Between Two Worlds

Altair approaches with a graceful stride, extending his hand in greeting. "Might I ask your name?" he asks with a gentle tilt of his head.

"Rayanna," I respond, offering my hand in return.

"A name as lovely as the bearer," he remarks, lifting my hand to his lips for a soft kiss. His gaze ensnares me, piercing and perceptive, as if peering into the very essence of my being. I withstand his scrutiny only for a moment before averting my eyes to the translucent ground beneath us. His stare lingers, potent and probing, even as he turns his attention to Carina. "And what might your name be?" he inquires.

"Carina," she replies.

Stealing a glance his way, I observe the repetition of his earlier gesture, his lips meeting her hand in an identical display of courtesy. My gaze inadvertently drifts over him; his allure is undeniable. As he reaches for Carina's hand, the fabric of his sleeve retreats, revealing the sculpted contours of his arm—a testament to his strength. Curiosity piques within me about the nature of his endeavors that sculpt such a physique. My eyes ascend to meet his face once more, only to catch the sharp edge of his jawline before realizing that his attention has shifted back to me. Embarrassment floods me as I'm caught in my silent appraisal, and I quickly look away.

"Let us proceed, ladies; our agenda is full. Upon boarding our vessel, Kyra will assist you in preparing for Rojus and the forthcoming festivities," Altair announces before departing.

The group trails behind him, save for one elder woman whose silver locks and striking blue eyes set her apart. I cast a lingering glance over the Ghemin—those who tore me from all that was familiar—and then at Altair's group, the architects of my uncertain destiny. I stand motionless, ensnared by indecision. Is there no say in what happens to me? No choice in my path?

Echoing my silent deliberations, Carina's voice cuts through the air. "Do we have a choice in where we go?" she demands, giving voice to the unspoken turmoil within me.

Altair stops and turns around. He stares at me and then at Carina, noticing that neither of us has moved. “Of course, you do. You can either go back to the Ghemin and subject yourself to a life of medical experiments. Or, you can go with us and have the freedom to roam the beautiful city of Paridon. Maybe even have the chance at marriage and children. The future with us is open and bright, with the Ghemin it is dark and dim. But no one will force you, either way.”

I glance between Carina, the Ghemin, and Altair, feeling the weight of the decision. The past few days as a lab subject haunt me, and I refuse to be reduced to that again. "I choose you," I declare, stepping towards Altair with resolve.

"Wise decision," Altair responds, a welcoming grin revealing his impeccable teeth as he gestures for me to join him. Turning to Carina, he inquires, "And what about you?"

Carina's uncertainty is palpable. "Can't I return to my life? I have a family, happiness. Why must I abandon that?"

Altair's tone hardens. "That's not an option. Your world is perishing, and the Dini's offer is your salvation. Decide now; my patience wears thin."

Facing Carina, I plea with her. "Please, Carina. The Ghemin are not your path. Forget the life you can't get back and embrace this new adventure with me. Who knows, it might be fun."

It might be fun. What about your brother?" she inquires. "Don't you wish to return and rescue him? Didn't you mention he's the only family of yours that remains? The sole person who cares and looks after you?"

A sharp pain clenches my chest at Wolfe's name. "Well, yes, he is, but..." My thoughts drift to my brother and his sacrifices for me. How he forfeited any prospects of marriage and children on my behalf. The numerous occasions he shielded me from the wild beasts that prowl our town stir within me. Indecision begins to cloud my judgment. I find myself stepping back towards Carina.

Altair moves towards me, extends his hand, cradles my chin, and lifts my face to meet his gaze. "If you accompany me, I pledge to care for you, to cherish you, and to become your family."

Gazing into his eyes, that familiar flutter stirs within me once more. Clarity washes over my mind, and memories of Wolfe flood back. He stood there, head bowed, dismissing my desperate pleas for aid. It seems he's severed our ties; thus, I shall do the same. "I will accompany you," I declare. A smile graces Altair's lips as he releases my chin. Turning to Carina, I speak, "Regrettably, Carina, Wolfe no longer desires my presence, nor does he need it. Likely, your family is doing well in your absence too. Please, don't abandon me to solitude." A hand finds mine, its grip gentle yet firm, pulling me away. It's Altair.

"Let us depart for Rojus. Everyone faces their crossroads of choice, and it appears she's chosen hers," Altair remarks.

Yielding to his guidance, I drift away from the Ghemin, from the echoes of what was, and from Carina, who had just begun to weave into the fabric of my life.

"Hold on!" Carina's voice pierces the air.

I halt, though Altair persists forward, seemingly oblivious to her plea. "I shall escort you to your quarters aboard the shuttle; therein lies a shower for you to cleanse and attire yourself in garments...," he hesitates briefly before resuming, "of a more fitting nature. Remain there until Kyra arrives to lead you through the city to the women's dormitory. On the morrow, Paridon opens its arms to you, free to explore at your whim. My deepest wish is for you to cherish it as profoundly as I."

Wait! Please! Don't leave me here! I'll go too!" Carina's voice echoes with desperation.

Glancing back, my heart skips as I notice the Ghemin's firm grip on her arms. I turn back to the only would who could save her from a terrible fate. My voice, a mere hushed tone, breaks the stillness. "Altair?"

"Yes?" His reply is swift, a gentle nudge in the quietude.

"Can Carina come with us?"

"Do you think her company will be of value?"

"Without a doubt. It will be nice to have someone from the same home world as me, when I arrive on your alien planet."

"She must grasp that actions, or their absence, bear consequences. That indecision echoes as loudly as resolve. That to not choose is still a choice. Do you understand this?"

His words puzzle me, yet I nod in agreement. "Yes, sir, I understand."

"Then leave behind the formalities; I am but Altair."

"Understood. So, may she accompany us? She promises to be more decisive from here on out."

His stare, intense and probing, lingers before he addresses another. "She shall join us."

As I look back, the Ghemin release her, and she rushes to our side.

*******************************

I board the small shuttle destined for our new home world, Rojus, and am escorted to my quarters. Opting to use the shower in my room, as suggested by Altair, I find it to be an extraordinary experience. Although showers were commonplace back home, the sheer delight of bathing after two or three unwashed days is unparalleled. It's akin to the joy of unwrapping presents on your birthday. Also, the fact that the water from the shower comes down from the ceiling like a warm gentle rain, and you have one happy girl.

During the shower, I examine my body closely, attempting to discern any changes the Ghemin may have done to me. I discover a lengthy incision, roughly the width of two fingers, at the bottom of my abdomen, along with several smaller lacerations, each no bigger than a fingertip, dispersed across my midsection. Memories of awakening to the sensation of being cut into flood back to me. The incisions seemed more extensive and profound at that moment. I’m uncertain about what they performed on me, but I’m hopeful there’s no lasting harm.

Exiting the shower, I reach for a nearby towel and pat myself dry. On a shelf above the toilet, I find some undergarments which I promptly out on. Surveying the bathroom, my gaze lands on a long white dress hanging from a hook on the door. After contemplating it for a moment, I decide to wear it. The abundance of white clothing and dresses puzzles me. Is there an underlying reason for this choice? It’s not that I’m opposed to them; they’re just not typically my style.

I exhale deeply. My new existence is shaping up to be quite complex. Altair is undeniably attractive and evidently holds authority here—he’s the quintessential Alpha male. His reaction to Carina’s potential rejection reveals a temperament I’d rather not provoke. It seems prudent to strive for his contentment, but figuring out how to achieve that contentment remains unclear.