Galaxy On Fire Chapter 28: 28. Trapped

Maya woke to the sound of distant footsteps echoing off cold, stone walls. Her head throbbed, and the air felt damp and suffocating. As she stirred, she realized she was lying on a hard surface, her wrists bound with alien energy bands that glowed faintly. Panic rose in her chest.

"Where am I?" she whispered, her voice trembling as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.

The room was dark except for the faint glow from her restraints. Heavy iron bars enclosed her in a cage-like structure. Beyond them, the basement stretched into the shadows, its walls lined with jagged rocks and flickering blue torches that cast eerie light.

A figure stepped into view, and Maya’s breath hitched. It was Arin.

"Good morning, little human," Arin said with a chilling smile, her voice echoing in the silence.

Maya glared at her, tugging against the restraints. "What is this, Arin? Let me out!"

Arin leaned against the bars, her smirk widening. "Why would I do that? This is for the good of the kingdom, after all. You’ve caused enough trouble."

Maya’s eyes narrowed. "This isn’t about the kingdom. This is about you and your sick obsession with Kai."

Arin’s eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it with an amused laugh. "Oh, Maya. Do you really think Kai’s love for you will last? You’re nothing but a distraction—a fragile human who doesn’t belong in our world."

Maya clenched her fists. "Kai doesn’t see me as a distraction. He loves me. That’s something you’ll never understand."

Arin’s smile faded, and she stepped closer, her tone icy. "Love doesn’t matter in the face of power, Maya. Kai has a duty to his people, and you’re standing in the way. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure he forgets you soon enough."

Maya’s heart pounded. "What are you planning, Arin?"

Arin straightened, her expression unreadable. "Oh, you’ll see. But for now, enjoy your stay. This basement has been unused for centuries—no one will hear you scream."

With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Maya alone with her fear.

\---

Maya sat in silence for what felt like hours, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan. The energy bands around her wrists prevented her from using the minimal alien strength she’d gained since her transformation.

"Kai will come for me," she whispered to herself, clinging to the hope that he would notice her absence and find her.

The sound of scurrying rats made her shudder, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had to think. There had to be a way out.

\---

Meanwhile, in the castle, Kai stormed into the council chamber, his expression dark.

"Where is Maya?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the room.

The Council members exchanged uneasy glances.

"She was with you last night, was she not?" one of them asked cautiously.

Kai’s fists clenched. "She’s missing. And I know Arin has something to do with it."

"Arin?" another Council member frowned. "Surely you don’t think—"

"I don’t think. I know," Kai snapped. "She’s been plotting against Maya from the start. If anything happens to her, the consequences will be severe."

\---

Back in the basement, Maya heard footsteps approaching. Her heart leaped with hope, but it quickly sank when she realized it wasn’t Kai. Instead, a guard entered, his face expressionless as he set down a tray of food and water outside the bars.

"Hey!" Maya called out, scrambling to her feet. "Let me out of here!"

The guard ignored her, turning to leave.

"Please!" she shouted. "You don’t have to do this. Whatever Arin told you, it’s a lie!"

The guard hesitated for a moment but then continued walking, leaving Maya feeling more helpless than ever.

\---

Hours turned into days, or at least that’s how it felt to Maya. The isolation and darkness were taking their toll, but she refused to give up. She thought of Kai, his golden eyes and the way he always promised to protect her.

"Kai," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Please find me."

\---

Kai, meanwhile, had enlisted the help of his most loyal guards to search the castle. His frustration grew with each passing hour.

"Arin," he growled under his breath. "If you’ve hurt her..."

As he searched, he remembered an old part of the castle that hadn’t been used in years—a place he and Arin had explored as children.

"The basement," he muttered.

Without hesitation, he made his way there, his heart pounding.

\---

Maya was startled awake by the sound of the basement door slamming open. Her pulse quickened as heavy footsteps echoed down the stairs.

"Kai?" she called out, her voice hoarse.

A familiar figure emerged from the shadows, and relief washed over her as she saw Kai’s determined face.

"Maya!" he said, rushing to the cage. His eyes scanned her for injuries, and his jaw tightened when he saw the bruises on her wrists.

"Kai," she sobbed. "I knew you’d come."

He reached through the bars, his hand brushing against hers. "I’m here, Maya. I’m so sorry it took me this long."

She shook her head. "It doesn’t matter. Just get me out of here."

Kai inspected the lock, his expression darkening. "Arin did this, didn’t she?"

Maya nodded. "She said... she said the Council wants me gone. That she’s doing this for the kingdom."

Kai’s golden eyes blazed with anger. "This has nothing to do with the kingdom. This is her jealousy. And she’ll pay for it."

He drew his blade, slicing through the lock with precision. The bars swung open, and he pulled Maya into his arms.

"Let’s get out of here," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

As they ascended the stairs, Maya leaned against him, her strength waning.

"Kai," she whispered, "Arin won’t stop."

He glanced down at her, his expression resolute. "Neither will I. You’re my wife, Maya. My queen. And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

But as they reached the top of the stairs, a chilling voice stopped them in their tracks.

"Going somewhere?"

Arin stood before them, flanked by guards, her smirk triumphant.

"Kai," she said, her tone mocking. "Always the hero. But this time, you’ve overstepped."

Kai stepped in front of Maya, his blade at the ready. "Stand down, Arin. This ends now."

Arin’s smile widened. "Oh, cousin. You have no idea how far I’m willing to go."

The tension crackled in the air as the confrontation began, the stakes higher than ever.