Io stood in the small property she was given, nerves fluttering beneath her calm exterior as she waited.

Through the door, an alien appeared, silent and imposing, its unreadable gaze fixed on her. Its huge hand held a tiny bundle, wrapped in a thin blanket.

The alien extended the bundle towards her, speaking in a hollow and cold tone. "This is the next one. You will care for it."

Io reached out, her hands taking the small and warm weight into her arms. She looked down, her eyes softening as she saw the tiny face peeking out. A soft, round face with wide, blinking eyes, framed by soft hair.

"Hello, little one," she murmured, feeling her heart open up, as it always did. The infant blinked up at her, tiny lips parting in a coo. "You’re beautiful, aren’t you?"

The alien watched, unmoved. "Do not grow too attached, human. They are temporary, as always."

Io’s jaw tightened, her arms instinctively cradling the infant closer, shielding it from the alien’s detached stare. She knew the warning too well, but she couldn’t help herself. Every time, she let herself believe she could protect them, even if just a little longer.

The infant’s hand found one of her fingers, curling around it with surprising strength.

Io’s heart ached as she watched the child, her free hand gently brushing a soft string of hair from its forehead.

The infant cooed, eyes drifting around, as if studying this strange world.

The alien shifted, as if impatient. “It will grow. It will learn. You will not delay the process,” it stated, voice flat.

Her voice caught, unable to even answer. The alien gave a single, nonchalant nod before turning away. “Raise it well. There will be more from where that one came from.”

As the alien disappeared down the corridor, Io focused on the infant in her arms, her voice barely a whisper.

“Don’t worry, little one. I’ll love you and keep you safe as long as I can.”