As Rose emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp and her cheeks flushed from the warm shower, she caught Anik lounging in her gaming chair, spinning lazily in circles. He looked up at her, his expression shifting to a soft smile.
"Your turn," she said, tossing the towel over her shoulder and walking toward the bed.
Anik got up, grabbing the spare towel she'd left for him. "Alright, I won't take long. Try not to miss me," he joked, giving her a playful wink before stepping into the bathroom.
Rose watched the door close, her smile faltering for a moment. She lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. The events of the day swirled in her mind—the laughter, the adventures, the close moments. It was almost overwhelming. For the first time in a long while, she felt like someone truly understood her.
But tomorrow, he'd leave.
The thought hit her like a weight, and she closed her eyes, trying to push it aside. "Just enjoy tonight," she whispered to herself.
Meanwhile, Anik stood under the cool spray of the shower, letting the water wash away the fatigue of the day. His mind wasn't on the water, though—it was on Rose. Her laughter, her courage, the way she always seemed to know how to brighten his day. He felt a strange pull toward her, a connection he couldn't fully explain.
"She's something else," he murmured to himself, shaking his head with a small smile.
When Anik returned, freshened up and looking more relaxed, he found Rose sitting cross-legged on her bed, her computer open beside her. She glanced up at him, her eyes lighting up.
"Feel better?" she asked.
"Much," he replied, running a hand through his damp hair. He looked at her setup. "What are you working on?"
Rose turned the screen toward him. "Just uploading some of the pictures we took today. Look at this one—it's my favorite."
Anik leaned in, his face close to hers as he looked at the screen. The photo showed them both laughing on the rooftop earlier, the city skyline glowing behind them. His arm was slung around her shoulders, and her head was tilted back in unrestrained laughter.
"That's a good one," he admitted. "We look… happy."
Rose smiled softly, closing the laptop. "We are happy. Or at least, I am."
Anik felt his chest tighten at her words, but before he could respond, she reached into her bedside drawer and pulled out a small, delicate pendant. She held it up, the heart-shaped locket catching the light.
"What's that?" he asked.
Rose opened the locket to reveal a tiny photograph of them inside, taken during one of their earlier adventures. "I made this for you," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "I thought… you might want something to remember me by. You know, in case you forget."
Anik took the locket, his fingers brushing hers. For a moment, he couldn't speak. He stared at the photo, then at her. "Rose, I could never forget you."
Her cheeks flushed, but she quickly masked it with a playful grin. "Good. Because if you do, I'll have to come find you and remind you."
Anik chuckled, slipping the locket around his neck. He held it in his hand, feeling its weight. "I'll treasure it," he said, his tone sincere. "And I promise, Rose—I'll protect you. Always."
Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade. The only thing that mattered was this room, this moment, and the unspoken bond between them.
"Alright," Rose said, breaking the silence with a bright smile. "Let's make this night unforgettable. How about a gaming marathon?"
Anik grinned, already moving toward her computer. "You're on. But don't cry when I beat you."
Rose laughed, her earlier sadness melting away. "We'll see about that, my prince."
And so, they spent the rest of the night immersed in games, laughter, and the warmth of each other's company, making memories they'd both carry forever.
Rose stretched her arms and smiled at Anik as he closed the door behind them. "So, what do you want to do now?" she asked, tilting her head with curiosity.
Anik leaned against the door, exhaling deeply. "Honestly? I think I just want a good night's sleep. But before that, thank you, Rose… for everything today. It's been one of the most amazing days of my life."
Rose's heart fluttered at his sincerity, but she masked her emotions with a playful grin. "Oh, don't get all sentimental on me now, Prince Anik. We're not done yet."
She paused for a moment, looking at him thoughtfully. "You know, I could tell you more about my story The Great Cosmic Adventure. I've been working on so many ideas. You might even inspire a few new ones."
Anik smirked, pushing off the door and walking toward her. "Well, if I get to be the hero, then I definitely want to hear more. Let's jump in bed and talk about it."
Rose laughed, her cheeks warming at his casual phrasing, but she brushed it off. "Alright, let's get comfortable, then."
They both climbed onto the large, plush bed, sinking into the soft covers. Rose pulled a blanket over them, positioning herself on her side so she could face him. Anik mirrored her posture, resting his head on his hand, looking at her expectantly.
"So, tell me," Anik said, his voice low and relaxed. "How do I save the day in your story?"
Rose chuckled softly, her voice carrying a mix of excitement and tenderness. "Well, first of all, you're this fearless warrior who travels across galaxies, facing impossible odds. But it's not just about fighting—your strength comes from your heart, your ability to inspire others and bring hope even in the darkest times."
Anik raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Sounds like I have a lot to live up to."
Rose's expression softened, her eyes glimmering with affection. "You already do, Anik. You've shown me what it means to be brave, to care deeply, and to never give up. That's why you're the perfect hero."
Anik felt a warmth spread through him at her words, a mixture of gratitude and humility. "You make me sound like a legend," he said, his voice quiet but filled with emotion.
Rose smiled, her gaze unwavering. "Maybe you are."
They continued talking late into the night, sharing ideas, laughing at Anik's suggestions, and dreaming up wild adventures. At one point, Rose reached over to grab a small notebook from her bedside table and began jotting down notes, giggling as Anik made exaggerated gestures to demonstrate a battle scene he envisioned.
Eventually, their energy began to wane. Rose set the notebook aside, settling back into the bed. She looked at Anik, her voice soft now. "You know, this story isn't just about you. It's about us—the people we care about, the bonds we share, and the adventures we have together."
Anik nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I like that. It's not just a story—it's our legacy."
Rose's eyes grew heavy, and she let out a content sigh. "Exactly. And no matter where you go tomorrow, I'll keep writing it. You'll always be a part of it."
Anik reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And I'll always come back, Rose. I promise."
They drifted into a comfortable silence, the room filled with the steady rhythm of their breathing. Slowly, sleep claimed them both, their dreams intertwining with the grand adventures they'd imagined together.
The soft hum of the city night was broken by the distant, muffled sound of an explosion. Anik stirred awake, his heart thudding in his chest. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim glow of the bedside lamp. As he tried to sit up, he realized Rose had her hand tightly wrapped around his. Her grip, though unconscious, was firm and comforting, as though even in sleep, she didn't want to let him go.
"Rose," he whispered gently, trying not to startle her. He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disturb her peace, but the urgency in his chest wouldn't let him linger. With careful precision, he slowly pried her fingers loose. She stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent, but didn't wake.
Once free, Anik moved quickly, his bare feet padding softly on the cool floor. Just as he reached the door, it slid open automatically, revealing the dimly lit corridor. The red emergency lights cast an eerie glow, flashing rhythmically as a persistent alarm began to wail, echoing through the halls.
Adrenaline surged through him as he sprinted down the hallway toward the elevators. His mind raced with questions. What could have caused the explosion? Was it an attack? Were his family and Rose in danger?
As the elevator doors opened, he stepped inside, his reflection in the mirrored walls showing his determined expression. The descent felt agonizingly slow, the alarm's blare seeming to grow louder as he neared the lower levels.
When the doors finally slid open, Anik saw Alston standing at a console, his face illuminated by multiple holographic screens. The older man's normally calm demeanor was replaced by one of tense focus as he monitored the tower's defense system.
"Alston," Anik called, his voice sharp with urgency. "What's going on?"
Alston turned, his brow furrowed. "Anik, we've got an intruder. Someone—or something—bypassed the defense system and entered the main building. They're on the ground floor now, causing destruction. My system can't scale their power level."
Anik's stomach tightened. "How is that possible? This place is supposed to be impenetrable."
Alston shook his head, frustration evident in his movements. "I don't know. Whoever they are, they're skilled. The defense system was designed to counter almost anything. But this... this is different."
Anik clenched his fists. "Do you think it's dangerous?"
Alston hesitated before responding, his voice low and serious. "I can't say for sure. It doesn't feel catastrophic yet, but if we underestimate this intruder, it could become dangerous quickly. You should check on your mother and sister to make sure they're safe."
Anik's heart sank at the thought of his family being in harm's way. He nodded firmly. "I'll make sure they're okay. Keep monitoring the situation and call me if anything changes."
He turned and ran back toward the elevators, his mind consumed with worry. The corridors seemed longer than usual, the red lights and alarm amplifying the sense of urgency. His thoughts flickered to Rose for a moment—her peaceful face as she slept, unaware of the danger looming.
As he reached the corridor leading to his mother and sister's rooms, his breathing grew heavy, more from the weight of his emotions than the physical exertion. The possibility of losing them or seeing them hurt was unbearable.
When he finally reached their doors, he pressed the access panel, stepping into his mother's room first. The sight of Seraphina peacefully asleep brought a brief wave of relief, but he didn't linger. He moved to Rina's room next, opening the door to find his little sister curled up under her blanket, clutching her stuffed animal.
Anik exhaled shakily, his resolve strengthening. He wouldn't let anything happen to them. Not while he was there.
Standing in the doorway, he whispered, "Stay safe. I'll make sure nothing touches you."
With that, he stepped back into the corridor, determination burning in his eyes as he prepared to face whatever danger awaited in the depths of the tower.
As Anik ascended the elevator to the higher floors, his mind raced with concern for Rose. Each vibration of the tower beneath his feet only heightened his unease. "Is she safe?" he whispered to himself, gripping the elevator rail tightly. Suddenly, a deafening explosion shook the entire structure. The lights flickered, and the elevator jolted violently, forcing him to steady himself. His heart sank, dread pooling in his stomach.
On a lower floor, Seraphina woke with a start, the tremor pulling her from a restless sleep. Her instincts as both a mother and a leader immediately kicked in. Rising from her bed, she quickly assessed the situation, her sharp mind calculating possibilities. The alarms, the explosions—it all screamed of danger.
She hurried down the hallway to Rina's room, the sound of her footsteps echoing against the metallic walls. Pushing open the door, she found Rina still fast asleep, her small frame peaceful despite the chaos outside. A pang of relief washed over her, but it was fleeting.
Seraphina approached her daughter, gently shaking her shoulder. "Rina, wake up, my love," she said softly, though her voice carried an urgency that couldn't be masked.
Rina stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "What's wrong, Mom?" she murmured, her voice groggy. "I don't feel good."
Seraphina pulled her into a comforting embrace, stroking her hair. "It's alright, sweetheart. We need to go somewhere safe."
Guiding Rina out of the room, Seraphina's senses remained on high alert. The corridor felt colder, quieter—ominously so. Just as they reached the elevator, another explosion erupted, this one dangerously close. The walls shuddered, and thick smoke filled the air, making it hard to see.
Coughing, Seraphina instinctively pulled Rina behind her, shielding her. Through the swirling haze, two glowing red eyes pierced the darkness like twin embers of malice. A figure emerged, cloaked in black and emanating an aura of swirling darkness.
"Who are you?" Seraphina demanded, her voice firm despite the fear clawing at her chest.
The figure tilted its head, the iron gas mask obscuring its face. When it spoke, its voice was distorted, metallic yet disturbingly familiar. "Dear Seraphina, have you forgotten your brother?"
Seraphina's breath hitched. Her knees threatened to buckle, but she stood her ground. "Viktor?" she whispered, disbelief and dread warring within her. "How is this possible? You… you died in the war years ago."
Viktor chuckled darkly, a sound devoid of warmth. "Death is just a story, sister. I've returned, reborn with powers beyond your comprehension. And soon, this multiverse will kneel before me."
"Viktor…" Seraphina's voice cracked as she searched his eyes for a trace of the brother she once knew. "What happened to you? You've changed."
"Changed?" Viktor repeated mockingly. "No, Seraphina. I've evolved. But first, I must eliminate the forces that could oppose me. And that begins with absorbing the royal family's power."
Seraphina's heart sank. "The royal family…" Her eyes darted to Rina, then the realization struck her. "You mean Rina… and Anik?"
Viktor's laugh echoed chillingly through the corridor. "Precisely. But let's not forget your dear husband, Regulus. Oh, wait. I've already dealt with him. He's no more."
The words were like a physical blow. Seraphina staggered, clutching the wall for support as tears streamed down her face. "Regulus… no…" Her legs gave out, and she sank to the floor.
"Mom?" Rina's small voice quivered with confusion and fear. She tugged at Seraphina's arm. "What's wrong? What's happening?"
Seraphina pulled Rina close, her resolve hardening despite the grief consuming her. "Stay behind me, Rina," she whispered fiercely.
Anik came running down the corridor, his breath labored. He froze at the sight of Viktor, his glowing red eyes locking onto him. "Mom, what's going on?"
Seraphina looked at Anik, her expression a mix of love and desperation. "Anik, take Rina and run. Get as far away as you can!"
"But why, Mom? I don't understand!" Anik protested, his voice rising with panic.
"There's no time!" she shouted, her tone uncharacteristically sharp. "Go, now!"
Viktor's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Enough of this family drama," he sneered, pulling out a strange, glowing cube.
Seraphina's eyes widened in horror. "No… not the Void Cube…"
Viktor held it aloft, the dark aura around him intensifying. "Absorb," he commanded, his voice dripping with malice.
Seraphina's body was lifted into the air, her energy visibly draining as the Void Cube glowed brighter. "Anik!" she screamed, her voice filled with both pain and urgency. "Take Rina and RUN!"
Tears blurred Anik's vision as he grabbed Rina's hand and bolted down the corridor. Rina stumbled alongside him, her cries muffled by the sound of their pounding footsteps.
Anik dared a glance back and saw his mother's lifeless body crumpled to the floor. His chest felt like it was being crushed, but he forced himself to keep running, Rina's safety his only priority.
"I'm sorry, Mom," he whispered through his tears. "I'm so sorry…"
Anik sprinted down the dimly lit corridors, clutching Rina's trembling hand. His mind was in chaos. The images of his mother—lifeless, her body crumpled before him—haunted his every breath. The mysterious figure, cloaked in darkness, had taken everything from him, and now it was hunting him and his sister. The alarms blared incessantly, a harsh reminder of the peril they were in, as Anik struggled to suppress the panic surging through his chest.
Rina whimpered beside him, her small frame barely able to keep up. Tears streaked her pale face, her fear palpable. Anik fought to steady his voice as he urged her forward, his words forced through the lump in his throat.
"Rina, we're almost there. Just a little more," he said, though his own heart was racing. His palms were slick with sweat, his vision blurring from the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
When they reached the elevator, Anik slammed his fist on the control panel, frantically jabbing the button to descend to the hangar. The doors slid shut, enclosing them in a tense silence punctuated only by the distant echoes of alarms. Rina clung to him, her voice barely a whisper.
"Brother, what's happening? What happened to Mom? I'm scared."
Anik swallowed hard, his chest tightening at her words. He knelt down, forcing himself to look into her tearful eyes.
"Rina, listen to me," he said, his voice trembling. "Things... things are bad, but you have to trust me. I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. Just believe in me, okay?"
"But—"
"No buts," Anik cut her off gently. "Go into the spacecraft when we reach the hangar. I need you to stay inside and wait for me."
Rina hesitated, her small fingers tightening around his. "What about you?"
"I need to check on Rose," Anik said, averting his gaze. "I... if I don't come back, just know that I—" His voice faltered. He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. Instead, he stood abruptly, avoiding her questioning eyes as the elevator doors opened to the flickering chaos of the hangar.
The hangar was a nightmare. Lights buzzed and flickered sporadically, casting eerie shadows across the room. The metallic scent of smoke filled the air, mingling with the acrid tang of burnt circuits. Anik's breaths came in short gasps, his chest heaving as he scanned the area for a functioning spacecraft.
"There," he whispered to himself, spotting a small craft tucked in the corner. He dragged Rina toward it, his grip firm but desperate.
"Go inside," he instructed her firmly, his voice breaking under the weight of fear.
"Anik..." Rina hesitated, her voice quivering. "What if something happens to you?"
He forced a smile, though his lips trembled. "Nothing will happen. I promise. Now go."
Rina hesitated for a moment before climbing into the spacecraft, her tear-streaked face disappearing behind the door.
Anik's chest tightened as he turned back toward the elevator. His heart screamed at him to stay with her, to protect her, but his mind wouldn't rest until he knew Rose was safe.