{ Ace }
The second my fingers touched Mia's wrist, a jolt of energy slammed into me. It wasn't just a spark, it was a surge, wild and chaotic, like trying to hold onto a live wire with bare hands.
"Come on, cupcake," I muttered through clenched teeth. "Don't you dare give up on me."
My vision blurred at the edges as I pushed my energy toward hers, trying to steady the wild current running through her body. It felt like trying to hold back a storm with nothing but my bare will.
Cole hovered nearby, his usual sarcasm nowhere to be found. "Is it working?" he asked, voice tight.
I didn't answer. I couldn't. Every muscle in my body tensed as I felt Mia's energy pulse, sharp and untamed, threatening to break free again.
Conner growled low in my mind. "Careful, Ace. Push too hard, and you'll lose her."
Like I didn't already know that.
I swallowed the rising panic and focused harder, letting my power flow toward hers, not forcing, just… guiding. Matching her energy with my own.
A spark of gold flickered beneath her skin, followed by a pulse of purple and blue, the colors of my power. For a breathless second, our energy intertwined, perfectly balanced.
Then, everything snapped.
A blast of golden light exploded from her chest, searing through my veins. I gasped, my grip tightening as I fought to stay anchored.
And suddenly, I was there.
Not in the safehouse. Not even in my body.
I stood in a vast, golden void, the air humming with raw power. And in the middle of it all—
Mia.
She stood with her back to me, shoulders tense, head tilted slightly as though she was listening to something I couldn't hear. But what made my blood freeze was the shadow looming behind her, a figure, tall and shrouded in black mist.
It wasn't just watching her.
It was waiting.
"Mia!" My voice rang through the space, but she didn't turn. She didn't even flinch.
And the shadow took a step closer.
I didn't think, I moved. Sprinting forward, I grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward me.
Her eyes snapped open, wide, golden, and filled with confusion. "Ace?"
"Yeah, it's me. We're getting out of here," I said, my grip firm. "Whatever this place is, it's not safe."
The shadow growled, a low, rumbling sound that shook the ground beneath our feet.
Mia's face paled. "It's him... He's found me."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Whoever, or whatever, this thing was, it wasn't just some random threat. It knew her.
And I wasn't about to let it take her.
I tightened my hold on her hand, my power flaring to life. "Not today," I growled. "Hold on tight, cupcake."
And together, we ran toward the light.
Slowly I opened my eyes finding Mia breathing heavily next to me. I gently rubbed her back comforting her.
" Who was he Mia?" I asked just as her breathing started to return to normal.
" He was the man who kidnapped me and the one we fought in the forest..." She whispered her hands trembling.
" What happened? One moment you were her and the next boom! A flash of golden light you're gone!" Cole exclaimed checking Mia and I for any injuries.
" We're fine Cole!" Mia rasped.
I swiftly turned to Natalie. " Is she fine now?"
But before she could answer Conner growled in my head. " You already know that, don't you? You know that your cupcake would never truly be fine unless you help her like how I helped you..."
I broke into a cold sweat and my knees buckled.
" Ace are you alright?" Mia rushed towards me almost tripped because of her weak body.
" I-I-I'm fine Mia." I sighed.
" You sure?"
I nodded, although deep down I knew, that soon I needed to tell her, to tell her that—
Mia abruptly stood up. " Lemme get you some water." She rushed out stumbling along the way.
Glaring at Cole I ordered. " Help her!!"
Mia's legs wobbled, but the glare she shot me said "don't baby me." Even half-dead, she still had fight. It would be easier if she didn't, then maybe I wouldn't be so scared to lose her.
" So much for the title of 'best friend' " He muttered some curses under his breath before rushing to help Mia.
" She needs to know..." Conner purred in my head.
" Not now..." I struggled.
"Would you rather she hear it from you… or from him?" My teeth clenched, I knew he was right.
" Fine! But we have to wait..'
" You need to, soon..." He muttered and then, just like that, his voice was gone.
A sharp clang snapped me from my thoughts. I turned just in time to see Cole catch Mia by the elbow as she wobbled against a metal crate.
"Easy, Mia," he muttered, helping her steady herself. "You're not exactly in marathon shape right now."
Mia let out a shaky breath. "I'm fine. Just… dizzy."
I knew better. She wasn't fine, not even close. Whatever that shadow was, it wasn't done with her.
And I wasn't about to sit back and wait for it to strike again.
Natalie's mechanical voice hummed to life behind me. "Energy levels stabilized. However, residual interference remains. Continued surges are likely."
Great. As if things weren't already complicated.
Before I could say more, Natalie stepped forward, her metallic frame whirring softly. "I suggest immediate rest for both subjects. Extended exposure to the energy link may result in permanent destabilization."
"She's right," I said, even though my nerves were still buzzing. "You need rest, Mia."
She rolled her eyes but didn't argue, which told me just how exhausted she really was.
Cole helped her toward the small cot tucked in the corner of the warehouse, his usual cockiness replaced by a rare glimpse of concern. "You better not blow up again in your sleep," he grumbled. "I'm too pretty to die."
Mia chuckled weakly. "No promises."
I exhaled, dragging a hand through my hair again as they settled. My body still ached from the energy backlash, but my mind was spinning too fast to care.
As Mia tucked herself in bed. I turned to her my eyes softening just a bit before, " Mia?" I whispered.
" Hm?" She bummed sleeply.
" I need to tell you something..."
She cocked her head to the side smirking. " Is it that you're scared? Don't worry, I'll protect you..." She yawned.
I chuckled. " That's not it cupcake... It's that—"
Before I could continue I heard soft snores coming from her side.
Chuckling I shook my head then whispered. " I'll tell her tomorrow."
" Tomorrow, no later!!" Conner growled, and I nodded drifting to sleep.