CHAPTER 11 SHADOWS IN THE CELL, LIGHTS ON THE HORIZON

It was nighttime when Tariq burst into my cell, slamming a plate of food onto the table. The sound of metal against the surface brought me out of my thoughts, but it didn't startle me. I had grown accustomed to the hostility in this place, and Tariq was no exception.

—This is from Nova Celestia, Your Royal Highness,— he said with a biting irony that I couldn't ignore. —Are you sure that Your Highness doesn't need anything else?—

I stared at him for a moment, trying to decipher the layers of resentment hiding beneath his mocking tone. —Why so much disdain for me?— I had barely spoken to him since I was brought here, but clearly, I was more than just a prisoner in his eyes.

—I don't want any trouble,— I replied as I got out of bed, fatigue still present in every fiber of my body. The air in the cell was heavy, but I couldn't allow myself to give in to the tension. I slowly approached the table, trying to remain calm.

Tariq, however, was not about to let things go. He stood in front of me, his eyes locked with mine, filled with anger and something else I couldn't quite understand. I felt that anger pulsing in his gaze, anger directed at me for no apparent reason.

—Well, pretty boy, there you have it,— she snapped, her voice laced with venom.

I watched him for a moment longer, trying to connect the dots. —Why all the hate?— Then, the pieces started to fit together, and although I wasn't entirely sure, I decided to provoke a reaction.

—I don't know what's wrong with you,— I said slowly. —I can only guess that Nova Celestia is interested in me, not just as a prisoner, but as a man. Or am I mistaken?—

My words seemed to ignite a spark in Tariq. I had barely finished speaking when I felt his hands gripping my shirt, the fabric already worn and dirty from the desert dust. The gleaming white of my clothes had faded, and they now bore the marks of my days in this inhospitable place.

—If you come near her, you die,— Tariq threatened, his voice low and filled with hate. His fingers dug into the fabric of my shirt, his grip feeling like a claw seeking to destroy what little resistance remained of me.

—I couldn't let this continue.— My survival instinct, despite the weakness still running through my body, kicked in. I could feel the heat in my veins, the adrenaline awakening my senses. Every thread of my shirt seemed to tell a story of struggle, and I wasn't going to let it break here.

Tariq and I struggled. It was a physical duel, but also one of wills. Although he outnumbered me, my determination drove me to resist. The air in the cell seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the struggle, as if the universe itself were holding its breath, watching what would happen.

I could see the fury in Tariq's eyes, but I also saw something deeper, a desperation that made him dangerous. —What had made him lose control like that?— His jealousy and rage seemed to blind him, and that blindness made him vulnerable.

Every muscle in my body tensed, every breath became heavier as our movements intertwined in a chaotic dance. The blows were fast, but my reflexes, trained by years of discipline under the tutelage of my uncle Darius , were beginning to awaken. I knew I couldn't beat him in a direct confrontation, not in my state, but —I had something more than physical strength: my survival instinct.—

With a quick movement, I managed to free myself from the grip on my neck, taking an agile leap backwards. My feet slid across the cell floor, adopting the defensive stance that Darius had taught me so long ago. It was almost automatic, as if body and mind were aligned in perfect harmony, ready for whatever came next.

Across from me, Tariq paused for a moment, his eyes locked on mine. I knew he wasn't done, but I also knew he was on alert now. The fight between us wasn't just physical; it was a fight for control, for domination of our destiny.

The air in the cell was thick with tension, and though sweat was pouring down my forehead, my eyes remained fixed on Tariq, ready for whatever came next.

Tariq, seeing that I wouldn't give in easily, pointed his gun at me, his gaze cold and calculating.

—There are no witnesses here,— he said with chilling coldness. —If I kill you, I'll say it was self-defense, that you were trying to escape.—

Indignation flared up in me like a flame. —Coward.— The word echoed in my mind. I had nothing to defend myself with, and yet, he was not able to stand up to me.

—You're a coward,— I shouted, feeling rage take over my voice. —I have nothing to defend myself with, and you're not capable of facing me hand to hand.—

Tariq smiled scornfully, not moving a muscle in his menacing stance.

—I'm not going to waste my energy on that,— he replied disdainfully. —I can take you out easily and quickly. I've been chasing Nova for years, and now you come along and take her away from me so easily.—

His words confirmed what I suspected: his hatred was not only for me, but for what he believed I represented in his sick game of jealousy. Before I could respond, the cell door slowly opened, and in the darkness appeared a figure who, although young, emanated a palpable authority. His presence interrupted the tense confrontation.

He was younger than Tariq, youthful in appearance but with a sharp gaze, like that of a hawk that did not miss a single detail. His entrance into the room broke the silence for good.

—So here you are, Tariq,— the young man declared, his deep, resonant voice filling the cell. —And I see that, as always, you are following your filthy, deplorable nature.—

Tariq didn't lower his gun, though I could see his confidence wavering in the presence of this man.

—He tried to escape!— Tariq shouted, almost desperate to justify his actions.

—I don't think so,— the young man replied firmly, observing the scene with a penetrating gaze. —He has no weapons, and you do. He is in a defensive position against the wall. This looks more like a cold-blooded and merciless murder attempt. What will Nova think of all this?—

Silence fell over the cell after that last question. The mention of Nova changed Tariq's expression. Before he could react, the young man grabbed him by the neck with a tremendous force, surprising for someone of his slight build. He pushed him towards the door with such intensity that Tariq had no choice but to obey, humiliation and defeat written on his face.

—Get out,— the young man said, his voice calm but firm.

Tariq, overwhelmed, left the cell without another word. The young man watched him go and then turned to me. He sat down on the bed in the cell and, with a calm gesture, invited me to sit in the chair opposite him.

—I'm Aiden Celestia,— he introduced himself, his voice calm now that the tension was gone. —I understand this isn't the best place for us to meet. You're our prisoner, but we don't know anything about you. My sister asked me to use my abilities to help you regain your memories.—

I watched him closely as the words settled in my mind.—Aiden Celestia.— Nova's brother. The relief that Tariq no longer posed an immediate threat was palpable, but a new challenge loomed before me: reclaiming what I had lost, my identity, my memories. And Aiden , with his piercing, calm gaze, seemed ready to help me.

Aiden calmly approached and, placing his hands on my head, began the process of unearthing the memories that lay hidden in my mind. I felt as if I was immersed in a whirlwind of images and sensations, each one strange and familiar at the same time. It was as if I was sailing through time and space, caught in an uncontrollable flow of fragmented memories. I could catch glimpses of unfamiliar landscapes, faces I didn't recognize, and voices speaking in a strange language I couldn't understand.

Suddenly, an explosion of light interrupted the process. It was a blinding flash that threw us both into darkness, leaving us unconscious. The minutes that followed felt like an eternity, until I slowly began to regain consciousness. My body, although weakened, felt the effects of what had happened. The air seemed thick, and something in my chest was beginning to burn, as if something inside me was awakening after a long time.

—That was intense,— Aiden murmured , still dizzy from the experience we had both shared. His hands shook slightly as he tried to regain his balance.

For my part, the burning in my chest was intensifying. Something beyond physical pain was happening inside me, as if a pent-up energy was beginning to break free. Aiden tried to help me, but I noticed him recoil slightly, as if the energy emanating from me overwhelmed him.

—You have a lot of pent-up energy,— Aiden observed with a mixture of wonder and caution. —Can you remember anything?—

I shook my head, my voice weak, but full of frustration.

—No,— I replied. —Just images and conversations in a strange language. I don't know who I am or how I got here.—

Aiden looked at me with understanding. His face, though youthful, reflected a quiet wisdom. He leaned toward me, his voice now softer and more reassuring.

—Your memories will gradually return, like the petals of a flower awakening with the sun —she told me, wrapping her words in promises of hope. Her tone had a sweetness that urged me to trust, not to despair— Allow yourself to rest. Your body and mind need time.

His words, like fresh water on a dry land, brought me some relief. Aiden let me rest, promising that little by little everything would fall into place. Even though I still didn't know who he was, I clung to that promise.

Three days later, I was released from my confinement. Guided through long hallways, I was led into a room lit by soft daylight, filled with large tables and lively conversations. Despite the bustle, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm. At the end of that scene, I saw her. —Nova Celestia,— her presence radiated a calm authority, like a beacon in a sea of uncertainty. At her side, Aiden gestured for me to join them.

Without hesitation, I walked to the place offered to me, my mind still shrouded in the mystery of my own destiny. I sat down next to Aiden , surveying the room around me. As I did so, a delicate young woman offered me cutlery, while another maid placed a plate full of delicacies I didn't recognize in front of me. I couldn't help but wonder —what creatures had fueled this feast,— but as I took the first bite, that question faded away. The exquisite taste flooded my senses, providing such intense pleasure that for a moment I forgot about everything else.

—How are you feeling?— Nova asked, her voice soft but resonant, like a distant echo traveling through the vast universe. Her eyes, deep and enigmatic, studied me with a mixture of curiosity and expectation.

The energy in my chest was still there, but it was no longer a burden. I felt better, more stable, although still without clear answers.

—I feel better now, thanks to your kindness,— I replied, smiling a smile that sought to convey gratitude.

But as I spoke, I noticed someone else in the room. —Tariq,— in the corner, watching me with disdain. His gaze was filled with resentment and jealousy, as if every word I spoke twisted his soul. I knew the tension between us had not yet dissipated, but in that moment, surrounded by Nova, Aiden , and the other diners, I felt that, at least for now, the conflict would be put on hold.

The horizon of my life was opening up before me, full of possibilities, but also of uncertainties. Who was I really? What role did Nova and Aiden play in my destiny? These questions remained unanswered, but for the first time in days, I felt that the path to truth was beginning to light up, even if it was just a glimmer in the distance.

—It is good to know that you are recovering,— Nova intervened with a motherly tenderness, her voice soft as a warm breeze that caresses the soul. —Although memories have faded like stars in the morning, you can find refuge among us. A new life can blossom if you find purpose in our paths. Living confined will only tarnish the brightness of your memories.—

His words resonated within me, filling me with a strange peace, although the uncertainty about my past lingered like a shadow.

—I agree,— I replied, this time with more conviction. If I couldn't remember who I was, I could at least find a purpose here, with them. —How can I be of use?—

Aiden , with his calm and confident demeanor, leaned toward me, offering his guidance.

—Don't worry. We'll shape a new name for you, one that will accompany you on this journey —he said with a slight smile— How about Jaxon Steele?

The name hung in the air for a moment, echoing in my mind like a forgotten melody. It was strong, as if it embodied someone renewed, ready for whatever fate had in store for him. Nova, whose eyes sparkled like stars on a clear night, welcomed the choice.

—I like it,— I said, nodding in gratitude. Even as I accepted my new name, a question lodged itself in my heart: —Where were my roots?— If I had a family, why wasn't anyone looking for me? It was a question I couldn't let go of, but for now, I had to move on.

—Eat well, Jaxon ,— Aiden urged , using my new name. —We have a journey ahead of us. We must leave for a village for a business transaction.—

The casual tone of his words piqued my curiosity. —What kind of business is being conducted on this planet?—

The word —slavery— still echoed in my mind like a somber echo as I hurriedly finished eating. That concept, that reality that Nova spoke of so firmly, filled me with a deep revulsion, even though I couldn't remember who

I was or where I came from. —I knew I couldn't be part of something like that.— I felt a connection with a higher power, a protective presence that, although I couldn't define it, gave me the certainty that my path had to be different.

When he was done, Aiden stood up and motioned for me to follow him. We walked in silence until we reached a room where a wooden tub filled with hot water awaited me. Steam rose into the air, filling the room with a soft aroma that invited me to relax. I stood there for a moment before removing the dusty and grimy clothes that had witnessed my journey through the desert.

The water enveloped me in a warm feeling of relief, washing away every trace of the arid desert that had clung to my skin. For a moment, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to briefly forget the uncertainty that had dominated my life for the past few days.

Next to the tub, I found clean clothes, lighter and more suitable for the warm climate of Zalara . I dressed quickly, feeling the freshness of the new garments against my skin. It was as if, with each layer of dirty clothing I left behind, I was getting closer to who I really was, even if I couldn't quite remember it yet.

Forty-five minutes later, Aiden returned, this time holding a belt in one hand and a selection of laser weapons in the other.

—Here you go,— he said, handing me the belt. —Make sure you fasten it tightly around your waist.—

I adjusted my belt, which felt heavy, but surprisingly comfortable. Aiden then showed me the weapons he had brought. I took out the laser guns, a curved knife, and finally, a sword. However, as I held the sword, I felt an uneasiness. It wasn't my weapon. It was like my body couldn't connect with it, like something was missing.

Aiden noticed my hesitation and watched me silently for a few seconds before speaking.

—It seems that sword is not for you —he said with a slight smile— Come, I have something else that may suit your style better.

He led me into another room, an armory of sorts, filled with all sorts of weapons. The space was lit by a dim light, and the shadows of the weapons hanging on the walls created an almost mystical atmosphere. Aiden gestured for me to choose what resonated best with me.

—Choose the one that feels right for you, with your personality —he urged me, watching me curiously as I walked among the weapons.

My eyes fell upon a set of four axes of varying sizes. There was something about their design, their weight and balance, that immediately drew me in. I took two of them in a firm grip, and knew they were what I needed. The cold metal in my hands awakened a forgotten memory, a sense of belonging. With a determined gesture, I threw both axes toward a nearby post. The weapons flew with precision and embedded themselves deeply into the wood.

Aiden nodded in approval, a light smile on his face.

—Looks like you've found your thing —he commented.

I stared at the axes stuck in the post, feeling a deeper connection to those weapons than anything else in days. —Maybe this was a sign that I was starting to find my place,— though my memory remained shrouded in shadows.

—Get ready, Jaxon, — Aiden said , using the new name I'd been given. —We've got a journey ahead of us, and you're going to need those skills.—

I nodded, knowing that although I was still shrouded in the mystery of my own identity, I was slowly regaining more of what I had lost.

—These are your weapons,— Aiden said with certainty, as he looked at the axes in my hands. —You've obviously fought before, even if you don't remember where. But you'll find out, no doubt about it.—

I felt his confidence in my abilities, even though my mind was still clouded by the lack of memories. There was something comforting in his words.

—I'm sure you will,— Aiden added , lightly patting me on the shoulder in a supportive gesture. I wasn't alone in this.

With a nod, he motioned for me to follow. We stepped outside, and the sun beat down on my eyes with an intensity I hadn't experienced in days. After so much time in dark places, my pupils contracted with difficulty, but I slowly grew accustomed to the light. Before me was a vast expanse of barren land, and mounted in front of me was an imposing creature. —The Astroraptor ,— a beast that combined the majesty of a reptile with the grace of an animal .

cosmic. Its skin gleamed in the sun, and Aiden explained to me that it was docile and bonded quickly with its rider.

I mounted the creature with some caution, but the Astroraptor reacted calmly, as if it accepted me immediately. Aiden and I, along with several other men from the caravan, began to move forward. Among them, I spotted Marcus Orion , a burly man who seemed to be in charge of transporting the slaves. As we rode, I couldn't help but feel the need to be alert. I knew I couldn't always count on Aiden 's protection . Tariq remained in the shadows, and although he posed no direct threat now, the tension between us was palpable.

We arrived at a bustling town, full of activity. The coming and going of people, the shops and merchants exchanging goods of all kinds created a chaotic, but lively atmosphere. While Aiden engaged in conversation with a man in the distance, he left me to explore on my own.

I was watching everything with curiosity when Marcus approached and, placing his hand on my shoulder, greeted me with a friendly smile.

—How are you?— Marcus greeted, his voice filled with camaraderie.

—Hello,— I replied, returning the smile, albeit with some caution.

—My name is Marcus Orion ,— he introduced himself, proudly pointing to one of the weapons he carried with him, a well-designed and clearly handmade weapon. —I am the creator of these beauties,— he added, showing off his creation with evident pride.

—Nice to meet you, Marcus,— I replied, looking with interest at the weapon he held. Its design was impressive, and it made me wonder what else I could find in this place. —What kind of transactions take place here?— I asked, wanting to know more about the commerce of the village.

Marcus nodded, understanding my curiosity.

—This is just a small sample of what goes on here,— he said, pointing toward the red tents at the end of the street. —Every kind of item imaginable is traded here, from advanced technology to ancient relics. It's a true intergalactic marketplace.—

I was impressed by the scale of trade in the village. The idea of such a vast market, where different worlds were connected through goods and transactions, was fascinating to me.

—It must be fascinating to be involved in these transactions,— I commented, feeling a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

Marcus smiled, pleased by my interest.

—It certainly is. You can find things here that you won't see anywhere else in the universe —he said proudly, before looking at me with interest— And you, Jaxon ? What brings you to our humble planet?

I hesitated for a moment. —I didn't really know.— But I decided to be honest, at least in part.

—I'm looking for answers about my past,— I confessed. —I've lost my memory and I'm trying to piece together who I am and where I come from.—

Marcus looked at me with a mix of surprise and empathy.

—That sounds complicated,— he said, his tone more serious. —Not knowing who you are can be harder than any battle. But this is a good place to find answers… if you know where to look.—

His words resonated with me. Although Zalara seemed like a hostile place in many ways, it also represented an opportunity. Perhaps, among the transactions and secrets of this world, I could find some clue to my past.

Marcus nodded understandingly. —I understand. Well, if you need any help or advice, don't hesitate to ask. I'm here for you,— he offered kindly.

—Your words are very kind, Marcus. I appreciate your offer,— I replied gratefully, feeling comforted by the warmth of this new acquaintance. There was something in the way Marcus spoke that conveyed a simple honesty, a solid foundation on which to build a friendship.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the intergalactic marketplace, as the bustle of transactions and the animated voices of merchants filled the air, Marcus and I continued to converse. A conversation that, unbeknownst to us at the time, promised a budding friendship, an alliance in this vast and unknown universe.

Meanwhile, on the planet—Omegara —, Rodrick and Ashtar were immersed in the search for my energy signature. The air in the room was charged with tension and worry as both brothers tried to solve the mystery of my disappearance.

—He's vanished,— Rodrick said , concern evident in his voice as he looked his brother Ashtar straight in the eyes. —In the entire universe, I can't find him.—

Ashtar, frowning, did not share the same pessimism. There was something else, something that did not add up.

—I don't think so,— Ashtar replied with determination. —He must be somewhere out there. Perhaps his gem is blocked or there is something impeding his energy pulse. If he had died, we would have felt it as a tear in the universe.—

Ashtar recalled, with a shiver, what happened fifteen years ago, when Terry's gem was extracted. —A similar event— would have occurred now if that were the case.

—Besides,— Ashtar continued, his voice firmer, —if he were dead, you would not have his gems inside you. The three pieces would have been reunited, as they were then.—

Rodrick nodded, admitting that Ashtar was right.

—But where is Terry now?— Rodrick asked , his frustration evident. —In another dimension? That would be the only known explanation, because his energy signature is not found in this universe.—

Ashtar thought for a few seconds before answering, his gaze firm and determined.

—I will create a device that will help us find him. We must expand the search. Perhaps, if I create a device that connects to your energy, we can increase the range and find him.

At that very moment, Ethan and Zahori entered through a portal. They had spent hours searching every known planet. Exhaustion was visible on their faces, but not surrender. The search was not over yet.

Everyone gathered in the library of Whittaker Castle, a place he used to visit frequently. The soft scent of roses from the nearby courtyard permeated the air, a reminder of the peaceful moments he used to enjoy there.

—How did it go?— Ashtar asked, eager to know the results of his search.

Ethan sighed, his tone heavy with discouragement.

—Bad. We didn't find anything, and we went to about twenty planets —he replied, frustration reflected in every word.

Zahori , however, maintained his usual determination.

—I won't give up,— she said firmly. —I know he's alive, but something is blocking his energy, and we can't sense it.—

—I think the same,— Ashtar added, murmuring in a doubtful tone. —Something powerful must be going on for us to not be able to find its energy signature.—

Suddenly, Zahori 's LumiCom started beeping.

—I'll be back in a moment,— he said as he left the room, heading to a more private room on the ground floor to answer.

—Hi, Max,— Zahori replied as she answered.

—Hi. Have you heard from Terry?— Max asked anxiously, his voice reflecting the same concern that everyone else felt.

—We're still looking for him,— Zahori replied , his tone grim. —We haven't found his energy signature. What about you? How's everything going there?—

Max sighed.

—We're still looking for him,— he said, looking at Zyron , who was scanning the horizon with infrared binoculars. —The computer doesn't show his signal, and we've been traveling from planet to planet, spending weeks on each one. Rigel is also searching tirelessly, and she has more contacts than I do throughout the universe. She's been moving all her resources, but she's had no luck either.—

Zahori nodded, although Max couldn't see her.

—We can't let our guard down,— Zahori said , his voice firm but with a note of tiredness. —He must appear at some point.—

Max, despite everything, smiled confidently.

—We won't give up, that's for sure. I just wanted to report to you on what we've been doing. Zyron and I are still searching. I'll call you back tomorrow.

—Okay,— Zahori replied , returning the smile through the LumiCom . —Thanks, Max.—

With that, she hung up the call, the silence of the room enveloping her once again. Outside, the roses in the garden sway gently in the breeze, as the search for Terry continues unabated, both in Omegara and across the rest of the vast universe.