Page 10 of Her Immortal Love

I turn away, trying to appear nonchalant, but my heart is racing. I need to get a handle on this, and fast.

Later that night, I sneak away from where the others sleep. With the constant attacks, our pen isn't very secure or much of a structure at all. It's the threats outside of them that keep us in here more than anything.

The twin moons of Protheka cast an eerie glow over the landscape as I make my way to a secluded area far enough away from the huddled bodies. Here, I can practice without fear of discovery.

I close my eyes, feeling the energy thrumming beneath my skin. It's intoxicating, this power. Part of me wants to let it loose, to see what I'm truly capable of. But the rational part of my mind - the scientist in me - knows that would be disastrous.

Instead, I focus on small tasks. Lifting leaves, creating tiny whirlwinds, warming the air around me. Each successful attempt fills me with a mix of excitement and dread.

A twig snaps behind me, and I whirl around, my hand instinctively raised. A burst of energy explodes from my palm, scorching the ground where it lands.

"Impressive," a familiar voice says.

Alexei steps out of the shadows, his eyes glowing in the moonlight. I freeze, caught between fight and flight.

"How long have you been watching?" I demand, my voice shaking.

He takes a step closer, and I resist the urge to back away. "Long enough," he says softly. "You're getting stronger, Alina. But you're also getting careless."

I stare at Alexei, my heart racing. "Have you told anyone?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Alexei shakes his head, taking another step closer. "No. I'm here to help you, Alina."

I laugh bitterly. "Help me? Why would you want to do that?"

He reaches out, his hand hovering near my arm but not quite touching. "Because you're different. Special. And because..." he hesitates, his eyes searching mine. "Because I care about you."

My breath catches in my throat. I want to believe him, but I can't shake the nagging doubt in the back of my mind. He's a vrakken, and he seems to be important. How can I trust him?

"Why should I believe you?" I challenge, even as part of me yearns to.

Alexei's expression softens. "I was human once, remember? I know what it's like to be thrust into this world, to feel lost and scared. Let me help you understand your powers. Control them."

I bite my lip, considering. The offer is tempting, but dangerous. "And what do you get out of this?"

He smiles, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "A chance to remember what it was like to be human. To feel... connected."

Against my better judgment, I nod. "Okay. But if this is a trick..."

"It's not," he says firmly. "I promise."

Over the next few weeks, Alexei and I meet in secret. He teaches me to harness my abilities, to channel the raw energy into something more controlled. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

But it's not just about the magic. As we spend more time together, I find myself opening up to him. We talk about our past lives, our hopes, our fears. I learn about the complexities of vrakken society, the pressures Alexei faces as a leader.

And despite my best efforts, I feel myself falling for him.

One night, as we sit beneath the alien stars, Alexei takes my hand. "Alina," he says softly. "I've never met anyone like you."

I look into his eyes, seeing the conflict there. He's torn between his duty to his people and his growing feelings for me. And I'm just as conflicted.

"Alexei," I whisper. "What are we doing? This can't... we can't..."

He leans in, his forehead resting against mine. "I know. But I can't stay away from you."

I close my eyes, breathing in his scent. It would be so easy to give in, to let myself fall completely. But the rational part of my mind won't let me forget the reality of our situation.

I'm sitting alone, lost in thought, when a small group of humans approaches me. Their faces are etched with desperation and hope. My stomach twists as I realize what they're about to ask.