing my head to jerk towards its source. A presence entered the room, sending spasms of chills racing down my body. Even before my gaze fell upon him, I could instinctively sense his unmistakable presence. There was something about him that commanded my attention, an aura that my body could never overlook.
Melxa quickly spun around to see who had entered the room, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Oh, Tal Enzuk," he exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise and delight.
Enzuk! Enzuk. Enzuk. My eyes narrowed at him.
Enzuk responded with a deep grunt, and started to speak in what I assumed was the Omna language. Melxa laughed as he moved around, conversing with Enzuk in this strange language. They continued their back and forth conversation while Melxa opened and closed cabinet doors.
As Enzuk engaged in conversation with Melxa, his gaze intensified, scanning me with a predatory air. Subconsciously, I clutched the blanket tightly around me, instinctively retreating. The thought of our roles being abruptly reversed unsettled me. Once the one who was free, I now found myself trapped, a prisoner in this unsettling situation. If he hadn't already managed to end my life in the past, there was no doubt that he had the power to do so now.
However, instead of showing the fear I felt, I glared at him, my eyes burning with betrayal. In some strange way, it was nice to see a familiar face, someone I had once trusted. Still, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger coursing through my veins at our previous encounter. How could he have the audacity to try and take my life? He played with my mind and then stabbed me. Maybe he left me for dead and Melxa found me. I didn't quite now how everything transpired after I blacked out.
My mind refused to let me forget his actions that night. The pain radiating from the wound he had inflicted on me had been unbearable. Even now it still pained me, a constant reminder of his merciless act. His sharp tail had pierced through my flesh, leaving behind a trail of crimson that stained my clothes. But it wasn't just the physical pain that gnawed at me; it was the emotional torment that cut even deeper.
I had never expected such a brutal betrayal from someone I had considered a friend. Or close to a friend. Yes, he had told me several times that we were enemies. But I still felt like had formed some sort of bond. Deep down, I still didn't belive he was capable of ending my life. The memories of our shared conversation and camaraderie now seemed like distant echoes, drowned out by the deafening silence of his treachery. How had I been so blind to his true nature?
As I struggled to catch my breath, I could feel the anger bubbling within me, threatening to consume my every thought. I felt rage and disbelief. My emotions were a storm raging inside my chest. But amidst the chaos, there was also a flicker of determination.
I refused to let his act of violence define me. I would not be a victim, nor would I let his callousness extinguish the fire within my soul. He had not defeated me, and I would never let him deceive me again. His attempt to take my life had only ignited a newfound resilience within me. I had survived despite his determination to kill me. I would not let his actions break me; instead, I would emerge stronger, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As I stared into his eyes, I felt defiance. No longer would I be a mere victim in his twisted game. I would fight, not just for myself, but for all those who had suffered at his hands.
Enzuk's face contorted into a smug smile as his eyes roamed over my partially exposed body and then looked over my confined space.
I squinted my eyes disapprovingly at him, consumed by a deep sense of resentment toward the unjust reality that I found myself trapped in, akin to an animal confined within a cage, while he enjoyed the liberating freedom that eluded me. Enzuk uttered something in his native tongue as he gradually approached me. Melxa let out a chuckle, offering his own reply. Enzuk came to a halt right in front of me, his face adorned with a gentle smile. With remarkable ease, he reached up and took off the distinct horned helmet that I had become accustomed to seeing him wear. I was never really sure if it even came off. Previously, while on Earth, I had began to think it was part of him.
As his bright blue eyes shimmered with a captivating radiance, long strands of silver hair unraveled from beneath his helmet down his back. It swirled down his back like a mesmerizing waterfall. So he did have hair...
In a moment of enchantment, he took a deep breath, causing his iridescent silver scales to gracefully retract into his body, as if harmonizing with his every movement. There was no doubt that he possessed an undeniable allure. I took a moment to appreciate his beauty without, what I guessed, was his warrior armor. His complexion, like Melxa's, was a delicate shade of paleness that perfectly enhanced the mesmerizing hue of his blue eyes. Pale skin seemed to be the natural skin color of this species. I had never seen Enzuk's skin before as it was always hidden by his scales. The graceful cascade of his long, silvery locks gracefully framed his face, adding an extra touch of elegance to his already striking appearance. I took a deep breath, desperately attempting to conceal just how captivating I found him and how my body was already exhibiting a noticeable physical reaction to his presence. As I glanced downward, my eyes leisurely wandered over his well-defined physique, adorned in a delicately sheer shirt and form-fitting black trousers.
I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from him, captivated by his mesmerizing presence. The way his eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, drew me in like a moth to a flame. His charm could enchant even the most guarded souls. And I hated him all the more for it. But deep down, I had to remember that his beauty was a facade, a mask that concealed the malevolence within. It was a cruel twist of fate that someone so wicked could possess such an alluring aura, making it impossible to resist his magnetic pull. Pale skin, bright blue eyes, long silver hair that looked like silk, and a muscular body sculpted by the gods. He was a walking sex god. He also reminded of a sexy elf, with his pointed ears that perked up past his head. A sexy elf that I would find within the pages of a forbidden, yet captivating, book of naughty fantasies.
There was an inexplicable temptation that lingered in the air, drawing me closer despite the warning signs. It was a battle between logic and desire. Evil - it could disguise itself in the most enticing forms, preying on our weaknesses and exploiting our desires. Appearances could be deceiving, and true beauty lay not in physical attractiveness, but in the purity of one's heart. Which he didn't have. As I blinked once more, I made a silent vow to myself. I would not succumb to his tempting facade, nor allow his wickedness to cloud my judgment. As a mischievous grin spread across his face, revealing his razor-sharp fangs. Without realizing how close he was, I instinctively scooted away, my back colliding with the cold metal bars. I felt like a trapped rabbit. Perhaps he had returned to finish me off. Maybe he believed he had already killed me and was angry that I had survived.
In a menacing, low voice, Enzuk spoke again to Melxa. Melxa responded in a carefree tone, as if Enzuk's threatening demeanor was a normal way for him to be. Enzuk gazed at my blanket with curiosity, his eyes filled with interest, before he proceeded to converse in his unfamiliar language. The words flowed effortlessly from his lips, carrying an air of mystery and intrigue. I strained to decipher the meaning behind his foreign words, my mind captivated by the exotic sounds. As he spoke, his gestures and expressions added a layer of complexity to his communication, hinting at a deeper understanding that transcended language barriers. I found myself enthralled by this encounter, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within Enzuk's linguistic tapestry.
I was abruptly interrupted when a sharp pain shot through my stomach, radiating into my back. Confused and slightly alarmed, I blinked a few times, hoping it was just a passing discomfort.
Unfortunately, the stabbing pain returned, causing me to uncross my arms and let out a moan as I lay on my back, desperately trying to alleviate the agony. I wondered if my body had cramped due to my position, but the shooting pain persisted and intensified.
In a futile attempt to find relief, I twisted and turned, squeezing my eyes shut in anguish. It felt as though something was searing a hole in the center of my stomach. Soon enough, the pain became unbearable, and I couldn't help but scream, reliving the torturous moment when Enzuk had stabbed me with his tail. The muscles in my back and stomach tightened and throbbed relentlessly. Amidst my suffering, I heard the creaking of my cell door, followed by Melxa's faint voice speaking hurriedly, while Enzuk's words resonated with anger and panic.
Suddenly, the burning sensation transformed into an irresistible itch deep within me. Frantically, I tore off the blanket and pressed my hands against my stomach, rubbing and scratching at it vigorously.
From across the room, Melxa's voice echoed loudly, catching my attention. In a matter of seconds, Enzuk's strong arms enveloped me, his scent of the forest filling my nostrils as he swiftly bound my arms behind my back and pressed me against his chest. With ease, he held my captive arms with one hand, while using the other to push my face into his warm, muscular chest.
"Shhhhh. Isabella," he whispered.
Fear gripped me. Had he returned to end my life? Was he the cause of my pain? Panic washed over me as memories of the night he hunted me flooded my mind. "No. I won't let you harm me again," I protested as I tried to push him away.
"Stay still. Or face more pain," his voice said in my ear. "Don't resist." Those were the words he had uttered the night he stabbed me. Waves of agony surged through my body once more, causing my eyes to well up with tears. It felt as though something was trying to tear its way out of my stomach.
"Melxa!" Enzuk's roar interrupted the torment. I felt a needle pierce my arm, injecting a fluid that I assumed to be pain medication. I squirmed and turned my head against Enzuk's chest, but his firm grip restricted any movement.
It wasn't until the pain began to subside that I noticed Enzuk's large hand gently stroking my disheveled hair. The excruciating agony had drained me to the point of exhaustion, leaving me limp in his embrace. Taking slow, steady breaths, I gradually regained my composure as the crippling pain transformed into a tolerable ache. Finally, I could breathe without agony. And then, in that moment, I realized I was completely naked.
As I looked down at my exposed body in his embrace, a rush of embarrassment flooded my face. In the midst of my panicked state, I suddenly realized that I had inadvertently kicked off the blanket. A whimper escaped my lips as I felt incredibly uncomfortable being pressed against Enzuk's warm body without any form of cover. However, it seemed that Enzuk misinterpreted my distress, assuming it was another episode of pain rather than my desire to distance myself from him and regain some modesty.
Leaning down, he sniffed me, emitting a low growl in response. Desperate to convey my discomfort, I turned my head away from him. He shifted his position and draped my body with the familiar touch of my blanket. He released my arms momentarily, only to replace his grip by enveloping me snugly within the folds of the blanket.
Although I didn't particularly enjoy the constant restraint, I couldn't help but feel relieved to finally have some coverage. "I have not forgotten our conversations," Enzuk whispered, acknowledging my need for privacy and comfort.
I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the blanket, but there was something more that brought me comfort - being cradled in his warm embrace. In this unfamiliar environment, he was a familiar presence, and I found solace in his arms. It was a conflicting feeling, as I didn't want to rely on him for comfort, yet at the same time, I didn't want him to let me go. However, amidst this emotional turmoil, I couldn't help but have numerous questions swirling in my mind. Why had his attempt to harm me failed? How was I still alive if his mission was to eliminate me? Did he bring me Melxa, or did Melxa find me independently? Enzuk's actions seemed to suggest that he no longer desired to end my life. Perhaps his orders had changed, leading to this unexpected turn of events.
"You betrayed me," I whispered, my voice barely audible as the words escaped my lips. The pain in my heart was overwhelming, a deep ache that seemed to consume my entire being. "I had trusted you."
Enzuk sighed. "You are alive now." Enzuk gently ran his fingers through the silky strands of my luscious, chestnut-brown curls, causing a delightful tingling sensation to ripple through my scalp. The way his hands delicately caressed each individual lock, effortlessly gliding through their softness, sent shivers of pleasure down my spine. It was as if he was unraveling a hidden treasure, unraveling the secrets that lay within each curl, unraveling the depths of my soul. As I tightly clutched onto his shirt, my gaze locked with his, delving deep into the windows of his soul.
Those eyes. I once trusted those eyes. He betrayed me. "I am alive," I said with conviction. "No thanks to you." I realized his shirt and turned my head away from me.
Clearing his throat with a suspicious gaze, Melxa observed both Enzuk and me, causing Enzuk's once gentle eyes to darken. He abruptly separated me from his embrace and forcefully pushed me back into my confined space. The intensity of the situation was palpable, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and trapped once again. With a soldier-like posture, he stood tall and cleared his throat, preparing to speak. Uttering words in his foreign language, his tone carried a commanding authority, leaving no room for doubt.
A whirlwind of questions swirled in my mind, leaving me anxious and uncertain. What fate awaited me now? Would I truly be subjected to the torment that Eznuk had forewarned me about? These thoughts consumed me, intensifying my fear and leaving me yearning for answers.
Right as Enzuk was about to depart, I boldly interjected, "Enzuk, I have questions. Questions that demand answers. You owe me that at least."
"What?" He shifted his gaze towards me.
"I have questions regarding the purpose of my being here."
"You speak as if I am obligated to provide you with answers."
"I am entitled to-"
"Do not dare mention what you believe you deserve, mortal. And refrain from addressing me with such formality."
Melxa arched an eyebrow, taken aback by Enzuk's abrupt severity towards me.
"If you dare utter that name again, I assure you, you'll lose the power of speech," he warned, his gaze narrowing in on me.
In that moment, I could feel the weight of Enzuk's power and authority pressing down on me. His words were sharp and his tone was laced with a dangerous edge.
But I refused to back down. I had come too far and faced too many challenges to be silenced now. I had a burning desire to uncover the truth, to understand the purpose behind my presence in this mysterious place.
Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself and met Enzuk's gaze head-on. "I will not simply accept being kept in the dark. I need answers Enzuk."
His eyes narrowed. "Do not speak my name."
I raised my head defiantly, looking straight into his eyes. With a hint of sarcasm, I asked, "Do you have a preference? Asshole? Self-entitled jerk? Arrogant monster?" The words rolled off my tongue, each one dripping with contempt. Enzuk's gaze fixated on the delicate, cozy blanket that enveloped me, his eyes gleaming with a desire to take it from me.
With a evil smile, he inched closer. Coming to a halt in front of my cage, he locked eyes with me and delivered a stern message, "Behave. You are no longer on Earth, and you and your demands hold no significance here."
"Why am I here? You vowed to kill me and to my memory, you did. So why am I here?" I questioned, as he let out a low growl in response.
"I am not obligated to answer you," he retorted, swiftly turning away and striding towards the door. As he did so, his lustrous hair cascaded behind him, adding to his commanding presence. I noticed him saying something to Melxa, who seemed thoroughly entertained by our verbal exchange.
Although Enzuk's words seemed to have a profound impact on Melxa, causing his once radiant smile to fade away. I observed as Melxa turned his gaze towards me, his expression now filled with shock, before shifting it back to Enzuk. The intensity of their interaction left me pondering the exact words that Enzuk must have uttered to Melxa before he abruptly left. I couldn't help but wonder about the depth and significance of their conversation.
As Melxa turned around, I carefully examined his face, searching for any hint of what Enzuk had said to him. However, his expression remained impassive, giving away nothing. He proceeded to jot down some notes in his notebook, seemingly unaffected by my prying eyes. Without even glancing at me, he spoke up. "He's right, you know."
Curious, I asked, "About what?"
He replied, "About you refraining from uttering his name. On our planet, humans are strictly forbidden from speaking the names of the Omna, especially in public. It's considered a grave offense."
Puzzled, I inquired further, "He let me speak it when we were on Earth."
"You are not on Earth anymore," Melxa replied.
I sighed, "Then how do humans address you on your planet?"
A smirk formed on his lips as he responded, "Most humans are not even allowed to speak at all."
Surprised by his admission, I pressed on, "Why is that?"
"It's a matter of social status. Humans are treated as inferior beings, often regarded as pets. Only a select few are granted the privilege of serving the Omna, but even then, they must adhere to strict rules and behave impeccably."
"You mean like a goma," I said, which seemed to catch Melxa off guard. However, he couldn't help but smile at my knowledge.
"Yes, like goma," he confirmed as he laughed. "You know some Omna words. Did Enzuk teach you that?"
I nodded, explaining, "Yes, it came up during one of our conversations."
He found it intriguing, remarking, "Hmm, interesting. Normally, the Omna do not teach humans our language. It would be wise for you to avoid using any Omna words in the presence of our people. In fact, it's best if you remain silent."
Curiosity piqued, I questioned, "If humans are not allowed to speak the Omna language, I assume the Omna communicate with humans in English when giving commands or requesting something to be done?"
"Correct," he confirmed. "However, humans are only permitted to respond to commands or speak when spoken to. Any other form of free speech is strictly prohibited."
Hmm. So that's why Enzuk was such a jerk on Earth. That's why he always looked at me like was below him. A deeper understanding of his haughty demeanor began to emerge. His arrogance clearly stemmed from a long-standing habit of treating humans as nothing more than animals and slaves. This newfound revelation not only shed light on the intricacies of his character but also provided a more nuanced perspective on his actions and attitudes, offering a richer understanding of his behavior while he was on Earth.
I surveyed my confined surroundings, a mixture of frustration and determination coursing through my veins. Every inch of the space felt suffocating. I needed to get back to Earth, and escaping my cage was the first step towards reclaiming my freedom. I studied the lock, perhaps it was a puzzle waiting to be solved. Although it seemed rather complicated. There had to be another way—perhaps I needed to gain the trust of those around me.
"Do you believe that I could be considered suitable for servitude?"
Melxa gave me a penetrating gaze, followed by a chuckle. "I'm not entirely sure about that. On our planet, human slaves are akin to mindless automatons. They lack the capacity for independent thought, opinions, or the expression of their own ideas. Moreover, they are devoid of any sense of dignity."
"So, they are essentially mindless beings, merely going through the motions?" I inquired.
"More or less," Melxa confirmed. Hmm. Something I could possibly use to my advantage. No one would suspect what I was up to, and I wouldn't have to voice my thoughts either, because no one was interested in them.
"I'm sure they have their own thoughts," I argued.
"Oh, I'm sure you're right. That doesn't mean they can voice them."
"In that case, why do you engage in conversation with me so freely?" I pressed further.
"Because I find the whole concept rather absurd. Engaging in harmless conversation has never caused any harm. Besides, as someone who dedicates a significant amount of time studying your species, it is necessary for me to communicate with humans. However, others on my planet view humans as disposable commodities. Some are subjected to being sex slaves, objects of entertainment, or even consumed as food."
I found myself filled with an overwhelming sense of dread as the thought of visiting Enzuk's planet, Novis, crossed my mind. The name alone did not give off a welcoming vibe. However, compared to the alternatives of being a sex slave or mere food, being a servant seemed like a far better option. Maybe, if I could display exceptional behavior, I could immerse myself in the ways of this new species, gain their acceptance, and ultimately find a way to escape that wretched planet.
Melxa had previously mentioned that I was being kept alive for scientific purposes. However, I realized that if I strategized wisely, I might be able to earn Melxa's confidence and ultimately find a way to avoid my impending demise. As I contemplated my options, a glimmer of hope sparked within me, fueling my determination to outsmart the clutches of death.
Please review. Leave your comments, thoughts, and positive vibes. Lol. JK. I'll accept the negative too. All feedback welcomed.