Chapter 6

The sun was sinking, casting long, crimson shadows across the jagged alien landscape as Ares pulled Lia behind him. His hand, cool and unyielding, gripped hers tightly, refusing to let go despite her stumbling steps. The distant growls of predators were a constant reminder of the danger stalking them, growing louder with each passing second.

“I can’t keep running,” Lia gasped, her chest heaving as she tried to match his relentless pace. Sweat slicked her skin, making her hair stick to her face in damp strands. Her legs burned, every muscle screaming for relief.

“You don’t have a choice,” Ares said without looking back. His voice was clipped, focused. “If we stop, they’ll catch us.”

Her heart thundered in her ears, drowning out the distant snarls, the pounding of her feet against the cracked earth. She didn’t doubt his words, but her body was betraying her. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps, her vision blurring as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her.

“Ares,” she choked out.

He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. The sharp movement made his silver eyes flash, the fading sunlight glinting off the black alloy of his frame. His features, so perfectly symmetrical, should have been cold and unfeeling, but the concern etched across his face was unmistakably human.

“You’re struggling,” he said, his voice softening. He stepped closer, his broad shoulders and imposing height making her feel small but oddly safe.

“No kidding,” she managed, sagging forward as her hands braced against her knees.

He reached for her, his touch gentle as he cupped her face with one hand, his fingers brushing the damp hair away from her forehead. His thumb lingered against her temple, a cool contrast to the heat radiating from her skin.

“You’re overheating,” he said, his tone tinged with frustration. “You’re not built for this kind of exertion.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” she muttered, swatting his hand away even though her skin tingled where he’d touched her.

Ares straightened, his expression tightening. “We can’t stay here. They’re too close.”

“I know,” she said, pushing herself upright. Her legs wobbled, and before she could fall, Ares was there, his hands on her waist.

Her breath caught as he steadied her, pulling her against him. The coolness of his alloy frame pressed against her overheated body, and she felt the faint vibrations of his internal systems beneath her fingertips. His chest was broad and solid, and for a moment, she allowed herself to lean into him, to take comfort in the unyielding strength he offered.

“You’re stubborn,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

“Look who’s talking,” she shot back, but the words lacked their usual bite.

His lips curved into the faintest smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m carrying you again,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Before she could protest, he lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest as though she weighed nothing.

“Ares—”

“No,” he interrupted, his gaze locking onto hers. His silver eyes held a determination that sent a shiver down her spine. “You’re not slowing me down, Lia.”

Her throat tightened at the way he said her name, the way it rolled off his tongue with a quiet intensity that made her stomach flutter. She didn’t know how to respond, so she didn’t.

He adjusted his hold on her, his arms strong and steady as he began to move again, his strides long and deliberate. The wind whipped past them, carrying the faint, acrid scent of the predators trailing them.

“I don’t like this,” she muttered, though she made no effort to squirm out of his grasp.

“Noted,” he replied, his tone dry.

She glanced up at him, her hazel eyes narrowing. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

His lips twitched, the hint of a smile breaking through his otherwise stoic expression. “It’s satisfying to know I’m right,” he said.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at her lips. Despite the danger, the fear gnawing at her edges, he had a way of disarming her with his unexpected humor.

They moved in silence for a while, the sound of Ares’ footsteps steady and rhythmic. Lia’s head rested against his chest, her exhaustion pulling at her eyelids. The faint hum of his systems was almost soothing, like the purr of an engine lulling her into a fragile sense of safety.

But the peace didn’t last.

A low growl echoed through the air, closer this time. Ares’ body tensed, his pace quickening as his silver eyes scanned the horizon. The jagged rocks ahead cast long shadows, their edges sharp and foreboding.

“We’re nearly there,” he said, his voice calm but urgent.

“Nearly where?” Lia asked, her voice groggy.

“There,” he said, nodding toward a narrow crevice between two massive rock formations. The opening was barely wide enough for a human to slip through, but the predators behind them wouldn’t have the same advantage.

“Put me down,” she said, her voice firmer now.

He hesitated, his gaze flicking to hers. “Lia—”

“Put me down,” she repeated, her eyes blazing. “You need both hands free if you’re going to fight them off.”

His jaw tightened, but he nodded. Gently, he set her down, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment longer than necessary.

“Stay close to me,” he said, his voice low.

She nodded, gripping her blade tightly as they approached the crevice. The growls grew louder, closer, and Lia’s pulse quickened.

Ares positioned himself between her and the predators, his body a wall of black alloy and sharp edges. His silver eyes glinted in the dim light, and the hum of his systems grew louder, more pronounced.

“They’re coming,” he said, his voice steady.

The first creature appeared, its yellow eyes glowing with malevolent hunger. It snarled, its jagged limbs clicking as it lunged toward them.

Ares moved with inhuman speed, intercepting the creature mid-air. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, and Lia stumbled back, her heart hammering in her chest.

She watched as Ares fought, his movements precise and brutal. Every strike was calculated, every motion efficient. But he wasn’t invincible—she could see the dents in his armor, the way his right arm faltered slightly with each swing.

Another creature charged toward them, and Lia’s grip on her blade tightened. She stepped forward, her mind screaming at her to stay back, but her body refusing to listen.

“Lia!” Ares shouted, his voice sharp.

She didn’t hesitate. She lunged at the creature, her blade slicing through its side. It let out a screech, stumbling back, and Ares finished it with a swift, crushing blow.

He turned to her, his silver eyes blazing. “What are you doing?”

“Helping,” she snapped, her breath coming in short gasps.

His expression softened, but his tone remained firm. “Stay behind me,” he said.

She opened her mouth to argue, but the sight of another creature emerging from the shadows silenced her.

Ares stepped forward, his body coiled with tension as he prepared for the next attack. The creatures circled them, their growls reverberating through the air, and Lia’s heart pounded as she braced herself for the inevitable.

And then, just as the largest of the predators lunged toward them, the ground beneath their feet gave way.