Nova awoke with a start, her body stiff and aching, bound tightly by rough ropes that chafed against her skin. She blinked, her vision swimming as she tried to adjust to the dim light filtering through the thick wooden bars enclosing her. Panic flared as she squirmed against the restraints, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. The air was cold and damp, carrying the earthy scent of wet wood and soil.
As her senses sharpened, the sound of footsteps approached. Two imposing figures entered the confined space, and only now did Nova truly register their alien features—details that her earlier confusion and desperation for help had completely ignored.
The first figure, nearly eight feet tall, exuded an aura of calm authority. His smooth, gray skin shimmered faintly, as though carved from polished stone. Long silver hair cascaded down his back in a loose braid, framing his serene yet piercing eyes. Two of his four arms were folded behind him, while the other two were holding a plate of food.
The second figure towered even taller, his presence sharp and unyielding. His stance was rigid, his movements precise, and his piercing gaze locked onto her like a predator sizing up prey. The air seemed to tighten with every step he took, his extra set of arms gripping a katana with unnerving steadiness. The blade’s edge gleamed coldly, pointed directly at Nova.
"You shall remain here for three days as we decide what to do with you." the taller figure said, his voice a low, resonant growl that seemed to reverberate through the cage. His tone was devoid of warmth, each word a deliberate pronouncement of authority. "Act properly, and you can leave here alive, But act up, and I will be the one to slice you down. The choice is yours—live or die."
His words landed like an anvil on her chest, pressing down on her already fraught nerves. Nova swallowed hard, unable to find her voice, and gave a hesitant nod.
The stern figure watched her for a moment longer, his piercing gaze unrelenting. Then, with a sharp turn, he began to leave. "Kazuki will watch over you until we decide," he said, his voice fading but no less ominous. "But don't think I don't have my eyes on you either."
The taller man disappeared into the corridor, leaving behind an oppressive silence. Kazuki, the gentler of the two, stepped forward, and his presence—though still imposing—felt less threatening. He moved with fluid grace, his calm eyes studying her with quiet curiosity. Setting a plate of food down on the ground before her, he crouched to her level.
"Rest easy, young one," Kazuki said softly, his voice carrying a soothing cadence that eased some of the tension in her chest. “I am not as much of a brute as my brother. You do not have to fear me”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
He put the plate down next to her and with practiced care, he loosened the bindings around her wrists and ankles. "You’ll find it easier to think without these," he said with a faint smile. "Eat. Gather your strength. Stay calm until we decide what to do."
Nova hesitated, her gaze shifting between the food and the imposing figure before her. Only now did she truly take in the shimmering quality of his gray skin and the serene expression on his face. She clutched her sore wrists, her thoughts swirling with fear and confusion, but Kazuki’s calm presence held her panic at bay. For the first time since waking in the cage, she managed to take a deep, steadying breath.
Nova’s stomach betrayed her hunger with a loud growl. She eyed the plate warily, half-expecting some sort of trick or test. Kazuki noticed her hesitation, his thoughtful expression softening as he considered a way to ease her wariness.
“Would you like to see a little trick?” he asked gently, his voice calm and reassuring.
Nova blinked, confused but curious. She gave a small nod
Kazuki smiled faintly and began to channel his ki. A soft, silver light glowed from his hands, growing brighter as a small bud appeared in his palm. The bud slowly unfurled, its petals shimmering with the same silvery glow, until a delicate flower bloomed fully.
Nova’s eyes widened, captivated by the sight. She leaned forward slightly, completely immersed in the magic of the moment. Kazuki then blew softly on the flower, sending it drifting gently toward her. The glowing petals swirled in the air before landing in her hands. As they touched her skin, the flower dissolved into pure energy, spreading a soothing warmth through her body.
“Did you like the trick?” he asked softly, his smile warm and hopeful.
Nova nodded her head once more. Her eyes shone with amazement and wonder, the glow of the flower reflected in her gaze.
“Then please, eat,” Kazuki encouraged. “It is the only trick you will find tonight.”
Nova hesitated for just a moment longer before her hunger overpowered her caution. She took a tentative bite of the food. Warmth spread through her body with the first taste, and an unexpected wave of emotion welled up inside her. Tears gathered in her eyes—not from sadness, but from a strange and unfamiliar sense of comfort.
“Th-thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude she hadn’t felt in what seemed like forever.
Kazuki chuckled softly, his calm presence as steadying as the warmth from the meal. “You remind me of myself at your age,” he said, his faint smile tinged with understanding. “I, too, had much to learn about the world—and even more to fear. But I was taught that fear can guide us just as much as it burdens us.”
He stood gracefully, his four arms moving in a practiced, fluid motion, and gave her a reassuring look. “Goodnight, young one.”
As Kazuki left, Nova finished her meal in silence, her thoughts a swirl of emotions she couldn’t quite untangle. Exhaustion soon pulled at her, and she surrendered to it, her mind drifting into a deep, peaceful sleep—free of fear for the first time in what felt like ages.
