Ava's POV The next morning, I stood before Mistress Elara, surrounded by the entertainers and servants, my heart racing with anxiety. I knew I was in trouble, and I had a feeling that Mistress Elara was behind the summons."Ava, we've heard rumors about you and the General," Mistress Elara said, her voice dripping with malice. "Care to explain what's going on between you two?"I tried to feign ignorance, but I knew it was futile. The entertainers present had witnessed the General's interactions with me, and they would likely testify against me."I don't know what you're talking about, Mistress," I said, trying to sound calm.Mistress Elara raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb, Ava. We all know what's going on. And as your superior, I have the right to know if you're engaging in any behavior that's unbecoming of a servant."I remained silent, knowing that anything I said would only incriminate me further. Mistress Elara's eyes narrowed, and she continued to berate me."Well, I take you
Ava's POV “No,” she murmured. “I’m just someone who learned the hard way that silence is dangerous. And kindness, even small, matters more than we think.”Her words settled deep in my chest like seeds planting roots. I had never known such quiet strength before.“You’re not alone anymore, Ava,” Sora said, her voice warm. “No matter what others say. This tent is your home too, for as long as you need it.”I leaned back against the pillow she offered, wiping away a tear. Her tent smelled of dried herbs and old fabrics, but it was warm and safe. Safer than any place I’d known in days.As she continued speaking, her voice soft and soothing, I imagined Lianne—young, innocent, hopeful. I promised myself that I’d honor her memory by holding on to my own strength, just like Sora did.And for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would start to look up for me.As the night wore on, Sora's stories transported me to a different world, one where the str
The Law of the Panja :The night sky stretched endlessly over the barren land, a sea stars spread around Under it, the Panja war camp stood as a proof to survival, a sprawl of towering metal structures and makeshift tents that housed the fiercest warriors in the known galaxy. Fires burned low in their pits, their embers casting a ghostly glow over the hard-packed ground. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and something far more primal—the lingering traces of desire and power that pulsed through the camp like a living force.Here, amidst the war-hardened soldiers and their brutal traditions, an unspoken law governed all things.The Law of Strength. The Law of Survival. The Law of the Panja:For centuries, the Panja warriors had reigned supreme in battle. Their prowess was unparalleled, their combat skills honed to perfection. But their dominance was not solely the result of rigorous training or sheer force—it was something far more primal. Something written into the very
Ava POV “Ava! Get over here!”The sound of my name being called makes my stomach tighten with fear. My grip on the mop stiffens, causing the bucket beside me to wobble.I don’t get noticed much in this place, and when I do, it’s rarely a good thing. Did I already make a mistake?Quickly, I put down my cleaning supplies and rush toward the Mistress Elara. The camp is alive with movement today. Women hurry back and forth, carefully applying makeup and styling their hair in elaborate ways. They decorate their bodies with golden patterns, weave beads and flowers into their locks, and spritz themselves with the richest, most fragrant oils.I navigate through their towering, shimmering figures, trying not to draw attention to myself. But some still glare at me as I pass. I recognize the way their lips twist and their eyes squint in disapproval. I used to cry over their rejection, but now, I pretend not to care.“Yes, Mistress Elara?” I speak softly, keeping my gaze directed at the ground.
Ava POV No touching. No eye contact.The camp's rules replay over and over in my mind, but the problem is—I never got the full list. The Mistress Elara dismissed me before I could finish my "How to Stay Alive Around a Master" lesson.I really hope I have my mop nearby because I feel like I might pee myself from fear.My gaze breaks away from his piercing blue eyes, but my entire body remains frozen. My mouth moves before I can think."I'm so sorry. I didn’t expect you," I blurt, my voice thick with nervousness, making my already heavy accent worse."Stand," he orders. His voice is deep, gravelly—like it’s made of pure fire and stone, shaking my chest with every syllable.I scramble to my feet so fast that if he told me to launch myself back to Earth, I might actually try. My eyes stay locked on his pants—rugged, caked in mud, made from the hide of some beast only a warrior like him could take down. His boots look like they’ve walked across worlds, trampled over enemies, and carried h
Ava POV The first thing I see when I open my eyes is the sun—my one true companion on this strange planet. It rises faithfully each day, and I’ve lost count of how many mornings I’ve spent staring at it, wondering if Earth is somewhere beyond its reach. This sun is different from the one I knew back home; it blazes fiercely but carries a quiet warmth that seeps into my skin. It listens as I whisper my longing, as I shed silent tears, asking the same question over and over. Will I ever return home?I push away my thoughts and slip into a loose, oversized dress. It once had an elastic waistband, but time has stretched it beyond repair. The fabric, now a patchwork of uneven stitching and faded colors, hangs shapelessly over me. I don’t care how it looks. It’s light and airy, perfect for the heat.Pulling my long black hair into a simple braid, I let it drape down my back. A quick glance into the water-filled basin shows me a reflection that feels foreign. Back on Earth, people said I wa
Ava POV As I glance down at our clasped hands, I notice an Entertainer nearby freezing mid-step, her eyes locked onto us. The shock on her face is unmistakable. This is bad. Any kind of attention in this place is dangerous because it spreads like wildfire. By sunset, the entire camp will be whispering about what just happened. If any of the women fancy him, they’ll see me as a threat—and that’s the last thing I need. I’ve always tried to stay in the background, keeping my head down and avoiding trouble. More rumors mean more scrutiny, and with that comes extra work, unwanted stares, and resentment. None of it serves me. The less noticeable I am, the better. The Master guides me toward an old, familiar tree—the one I always go to when I need a moment of peace. He settles onto a fallen log, but even in a seated position, his sheer size is overwhelming. "Get on with it," he orders, his voice rough. I hesitate. I need him to remove his shirt so I can reach his injury, but the wor
Ava POV I spend the entire day going through my usual chores. Cleaning the kitchen is always a nightmare because the cooks are constantly experimenting with food. This time, even the walls are splattered with sticky batter. My stomach growls loudly as I wipe up the mess with my rag and wring it out into a bucket. I’m starving, but I can't eat until the work is done. The Mistress Elara calls it “motivation.” Sometimes, when I get fed up with the rules, I sneak a bite when no one’s looking. So far, I haven’t been caught, but I dread the day I get found out. When it happens, the Mistress Elara will make me sing like a bird. I sneak a drink of water to calm my growling stomach, imagining the dreadful day when I’m finally caught. The cool water feels so good going down my throat that I close my eyes and sigh with relief. "Ava!" I jump and almost choke on the water. Of course, this happens right now, when I’m feeling bold. Of course, I get caught eating when I least expect it
Ava's POV “No,” she murmured. “I’m just someone who learned the hard way that silence is dangerous. And kindness, even small, matters more than we think.”Her words settled deep in my chest like seeds planting roots. I had never known such quiet strength before.“You’re not alone anymore, Ava,” Sora said, her voice warm. “No matter what others say. This tent is your home too, for as long as you need it.”I leaned back against the pillow she offered, wiping away a tear. Her tent smelled of dried herbs and old fabrics, but it was warm and safe. Safer than any place I’d known in days.As she continued speaking, her voice soft and soothing, I imagined Lianne—young, innocent, hopeful. I promised myself that I’d honor her memory by holding on to my own strength, just like Sora did.And for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would start to look up for me.As the night wore on, Sora's stories transported me to a different world, one where the str
Ava's POV The next morning, I stood before Mistress Elara, surrounded by the entertainers and servants, my heart racing with anxiety. I knew I was in trouble, and I had a feeling that Mistress Elara was behind the summons."Ava, we've heard rumors about you and the General," Mistress Elara said, her voice dripping with malice. "Care to explain what's going on between you two?"I tried to feign ignorance, but I knew it was futile. The entertainers present had witnessed the General's interactions with me, and they would likely testify against me."I don't know what you're talking about, Mistress," I said, trying to sound calm.Mistress Elara raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb, Ava. We all know what's going on. And as your superior, I have the right to know if you're engaging in any behavior that's unbecoming of a servant."I remained silent, knowing that anything I said would only incriminate me further. Mistress Elara's eyes narrowed, and she continued to berate me."Well, I take you
Ava's POVI went about my duties, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of General Kaelen. I couldn't help but wonder what was happening to me, why I was feeling this way about him. I had never felt this way about anyone before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. As I worked, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The General's warning to be careful still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by it. Just as I was starting to get lost in my thoughts, I heard a knock on my tent. I turned to see Zylan standing there, a serious look on his face."Master, I didn't know you're here," I said, surprised. "How long have you been standing there?" "Not long," Zylan replied, his voice tight. "But I don't have time to explain." "Is something wrong?" I asked, setting down the cloth I had been folding. "I only came to deliver this note to you from the General," Zylan said, glancing over his shoulder as if to make sure no one had followed him.My h
Her fingers trembled as she picked it up and read the hurried words. She closed her eyes, clutching the paper to her chest. She didn't understand everything, but she knew one thing for certain: she had to be ready."Be careful," she whispered to herself, running her fingers over the shaky handwriting. "The rumors are spreading, and I fear for what's coming next..." Her voice was barely a breath in the stillness of the room.She turned, pressing her back against the door. "What are you trying to tell me, General?" she murmured, her mind racing with worry.There was a quiet knock again, softer this time. Ava stiffened. "Who's there?" she called cautiously."It's me," whispered Zylan from the other side. "I can't stay long. Just... trust the note."She opened the door a crack. "Zylan, wait! Please, tell me more. What's happening?"Zylan shook his head urgently. "I can't. Not now. Just... keep your head down. And trust him."Before she could ask another question, he was gone, swallowed up
The General nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that he had to be careful, that one misstep could mean disaster. But he also knew that he couldn't back down. He had to fight for his leadership, for Ava's safety, and for the future of the tribe.“No mistakes,” he muttered under his breath, tightening his fists by his sides. “Not this time.”Now he knew Ava was his mate, and even though he hadn't told her, he was determined to protect her.He made his way to Ava's quarters, his heart pounding with anticipation. Every step felt heavier than the last. His mind screamed at him to move faster, but his instincts told him to be cautious. He knew that he had to warn her, to tell her to be careful. But as he approached her door, he hesitated.“What if someone sees me?” he whispered to himself, his eyes darting around the darkened hallway. The night was silent, but he could feel the eyes of the warriors lurking somewhere in the shadows.“One wrong move... and they'll question eve
"You should," Kaelen said without hesitation. "Hold me accountable. Hold every man and woman accountable, as I have always done."Rylan smirked again but said nothing more, sensing that he had pushed enough for tonight.Still, Kaelen could see it in his eyes—the battle was far from over. Rylan would not let this matter die so easily.As the murmurs settled and the men began shifting uneasily, preparing to leave, Kaelen stayed rooted in place, watching, calculating.He knew this was only the beginning.The warriors gave him stiff nods of respect before dispersing, but there was a distance now, a fracture he could feel.As the meeting adjourned, the General knew that he had a long road ahead of him. He had to navigate the treacherous waters of the warriors' suspicions, to find a way to restore their faith in him. And he knew that he couldn't do it alone. He needed Ava's help, and he needed to find a way to protect her from the rumors that threatened to destroy them both.The General's e
The firelight flickered against his face, casting long shadows that made him look even more formidable."Then why not put the rumors to rest?" someone challenged. "One clear denial, and this ends here."The General stared him down, his silence speaking volumes."I see," Rylan murmured from the side, loud enough for all to hear. "You would rather let your silence confirm our fears."A few men nodded, their expressions grim."If you can't be honest with your own warriors," another added, "how can we trust your leadership?""I have led you through countless battles," Kaelen said, his voice hard. "I have bled for you. Bled with you. If that is not enough to earn your trust, then perhaps you are not the men I thought you were."For a moment, there was silence. Heavy, suffocating silence."But you’re changing," someone muttered from the back. "You were never... distracted before. You were always about duty first. Now it feels like... you’re torn."Kaelen’s lips pressed into a tight line."I
Rylan's eyes gleamed with malice as he began to spread the rumors amongst the warriors. He whispered in hushed tones, his words dripping with venom, as he insinuated that General Kaelen was no longer fit to lead."Have you noticed how distant the General has been lately?" he would say, leaning in close, his voice low and conspiratorial. "It's as if his physical strength has failed him, and he's become weak."The warriors would nod, their faces grave with concern, as Rylan continued to fuel the fire."I've seen it myself," another murmured. "He doesn't patrol the borders as often. He keeps to himself. It's... unsettling."Rylan smirked, seizing the moment. "It's all because of Ava, the servant. It's almost as if he's under some sort of spell," he whispered, shaking his head in mock sorrow. "The General's abstinence from the pleasures of the flesh in a bid to please Ava is a sign of his weakness, and it's compromising his ability to lead us.""You think he's lost his edge?" a younger wa
Ava's POV The wind shifted through the trees, stirring the leaves above us, carrying away the pieces of our conversation that we dared not say aloud. But the silence that followed wasn’t empty—it was full of everything we both felt but couldn’t afford to show.And yet, a part of me wished he would reach out. Say something reckless. Choose me over everything else, just once.But he didn’t.I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, I didn't know what to think. I was still trying to process the events of the previous day, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that General Kaelen had shown up at my tent and…---And what? And shown interest in me?The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't know what to make of it, didn't know how to feel. All I knew was that I was drawn to him, despite the danger that seemed to lurk beneath his surface."I don't know what to think," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.General Kaelen's expression softened slightly, and h