The Orc sat casually across from us, the morning light streaming through the golden glass behind him, casting a soft glow on his brown skin. His sharp features were relaxed, his expression unreadable as he observed André and me without a hint of concern.

Ayanna had arranged this meeting, claiming it had been surprisingly easy. Now, as we faced him, I wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad sign.

I cleared my throat. "So..."

"Get on with it," he said, his deep voice carrying a lazy authority.

I bit back my irritation. "Why are we being asked to work? This isn't our responsibility. We should be focused on getting back home."

The Orc's gaze shifted to André, his expression hardening. "You think we aren't enough?"

"No, no," André quickly back tracked. "It's just—we want to get back as soon as possible."

I jumped in before things could get worse, offering a practised smile. "We need to return home. As much as we appreciate your world, it's not ours."

André nodded. "Our families are waiting for us back on Earth, your highness."

The Orc chuckled, his smile as cold as it was dismissive. "We're doing what we can, little human."

André leaned forward slightly, trying to sound diplomatic. "Couldn't we help in some way, your highness? You mentioned other species might be able to assist. Maybe we could talk to them?

The Orc's gaze snapped to André, his features hardening. "You think we're not enough?"

"No, no," André stammered, back tracking quickly. "It's just—we want to get back as soon as possible."

I stepped in before the conversation could spiral, forcing a practised smile. "We need to get back home. As much as we appreciate your world, it's not ours."

André nodded along with me. "Our families are waiting for us on Earth, your highness."

The Orc let out an exaggerated sigh, clearly bored by the conversation. "If you're going to keep whining about it, I suppose one of you could go ask the Fouhg."

"Alone?" André asked, and I could hear the unease in his voice.

"Of course not," the Orc replied, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. "We'd send someone with you. But you'd have to complete your training first."

"Training?" I raised an eyebrow. Something about this whole situation was starting to feel like a trap.

"You need to be able to fight. It could be dangerous. And," he added with a thin smile, "if it doesn't work out, we'll need to have a claim over you."

That made me pause. "A claim over us?" I repeated, not liking the sound of it one bit.

The Orc leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming. "We wouldn't want to lose you to another species... or the rebels."

"Rebels?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "Are they the ones who attacked Ayanna?"

"Yes," he said, the edge in his voice sharp now. "They're violent, power-hungry barbarians. Scum."

I exchanged a quick look with André. We didn't exactly trust the Borcans, but the rebels sounded worse. After all, they'd tried to kill Ayanna, and she'd been the only one helping us since we got here.

"Could both of us go after the training?" I asked, pushing forward before the Orc could shut us down again. "We don't really want to be separated."

For the briefest moment, something flickered in his eyes. A cold, calculating look that sent a chill through me. He was already planning something, and I had a bad feeling it wasn't in our favour.

"No," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "André may go, and you will stay."

"Why me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, though my heart was pounding now.

"You hold more value than he does," the Orc said with a sigh, as if this was all painfully obvious.

 "If something unfortunate were to happen—an accident, for example—I'd prefer not to lose you."

The disgust that rose inside me was sudden and overwhelming. I had to fight the urge to gag right there. Before I could say anything else, he waved his hand dismissively, effectively ending the conversation and sending us off to work like we'd never even been there.

                                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------- 

Unfortunately, the day did not improve, as it turned out it was Zicco's turn to give us a tour. The only upside was that I didn't have to do any more gruelling training.

He is apparently still a total dick. Not just a dick, but a total dick. And that's not just an insult; it's an important distinction. See, someone who is merely a dick is rude and unbearable but has redeemable qualities. A total dick, on the other hand, is someone unnecessarily rude to everyone, has little to no desirable characteristics, a piece of shit who never believes they are wrong, and, most importantly, thinks they are better than everyone else.

So, it's quite easy to put Zicco in the latter category, and I dare anyone to disagree with me.

Andre and I trailed behind as Zicco led us to his section. I'll admit, it was a long walk, but his constant grumbling about how "useless" we were for not having wings was unnecessary.

His behaviour was probably fed by the fact he had annoyingly handsome features. It figures - his sister Ayanna is a total stunner, so I shouldn't be surprised. But seriously, why do all the jerks have to be the attractive ones? Why can't the nice guys get the looks, too?

So far, Andre seems like the only exception. He's decent-looking, but nothing extraordinary—brown, messy hair and a normal face. Meanwhile, Zicco flaunts those soft, delicate blue locks and striking features. If their looks were switched, people would be falling over themselves for Andre.

But of course, the world would have to stop spinning for that to happen. Then again, given my current predicament, that doesn't seem quite as impossible as it once did.

We finally reached the Zyon capital and entered an orange dome, which was far more elaborate than the other sectors. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, and masterpieces of exquisite artwork hung like tapestries, draping the inside with elegance. Zicco led us through a curtain, and what I saw next made my eyes widen in awe.

Rows upon rows of fabrics of all kinds filled the room. Each sector had its own designated space, which meant five distinct areas, each limited to its own colours, although various shades seemed to be allowed. As we continued walking, the layout transitioned into apartments, with other rooms displaying different colours. It made me wonder if each colour held its own meaning.

Noticing my excitement Zicco actually smiled, 'This is where the best designers come and work.' His grin faded a tad, 'Although the other sectors never really appreciate the beauty and just want the most practical or the latest dress that conceal over 30 weapons.'

I couldn't understand how anyone could not like this and I told him such.

'I used to want to be a designer myself' I sighed sadly remembering my past and what I could have been.

'What happened?' He asked, shocking us both with his curiosity.

'Life happened.'

A moment passed before he grumbled something under his breath and ordered us back to work. Bipolar much?

I was given the task of designing a dress in Earth's style, which felt both freeing and daunting. I worked with Genima, an older norca with a gentle demeanour who eagerly listened to my stories about Earth's art. She often complained that no one here cared for beauty unless it was part of armour.

It was in one such conversation she looked at my sketches and said, "You have a gift. These designs are gorgeous."

"Thank you," I whispered, the smile on my face genuine.

She leaned in, her eyes twinkling. "When you get back to Earth, become a designer."

I hesitated. "Fashion's a huge industry back on Earth. I don't think I'd get far."

"Then stay here," she suggested warmly. "With your talent, you'd be worshipped."

I couldn't help but point out, "But you said people here don't appreciate it."

"They would if you showed them," she replied, her motherly nature evident.

Her words struck something deep within me. For so long, I'd craved that kind of appreciation. Wanting to please her, I nodded. "I'll try," I said, and for the first time in a long while, I meant it.

Author's note 

Thank you for Reading, sorry it has been a while.

Remember to vote and comment :)