Three's Company

"Royal family?" Marcus gasped, stomping on the gas pedal. The car lurched forward, dodging around the black flames.

Eli grabbed the dashboard. "What is he talking about, Kael? What royal family?"

There is no time, Kael's voice repeated in both their minds now. We must get to higher ground. The Void cannot find us as easily in the mountains.

Marcus yanked the turning wheel, taking a narrow dirt road that climbed upward. "Someone tell me what's happening!"

"Those things are called the Void," Eli explained, his heart racing. "They hunt Kael's people. And apparently, they're after me too."

The car bounced wildly as Marcus pushed it up the rocky path. In the rearview mirror, Eli could see the dark forms flying behind them, gaining ground.

There! Kael pointed toward a cave opening in the side of the rock. We can hide there.

Marcus braked hard. "Are you crazy? We'll be trapped!"

The cave walls contain a mineral that blocks their tracking skills, Kael explained. It is our only chance.

They abandoned the car and ran toward the cave. The things were close now—Eli could hear their strange, clicking sounds. As they reached the cave opening, Kael stumbled, his legs giving out.

"I've got you," Marcus said, shocking Eli as he helped lift Kael. Together, they carried the weaker alien into the darkness of the cave.

Once inside, they moved as deep as they could, until the entry was just a distant circle of light. Eli dropped Kael gently against the wall.

"Are they following us?" Eli whispered.

No, Kael answered. But they will wait.

Marcus walked back and forth, his face pale in the light from his phone. "This is insane. First government agents, now alien hunters? What's next, dragons?"

"Calm down," Eli said, though his own hands were shaking.

"Calm down? That thing had teeth like needles!" Marcus ran his fingers through his hair. "And what was that about you being alien royalty?"

Eli turned to Kael. "Yeah, I'd like to know that too."

Kael's silver skin seemed to glow slightly in the darkness. I told you that one of your ancestors was Lumari. What I did not tell you is which Lumari.

"Spit it out, Kael," Eli ordered.

Your great-grandmother was Princess Lyra of Astoria, my father's sister. She came to Earth on a mission and fell in love with a person. She decided to stay, hiding her true identity.

Eli slid down the wall until he was sitting. "So you're saying I'm not just part alien, I'm part alien princess?"

Marcus's eyes widened. "You're part alien? Since when?"

"Since birth, apparently," Eli said dryly. "I just found out today."

The Void has hunted the royal family for generations, Kael continued. They seek our genetic code, which holds secrets they desire. When they felt my presence on Earth, they must have detected our connection, and through it, your royal bloodline.

"Great," Eli grumbled. "So now I have two different groups trying to capture us."

Marcus sat down across from them, his flashlight beam bouncing off the cave walls. "This is... a lot to process."

Kael looked at Marcus with his violet eyes. I understand this is tough for you. You did not ask to be part of this.

"No kidding," Marcus said, but his voice had lost its edge. He stared at Kael with a mixture of fear and curiosity. "So, you're really a prince? With, like, a castle and everything?"

A sound like soft laughter filtered through their thoughts. Not a castle as you would know it. But yes, I am heir to the High Council of Astoria.

"Show him," Eli said suddenly. "Show him your home, like you showed me."

Kael nodded and reached out his hands. May I?

Marcus paused, then nodded. "Will it hurt?"

No, Kael assured him. Close your eyes.

As Marcus closed his eyes, Kael put his silver fingertips on Marcus's temples. Eli watched as Marcus's face transformed—his mouth falling open in wonder.

"Oh my God," Marcus whispered. "It's beautiful."

Eli closed his eyes too, and suddenly, he was there with them—floating above a world of crystal cities and silver oceans. Two suns hung in a lilac sky, casting rainbow light across the country. He could feel the warm breeze, smell the strange, sweet air.

This is Astoria, Kael's voice flowed around them. My place.

The vision changed, showing a magnificent structure of spiraling towers and bridges that seemed to be made of light itself.

The Royal Palace, Kael described. Where I grew up.

Then they were inside, walking through rooms filled with Lumari people—all with silver skin and glowing eyes in different colors. They moved with grace, their voices making a melody that felt like it was touching Eli's soul.

My family, Kael showed them a group of Lumari standing together. A tall, regal man with eyes like Kael's; a woman with golden eyes and a gentle smile; and two younger Lumari who must have been Kael's brothers.

The vision faded, and they were back in the cave. Marcus was crying, tears running down his face.

"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he whispered. "And your people—they're not dangerous at all, are they?"

We are a peaceful race, Kael confirmed. We came to Earth hoping to make contact, to share knowledge.

"But instead, humans captured you," Marcus said, wiping his eyes. "I'm so sorry."

Eli moved closer to Kael. "We're going to get you home."

"Both of you," Marcus added, shocking Eli. "If those Void things are after you, Eli, maybe you should go with him."

"I don't know if I can," Eli said. "I mean, I'm only part Lumari. My life is here."

The choice will be yours, Kael said softly. But first, we must live.

Marcus pulled his backpack closer. "Well, I brought food and water. And I'm pretty good at camping. We could stay here until those things leave."

"They won't leave," Eli said. "They're hunters, remember? They'll wait for us."

They are patient. They have waited centuries to find a member of the royal line.

Marcus's face hardened with purpose. "Then we'll find another way out. There might be tunnels leading deeper into the mountain."

For the next hour, they explored the cave system, finding a network of tubes branching off in different directions. They marked their way with Marcus's chalk so they wouldn't get lost.

Back at their homemade camp, they shared Marcus's food. As they ate, the initial tension between them started to ease. Marcus told stories about his sister, making them laugh despite their situation. Kael shared more about his world, explaining Astoria's music and art.

In my society, Kael explained, friendship is sacred. When three souls join in trust, we call it "Tri'lana"—the three-fold light. It is rare and strong.

"Like us," Marcus said, smiling. "Three unlikely friends."

Eli felt something warm spread through his chest. Despite everything, he felt hope. With Kael's information, Marcus's practical skills, and his own determination, maybe they could make it.

As night fell outside, they took turns keeping watch. During Eli's shift, Kael sat beside him while Marcus slept.

"I never thanked you," Eli whispered. "For saving my life back at the institute."

You are saving mine now, Kael responded, his mental voice warm. And more than that, you gave me hope when I had none.

Eli was about to answer when a strange sound echoed through the cave—like metal scraping against stone.

"What was that?" he whispered.

Marcus woke quickly, years of hiking experience making him a light sleeper. "Something's coming."

They pressed themselves against the wall, holding their breath. The sound came again, closer now.

It is not the Void, Kael said. They move quietly.

A beam of light swept across the cave floor. Then a voice called out, "I know you're in here. All three of you."

Eli's blood ran cold. He knew that sound.

Dr. Victoria Kane stepped into view, a gun in one hand and a flashlight in the other. Behind her stood four armed guards.

"Did you really think you could escape me?" she asked, her cold smile glinting in the flashlight beam. "I placed a tracker on Dr. Reed days ago."

Marcus looked terrified. "No..."

Kane's eyes fixed on Eli. "And you, Dr. Carter. You've been keeping secrets." She raised her gun. "Now, you're going to tell me everything about your alien heritage, or I start shooting your friends."

The guards raised their guns.

Eli, Kael's voice was pressing in his mind. Remember what I told you about Lumari genes being dormant in you?

"Yes," Eli whispered.

They can be awakened. I can show you how—but there will be no going back. You will no longer be fully human.

Kane cocked her gun. "I'm waiting, Dr. Carter."

Eli looked at Kael, then at Marcus, who nodded slightly.

"Do it," Eli whispered to Kael.

Kael put his hand on Eli's chest. Think of light.

As Kane yelled orders to her men, Eli closed his eyes and thought of Astoria's twin suns. He felt heat spreading through his body, running through his blood like liquid fire.

Now, Kael ordered. Open your eyes.

Eli opened his eyes, and the world burst in light.