Page 26 of Cursed Alien

Hours passed as she immersed herself in her work. She traced circuits, cleaned connections, and did her best to decipher the Vultor writing on various components. Their language was surprisingly systematic, making it possible to guess at meanings based on context and repetition.

By midday, she’d identified the main power coupling and determined that the issue was primarily neglect rather than damage. The generators themselves appeared intact—they just needed to be reactivated and properly calibrated.

“Just need to reconnect this final circuit and…” she muttered, reaching deep into the panel.

A spark jumped between two connections, making her yelp and jerk her hand back. But before she could curse her carelessness, the panel hummed to life. Lights flickered on overhead, and a low vibration spread through the floor as dormant systems began to wake.

“Yes!” She pumped her fist triumphantly. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

She scrambled to her feet, wiping grimy hands on her coverall as she watched the control room transform. Displays illuminated, showing schematics of the keep’s various systems. The air circulation kicked in, stirring the dust that had settled over everything.

Excitement bubbled through her. With power restored, she could explore the keep’s full potential. The replicator could be next, then maybe the communications system. There might even be information stored in the computers about the Vultor, about Malrik himself.

Speaking of whom…

“Malrik?” she called out, suddenly wanting to share her success. “The power’s back on! Malrik?”

No answer came. The keep remained silent save for the gentle hum of machinery.

Her enthusiasm dimmed slightly. Where was he? Had he left the keep entirely? Was he avoiding her after what happened last night and this morning?

Telling herself she was just checking for any damage from the returning power, she wandered through the keep. As she looked into the grand hall, movement caught her eye—a shadow shifting near one of the massive windows that overlooked the mountains.

Malrik stood with his back to her, silhouetted against the afternoon light. His posture was rigid, hands clenched at his sides. Even from a distance, she could see the tension radiating from him.

She hesitated, unsure whether to approach or leave him to his thoughts. The memory of his body pressed against hers flashed unbidden through her mind, sending a fresh wave of heat through her.

“I got the power working,” she said finally, keeping her voice casual. “The replicator should be operational soon.”

He didn’t turn, didn’t acknowledge her presence. But his ears—still pointed and covered with fur—twitched slightly.

“Look, about this morning…” she began, then faltered. What could she possibly say? Sorry your bestial side finds me attractive? Thanks for not eating me?

“I’m not afraid of you,” she said instead, surprising herself with the truth of it. “I should be, probably. But I’m not.”

His shoulders tensed further, the muscles bunching visibly beneath his fur.

“Maybe we should talk about what’s happening to you,” she continued, taking a cautious step forward. “The way your arm changed while you were sleeping. I think there might be?—”

“No.” The word came out as a growl, but it was clear enough.

“But if we could understand?—”

“Leave it.” He turned his head just enough for her to see his profile, the gleam of one yellow eye. “Dangerous.”

“For you or for me?” she asked softly.

He didn’t answer, just turned back to the window.

She sighed. She’d never been good at emotional conversations—machines were so much more straightforward. But something told her that whatever was happening with Malrik was the key to everything else in this strange situation.

“I’ll be in the kitchen if you change your mind,” she said finally. “About talking. Or food. Or anything.”

She turned and walked away, feeling his gaze follow her but refusing to look back. Whatever was happening between them—whatever he’d meant by calling her “mate”—would have to wait. For now, she had a replicator to fix and a bargain to fulfill.

But as she made her way to the kitchen, she couldn’t help wondering if there was more to their arrangement than either of them had initially understood. The keep was coming back to life around her, systems awakening after years of dormancy.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that something similar was happening with its master.

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