was the first to spot the approaching Swarm. I immediately ordered the students into a nearby cave for shelter. Then I summoned my mech and raised my voice. “All royal guard units, with me! We will hold back the Swarm and protect the students!”
“Yes, ma’am!” came the unified cry.
I turned to the students in the cave. “Contact the academy immediately! Have them report the situation to the royal palace and activate the satell-
ite surveillance network to find Prince Julian and Seraphina!”
Kira stepped forward. “I’ll handle it. You be careful.”
Interstellar law dictated that the satellite network could only be activated for major incidents, and the footage had to be broadcast live across the entire planet. I didn’t care if Julian lived or died. I wanted the satellite active so everyone could see exactly what he was doing while I was leading the guard into a battle for our lives.
And so, that day, the entire planet watched three very different scenes unfold.
The first was of me and the royal guard in a desperate, bloody battle against the Swarm, forming a living wall in front of the cave, refusing to let a
single creature get past us.
The second was of the terrified students, huddled together inside the cave, watching the battle rage outside, their low prayers a constant murmur.
And the third, taking place in a different, cozier–looking cave, had a completely different atmosphere.
Julian had found Seraphina. He was crushing her, completely unharmed, in his arms, his voice thick with fear. “Why did you run off like that? What
if something had happened to you?”
Seraphina snuggled against his chest. “I’m fine. I just saw some Golden–Vein Bloodvine over here and wanted to gather some. It can increase a
mech’s defense. With this, I’m sure to get first place in the trial.”
Julian hugged her tighter. “I’ve told you, I don’t care if you’re first or last. I only want you. Don’t ever do something like this again, do you hear me?”
“I can’t promise that, Julian,” she said. “I have to get first place to be able to stand by your side without shame. For you, I have to beat Luna in this
trial. I have to prove that I’m a better match for you than she is.”
Julian looked at her, his face a mask of pure adoration. “Even if you did nothing but wash my clothes for the rest of your life, you would still be the
only one for me. But I won’t stop you. Just… when you take risks, think of me. What would I do without you? At least let me come with you next
time, okay?”
Seraphina nodded vigorously. “Okay.”
They kissed, a long, passionate embrace. Their clothes started to come off. Just as things were about to become R–rated, Seraphina shyly pushed
against his chest. “Shouldn’t we go back? This place is so dangerous. What if something happens?”
Julian waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t think about irrelevant people right now. You should be thinking about me…”
While they were lost in their passion, we were lost in a battle for survival. Two worlds, one heaven, one hell.
