Binary Love (18+)

Gaia

Like a statue carved from marble, she sat regally on her dark crystal throne. Her unnaturally pale skin was wrapped in layers of sheer fabric, hinting at her figure beneath, but never fully outlining her body. Long white sleeves completely covered her hands, extending so far that the seams brushed the floor. They were weighed down on the ends with various pale natural stones: the only touch of colour to her entire outfit.

While her face was covered in a veil - similar to Nyx's - it was still possible to see that Gaia had a long, slender neck with an oval jawline. Pointed ears poked out from beneath her veil, neatly pierced with silver earrings and hoops. But even though Gaia's presence alone demanded attention, Nova's eyes kept on being drawn to her crown.

It was imposing, but elegant. The silver metal twisted and turned into delicate branches, with crystals symbolising tiny buds. Fine chains dangled from the base at various heights, each ending with a crystal of their own. The sheer craftsmanship of the crown gave the illusion of simplicity, but the attention to detail and quality told Nova that it was anything but.

"Gaia, I have brought our guests." Nyx bowed her head, touching her gloved hand to the tree broach on her upper chest. "May I introduce Doctor Williams and Mr Williams."

Instinctively, Nova mimicked Nyx's greeting, but couldn't shake the feeling that she had botched it somehow. There was no reaction from Gaia at all - nothing to indicate what she might be thinking or feeling. The silence did nothing to ease her nerves.

Next to Gaia, was a formidable guard in gold armour, with a tree embossed into the metal chest plating. His skin was a rusty brick red, similar in colour to Arcadia's ground. In his clawed hands he wielded a large heavy shield and spear. Since arriving, his emerald eyes had tracked their every move, but he stayed deadly still.

Nova shivered under his gaze and focused back on Gaia.

"Welcome." Gaia's voice echoed ethereally in the large crystal hall; she would have described it as musical if it wasn't so haunting. "I have heard a lot about you both. I'm grateful that you accepted my invitation."

Had it been a choice? She thought, harshly.

"Thank you for having us." Mark replied. If Nova hadn't known him so well, she would have believed his thanks was genuine, but a quick flick of an ear told her otherwise.

A sharp, harmonious laugh reverberated around the room. Gaia raised a sleeve to cover her mouth, but not before Nova caught a glimpse of silver fangs. Her skin immediately broke out in a cold sweat when she saw them. It also didn't help that Nyx and the guard were very still and not joining in with Gaia's laughter.

"I suppose I should have expected that reaction." The Queen's laughter had fizzled out slowly, leaving a toothless smile on her face. "It has been a while since I have had guests and I am currently limited in time, especially since we had to settle on Arcadia sooner than planned."

At this, Gaia's focus zeroed in on Nyx. It seemed like she viewed her responsible for the change of plans.

"An unfortunate chain of events, I assure you." Nyx said, bowing her head.

She appeared humble. Contrite.

Nova was sure that not a single person in the room believed Nyx for a second.

"Quite." Gaia sighed. The Queen then seemingly looked off into the distance, before bringing her attention back to Nova and Mark. "I am sure Nyx has explained to you that I offer you protection from Earth Tech?"

"Yes," Mark paused briefly to consider his words carefully. "It is a very generous offer."

"It is, isn't it? But you have yet to accept it."