Chains of Paradise

Chapter Four: The Burden of Secrets

Kal's existence on Themyscira had always been a precarious balancing act—one where he constantly strived to remain unseen, to blend into the background, and never draw attention to himself. But recently, that balance had begun to tilt, and with each passing day, he felt it slipping further out of his grasp. The events of the trials had only served to amplify the scrutiny he faced, and now those eyes were filled with suspicion, curiosity, and a desire for answers. The burden of keeping his true identity hidden was becoming increasingly overwhelming, as if an invisible weight was threatening to crush him entirely.

Princess Diana's curiosity had only grown since the trials, and Kal could feel her gaze on him more often than ever before. She had begun to ask questions—seemingly innocuous inquiries that hinted at a deeper search for information. Her conversations with the other Amazons were casual on the surface, but Kal could sense the undercurrent of her true intent. He knew that Diana's interest in him wasn't malicious; there was an undeniable warmth to her, a genuine desire to understand and help. However, her determination could soon become a threat if she uncovered the truth he so desperately needed to keep hidden. The thought gnawed at him, leaving him restless and anxious. Every word, every glance shared between them felt like a potential misstep—one that could unravel everything.

It wasn't just Diana whose attention he had attracted. The other Amazons, too, had begun to take an interest in him, albeit for different reasons. Warriors like Althea had grown increasingly bold, their flirtations becoming more overt and, at times, competitive. They watched him during training, their eyes lingering on his every movement, assessing and admiring. Kal found this attention unsettling. On one hand, their interest shielded him somewhat, making him less likely to be singled out for harsh treatment. But on the other hand, it also put him under a microscope. The more they watched him, the greater the chance they would notice something they shouldn't. He had to tread carefully, as the risk of exposing himself had never been higher.

One afternoon, as Kal worked in the fields hauling stones, he once again found himself confronted by Althea. She approached him with a smile that was both playful and challenging, her eyes scanning his face as she closed the distance between them. There was an intensity in her gaze that unsettled him, but he knew he could not afford to show his discomfort.

"You know, Kal, you've become quite the topic of conversation among us," she said, her tone teasing, her lips curving into a smirk. "A few of us are wondering if you'd like to join us for a sparring session—something a little more... entertaining than the usual."

Kal forced a polite smile, keeping his voice even as he replied. "I'm honored, Althea, but I think I'll leave the sparring to those more skilled."

Althea raised an eyebrow, her smile widening with interest. "Oh, I'm sure you could surprise us. You've got more strength in you than you let on. Don't think we haven't noticed."

Kal's heart pounded, and he quickly turned his attention back to his work. "I'm just trying to serve as best I can," he said, focusing on the stone in front of him. He hoped that his evasive answer would be enough to end the conversation.

Althea lingered for a moment longer, her gaze still fixed on him, studying his expression as if trying to glean something from his demeanor. Finally, she turned away, her laughter echoing behind her as she rejoined her companions. Kal exhaled slowly, his muscles tense. The attention was becoming too much, and he was struggling to maintain his composure under the weight of it. He needed to find a way to deflect it before it brought more danger than he could handle.

As Kal resumed his work, his thoughts churned with a sense of urgency. The flirtations from the Amazons might have seemed harmless on the surface, but Kal knew they carried a deeper danger. Any slip-up, any accidental display of his true strength, could lead to questions he couldn't answer. The more they sought to draw him out, the greater the risk he faced. It was a precarious situation, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up the facade.