Chapter 44

'Alright, let's see what that crazy alien guy has to tell us. I hope it's not something bad, I've experienced too many bad things lately.' I muttered with a flat gaze at the flat paper.

I tore the small paper carefully, straightened the folds, and read the message written on it.

'Lana, you must get ready. The location of the Bitfrox crystal has been discovered by my team. You must be prepared in case the crystal is found and sent to Earth. You don't want to renege on our agreement, do you? Later I will ask for confirmation from you again about this but indirectly. The point is you have to be prepared from now on.'

That's the message I got from Zerg, Zerg seems to have found progress from his plan, I am now just waiting for the time until he collects my willingness to carry out the mission with him.

I stared at the words, feeling my blood seem to freeze. I read them again, trying to make sure that every word was clearly captured in my mind. The location of the Bitfrox crystal... has been discovered. And I must prepare. A sense of anxiety washed over me as I read the message once more, trying to digest its implications.

The crystal really existed, and worse, it was likely that the Zerg team would find it. Now I was caught up in a plan that might be about to begin, with me as part of it. One side of me reminded myself that this deal was my way to be free from the bonds of this place. However, on the other hand, there was a heavy feeling that I couldn't ignore. This crystal has so much power, power that can even fight Zask and his aliens. But was I really ready to harness that power?

I really hated Zask's behaviour, but then again I remembered that I had no more ability than to show my weak side like a human, if I made a wrong move Zask might find out about something I wanted to do to him. Then what happened to me next might be that I was already lifeless and banished from the base.

It means that even then I would be free from Zask's lust that torments me but I also want to live, don't I have the right to live without the restraints of others?

I felt my heart churning with uncertain feelings. One side of me desperately wanted to be free of Zask and all the entanglements that kept me here, but the other side of me was in doubt. Was I really ready to take such a big risk? What if this plan fails? What if the crystal brought uncontrollable destruction instead?

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my raging thoughts. It wasn't easy to think clearly in this situation. Fear and doubt mixed together, trapping me in a deepening dilemma. I knew I couldn't trust Zerg completely, because there was something in his gaze and the way he spoke that always made me feel wary. However, he gave me hope to get out of here, an option that I might never find if I remained at Zask's mercy.

They both had something in common, they were both like a double-edged sword that could be an advantage to me but if I acted wrongly then they would also harm me.

I folded the paper back up and hurried to find a place to hide it. I knew that there was no really safe place in this room, but I had to try. I couldn't let Zask or anyone else find this message. Anxiously, I searched the hidden corners, checking for any cracks that could possibly hide the paper. I knew that this message was the key to a bigger plan, something that could pave the way for my freedom-but also potentially bring danger.

Finally, I tucked the paper under my pillow, hoping that it would be safe enough for the time being. I sat on the edge of the bed, hugged myself, and closed my eyes. Anxiety slowly crept through my body, making me feel trapped in uncertainty.

"Why does this all feel so hard?" I murmured softly, my voice almost a whisper.

I knew that this path I had chosen was not an easy one. There were too many risks, too many dangers. And the more I thought about all this, the more I felt a deep sense of unease. There was a part of me that wasn't ready to betray Zask-I don't know why, even though I knew that he was someone I couldn't completely give my trust to, that feeling remained. Maybe I've spent too much time here, maybe I've been lulled too often by his attentions, even though I know they're all just pretence.

I let out a long breath, trying to drive away all the doubts that were plaguing my mind. I knew that I had to make a decision, and that this decision was probably the only chance to gain my freedom. But was I really ready to face the consequences?

I hugged my knees, letting myself drown in anxiety and doubt. There were no definitive answers here, only uncertainty and fear that continued to haunt me. I looked down, feeling a deepening sense of anxiety gripping my heart. Can I trust Zerg? Was I really ready to take this step?

While I was still lost in thought, the sound of approaching footsteps suddenly disturbed me. My heart beat faster as I raised my head, and my gaze was immediately drawn to the door of the room. In the doorway, Zask stood, looking at me with an expression I couldn't quite place.

Anxiety instantly welled up in my chest. Did he see me hide the message? Had he realised something? I tried to calm myself, but my body felt stiff. Zask walked over, his gaze sharp and filled with something I couldn't understand.

I tried to hide the fear behind my face, but as he got closer, it became harder and harder to hide. Without saying anything, Zask raised his hand, making me instantly freeze in place. Did he know? Was he going to question me about the Zerg or the message?

I closed my eyes, holding my breath as Zask's hand moved closer and closer. However, when I opened my eyes, I saw that he was just stroking my hair gently, his gaze softening slightly.