It was an undeniable testament to the growing resistance Earth’s inhabitants showed toward IPA citizens.
A moss ramp came into view, shimmering with a soft luminescence. Onlookers, both IPA citizens and visiting humans, paused to watch our arrival. Their faces were painted with mixed emotions—some with genuine concern, others with curiosity.
As we approached, the head medic briefed me. “Commander, the emergency crew will meet us at the moss ramp. They’re prepared to take her.”
I nodded, gratitude evident in my voice. “Thank you.”
Two Krukken medics approached us as soon as the vessel’s ramp lowered, their tentacles gracefully managing an array of advanced medical equipment. Their eyes, large and expressive, flicked between my scouts and me.
“What happened?” one of them inquired, his gaze sharp and assessing.
“She was in a boating accident,” I responded tersely, watching as the vessel’s medic team handed Isla’s fragile form to them. “She needs urgent care.”
The base lead medic let his eyes linger on the mark on Isla’s neck. “You’ve marked her,” he noted, more of a statement than a question.
I nodded. “Yes, but our bond isn’t sealed. I intend to complete it once she’s recovered.”
His assistant, a younger Krukken with a more vibrant hue to his skin, spoke up. “We were informed of your arrival by Prince Rivu. She has clearance to be here.”
I leaned in. “Then see to it that she’s treated immediately,” I urged. “And ensure she’s provided with AAC. She’ll need it to communicate here.”
Both medics nodded, understanding the urgency. “We’ll do our best, Commander,” the lead medic assured me. “You’ll be informed the moment she wakes.”
With that, they swiftly moved away, taking Isla to the medical wing’s elevator and leaving me with two heavy hearts, willing her to recover.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
ISLA
I blinked, disoriented for a moment as I tried to process my surroundings. The panoramic view before me was like something out of a dream. I was encased in a clear dome, with a breathtaking view of an underwater city spread out before me. Domes of various sizes and shapes shimmered in the dim light, casting an ethereal glow all around. The brilliant blue and green hues of the water played tricks on my eyes, making me feel as if I'd been transported into some kind of utopian city from the future, only submerged deep beneath the ocean's surface.
The material I lay on was unlike anything I'd ever felt. It was moss-like, moist and cool, spreading over the whole floor—reminiscent of the touch of morning dew. It wasn't unpleasant, just…different, almost as if it were alive.
As my senses fully awakened, I became aware of Ky'rn's presence. He was beside me, his broad, powerful form stretched out in repose. Even in sleep, he looked every bit the fierce warrior, yet there was a softness—a vulnerability in the way his hand splayed out near mine, fingers twitching as though he was reaching for me in his dreams.
How was he even here, out of the water?
As I took in the room, the misty moss beneath us gave me a hint. The environment seemed crafted to cater to both aquatic and land-based species.
Mild discomfort nudged at me. I reached behind my ear, encountering a foreign object. It was metallic and cool, curving smoothly against my skin. Confused, I glanced over at Ky'rn, noticing a similar device behind his ear.
What was it? An implant? A communication device?
Looking down, I received another shock. I was enveloped in a sleek, black material, which clung to every contour of my body. It felt protective, almost like a second skin, leaving only my face and hands exposed. The realization that someone had changed me in my sleep made my breath catch, anxiety threatening to bubble up.
Ky'rn stirred, his eyes snapping open. Those glowing amber orbs searched mine, full of concern. "Isla," he rasped, reaching up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing my cheekbone. "Are you alright?"
I gulped, trying to process everything. "Where are we? What happened? And what's this?" I whispered, my voice shaky, pointing to the device behind my ear.
Ky'rn sighed, looking relieved that I was awake and responsive. "You're safe. We're in Atlantis," he began, his voice steady. "After the accident, I brought you here to get medical attention. That," he gestured to the device, "is an AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication device. It will help you communicate with everyone here, including me, without needing to touch to speak to me telepathically."
I nodded slowly, still trying to absorb everything.
The situation was overwhelming, but Ky'rn's presence, his touch, grounded me. The last thing I remembered was the cold, crushing weight of the water, and now here I was, in an alien underwater city, but with him by my side.
I wrapped my fingers around his, seeking comfort. "Thank you," I whispered, "For saving me."
He gave me a soft smile, his eyes shining with emotion. "Always."
