Page 5 of Chosen By the Dragon Alien

It was a juxtaposition that intrigued and confused her—Cyprian’s predatory elegance whispering of strength and danger while offering a gentle, charming side as he spoke to her. But it was his face that truly captivated her. His features were sculpted like the statues of the ancients, all sharp angles and delicate lines that seemed impossibly symmetrical. The striking contours of his strong jawline led to full lips, often curled into a sardonic smile that played at the edges of his mouth, hintingat amusement or mischief. His skin held a warm undertone, a deeper hue that spoke of sun-kissed days. Yet, it was his eyes—oh, those eyes—that drew her in. They glowed bright silver, like twin moons reflecting the stars.

Fivra caught herself staring at Cyprian. Just as she was about to voice a question, a low whirring interrupted her thoughts. A sleek, silver robot glided into the room. Its movements were smooth and fluid and it carried a tray adorned with an array of colorful dishes that emitted enticing aromas. Draped over one metal arm was a soft-looking, luxurious robe that shimmered under the ambient lights.

“Ah, here we are,” Cyprian’s voice held a hint of satisfaction. “Ria, meet Fivra. She is our new charge.”

The robot turned its optical sensors toward Fivra. The warm glow of its lights pulsated gently. “Greetings, Fivra. I am Ria, your personal maid,” said the machine in a feminine voice. “I will attend to your needs and ensure your comfort.”

Fivra blinked at the robot, feeling a mixture of confusion and intrigue. “My needs?”

“Everything a female in Erovik requires,” Cyprian explained, his gaze softening as he met her eyes. “Ria will help you navigate your quarters, assist you with using the replicators, and provide anything you need for your comfort. She’ll serve you meals, take care of your garments, and ensure you feel at ease here. Ria is quite efficient.”

Ria’s mechanical voice hummed with a touch of warmth. “I am here to serve you, Fivra. Please do not hesitate to request anything you desire.”

Cyprian stepped back slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I must attend to some matters, but I will return soon. I wish to know more about the overseer and the settlement you came from. There is much we need to discuss.”

His intense gaze enveloped her once more, and Fivra felt a strange comfort in his presence, despite the circumstances that had brought her to his door. “Youaresafe here, Fivra. I protect all the females who live and work at Erovik from harm, and that includes you.” His silver eyes shimmered with sincerity, sparking a flicker of hope within her.

“Okay,” she whispered, finding her voice with difficulty as Ria subtly proffered the robe, holding it for Fivra to take.

With a final nod, Cyprian turned and left. The door slid closed behind him. Pushed into the silence that remained, Fivra found herself alone with Ria. Soft scents of the food wafted towards her, tantalizing her senses and stirring her stomach, which had been empty longer than she wanted to think about.

“Please, Fivra. Take a moment to eat,” Ria encouraged, shifting the tray closer to her. “You’re clearly undernourished.”

Hesitantly, Fivra took a step forward. Her bare feet pressed into the plush carpet as she peered down at the dishes. Fruits burst with color, none of which she recognized. An array of fragrant spices filled the air, making her stomach twitch. Each piece glinted invitingly as if calling out to her from this strange new life. “My diet at the settlement I came from was very bland and plain. I’m afraid I won’t be able to tolerate these foods.”

“The green fruit is low in sugar content. The triangle-shaped wraps consist of simple starches and carbohydrates that should agree with your digestive system,” Ria said, tilting her head slightly. “I will be sure to modify your diet to slowly add new flavors and proteins.”

Fivra tentatively reached for a piece of the green fruit. Her fingers trembled slightly. “Thank you, Ria,” she murmured, attempting a brave front despite the weight of uncertainty. “I appreciate that.” Bringing it to her mouth, she bit into it cautiously. Juice exploded on her tongue, sending waves offlavor that pushed the memory of her dry meals to the recesses of her mind.

“This is delicious,” she breathed. The taste ignited a spark of warmth deep inside her. She found herself savoring each morsel and moving to the triangle pastries, as Ria suggested. Each bite was a reminder of everything lost, and yet, it carried the possibility of something new.

“Would you like more?” Ria inquired, her tone gentle. “This must seem very new and strange to you.”

“Yes, please,” Fivra replied, her voice steadier now, emboldened by the taste of hope. She hesitated, curiously glancing at the assortment of dishes. “It is. Very strange, that is.”

Ria responded by taking away the tray and replicating another serving of the green fruit, along with the triangle wraps, which Fivra devoured quickly.

“Would you like to explore the replicator yourself?” Ria asked. “It can create meals from a database of recipes.”

Fivra felt a flutter of excitement. “Can I?” It felt like a luxury unlike anything she had experienced before. Her hands shook again, but not with fear—rather, anticipation. “How does it work?”

“Simply state your request, and I can assist, or you may speak with the replicator directly. Would you like to try?”

Fivra nodded, her heart racing as she approached the device against the wall. “Um, can you suggest something?”

“Considering your limited diet, how about some freshburtokbread, simple with a crunchy crust and fermented cheese?”

Fivra’s mouth watered. “Yes, please.”

Ria showed her how to choose the selection and a golden loaf appeared, steaming slightly as it landed upon a soft, woven plate. Fivra’s mouth watered. “That looks…” She closed her eyes at the warmth drifting through the air. “It looks too good to eat.”

Ria’s sensors pulsed light cheerfully. “Erovik prides itself on providing only the finest,” Ria answered, seeming pleased by her reaction. “And I assure you, everything you’re offered to ingest is perfectly edible. You will have access to a wide variety of culinary delights prepared for you based on your preferences.”

Fivra paused. Her heart raced at the thought. Everything was, at once, wonderful and terrifying. The freedom of choice was empowering yet new, exhilarating yet laden with possibilities she had no experience navigating. She’dneverhad such luxuries, but she also could not shake the feeling of remaining a captive—the true depths of her new reality still out of reach. And underneath it all lay the fear that her friends—all of whom had been separated and taken to auction—hadnotended up in a place where they were safe. Not that Fivra was. Cyprian’s goodwill wouldn’t remain intact forever, especially when she refused to take males to her bed. But fornow, she was safe.

“What happens next?” she asked around a mouthful of bread. She glanced at Ria, whose round, metal form hovered quietly beside her. “Do I…” More words caught in her throat as she hesitated. “Do I really have to…work?”

Ria’s sensors blinked softly. “That decision is not for me to make. Your comfort and well-being are my only priority. However, I can assure you that for the duration of their contract, none of the females here suffer or endure fornication with males they detest.”

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