Page 7 of Taken By the Storm King

Naia tilted her head politely but said nothing.

“She doesn’t understand you,” I explained. “Our languages are vastly different. I’m the only one here who knows yours, and only because I monitored your people's transmissions for months before your arrival - even then, complex nuances are easily lost.”

Lucy’s attention snapped back to me. “Why is that?”

I hesitated, my fingers following the familiar patterns adorning my forearm. “Because I never expected to need it,” I admitted. “I never thought I’d see a human up close. Much less bring one to the Storm King’s realm.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “The Storm King’s realm?”

I gestured toward the window dominating one wall. “Come. I’ll show you.”

She followed me cautiously. The window stretched from floor to ceiling, the pressure-resistant material rippling faintly with the movement of the water beyond.

Lucy gasped softly as she took in the view.

The island spread below us, illuminated by twin moons hanging low in the sky. White beaches glowed faintly, their sand reflecting the strange glowing plants that dotted the jungle just beyond. The water surrounding the island was clear and calm, its surface shimmering like liquid glass.

But not far from the shore, the calm was broken by a massive, swirling wall of clouds. The storm barrier encircled the entire island, its roiling gray depths lit by flashes of lightning that danced across its surface. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, the kind of sight that made even my people pause.

Lucy stared at the storm wall, her expression unreadable. “Why is it there?” she asked softly.

“It protects this place,” I said. “Nothing enters or leaves the island without my permission.Maintaining it requires immense energy drawn from the island's core, and even controlled openings for our own vessels carry risks.I’ve learned my lesson.”

Her fingers brushed against the window, her expression lit with awe and determination. The storm wall was magnificent, but I found myself watching her instead. The way the light caressed the strands of silver in her hair, the curve of her lips as she frowned in thought---it was a beauty I hadn’t expected, and it unsettled me.

“It’s beautiful, in a dangerous way. Like it’s alive.” She glanced at me. “It’s not, is it?”

My lips twisted. “No. But it responds to me. I control its movements.”

“I’ve rested.” Her spine straightened, her need to stay confident clear even in this unexpected situation. “It’s time for me to contact my team.”

I moved to a storage alcove in the corner and retrieved her survival gear. When I handed it to her, our fingers brushed for the briefest moment. Her skin was warm, softer than I’d expected.

Lucy pulled back quickly, busying herself with the communicator. She bit her lip as she adjusted the settings, her expression growing darker with each attempt.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I can’t reach my team.” Her voice was tight with frustration as she glanced at the storm wall. “Is the barrier blocking it?”

I shook my head. “It shouldn’t. I’ve been able to monitor your people’s transmissions for months, even through the barrier.”

She froze, then turned to me sharply. “You’ve been monitoring our communications?”

“I’ve been protecting my people,” I said evenly. “Strange beings falling from the sky? Of course I watched first.”

Her lips twitched, and a sharp laugh escaped her. “Right. That sounds about right.”

I studied her for a long moment. The storm wall rumbled faintly in the distance, a constant reminder of my duty. But something about her pulled at me, made me want to ease the tension in her shoulders.

“Shall we explore the rest of the island?” I asked, my voice quieter than usual. “When we return, I can show you how to use our technology to boost your communicator’s signal. It may help you reach your team.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion lingering, but I saw the flicker of hope beneath it. “You can do that?”

I inclined my head. “If your device is compatible, yes. Believe it or not, you’re my guest, not my prisoner. Though you’ll need proper attire first.”

I turned to Naia. “Help her prepare for a tour.”

Naia approached Lucy, reaching for the ties of her robe. Lucy flinched, stepping back immediately.

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