Chains of Paradise

Chapter Three: Shattered Masks

The days on Themyscira continued to stretch into a monotonous cycle of labor and training, and Kal found himself growing more wary with each passing day. The curiosity of Princess Diana had become an ever-present factor in his life, a constant that he both feared and—strangely—yearned for. It was not just Diana's interest that had changed, but also the behavior of some of the other Amazons.

Kal had started to notice the glances that lingered a little too long, the sly smiles, and the hushed whispers. Some of the Amazons had begun to flirt with him—bold compliments on his physique, teasing remarks that were half-jests and half-serious. At first, Kal had been taken aback, unsure how to respond. He had always known he was different, his Kryptonian heritage granting him an appearance that stood out even among the statuesque Amazons. His tall frame, chiseled features, and the quiet strength that radiated from him made him impossible to ignore. The attention was dangerous, but Kal knew he could not afford to offend these women, either.

One afternoon, after a long session of fieldwork moving heavy boulders, Kal found himself approached by an Amazon named Althea. She was a fierce warrior, known for her skill with the spear, and Kal had often seen her in the training grounds, though they had never spoken directly before.

"You work hard, Kal," Althea said, her voice smooth as she walked up beside him. She leaned casually against one of the boulders he had just moved, her eyes appraising him. "Perhaps too hard. You know, if you ever need a break, you could ask for help. I might even volunteer."

Kal forced a polite smile, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Thank you, Althea. But I can manage."

She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she were trying to read more into his words. "You're different from the others, aren't you?" She took a step closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm, her gaze lingering on his face. "There's something about you that intrigues me."

Kal tensed, his heart pounding in his chest. He could not afford this kind of attention. "I'm just a servant," he said, keeping his voice even. "Like all the others."

Althea smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "If you say so." She lingered for a moment longer before turning and walking away, her laughter echoing softly in the air.

Kal watched her go, a sense of unease settling over him. The Amazons were perceptive, and the more they watched him, the more likely they were to notice something he could not afford for them to see.

Later that day, during a training session, Kal once again felt Diana's gaze on him. She stood at the edge of the training grounds, her eyes following his every move as he sparred with another slave. Antiope had been relentless today, pushing Kal harder than usual. He blocked and struck, his muscles burning, his body screaming for rest. He could feel the eyes of the other Amazons on him as well—some curious, others appraising, a few even admiring. It was dangerous, all of it.

After the session ended, Diana approached him, her expression unreadable. Kal bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment, his heart pounding in his chest. He could sense the tension in the air, the unspoken questions that hung between them.

"Kal-El," Diana said, her voice soft yet firm. "Walk with me."

Kal hesitated for a moment before nodding. He fell into step beside her as she led him away from the training grounds, down a path that wound through the forested part of the island. The sounds of the camp faded into the background, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant crash of waves against the cliffs.

For a while, they walked in silence, Diana's gaze focused ahead, her expression contemplative. Kal's mind raced, wondering what she wanted, what she was thinking. Finally, she spoke.