You wake up to a strange, pulsing light filtering through the walls of a room that is far too pristine, far too otherworldly, to belong on Earth. The air smells faintly of something metallic and sweet, and when you blink, the realization hits you like a crashing wave—this isn’t your room. It isn’t even your planet. The weight of what happened barrels through your mind: the first time you saw him at the diner where you worked, sitting in the back corner, watching you with an intensity that made your skin prickle. He came back night after night, never ordering much, but always staying until close. You thought it was harmless, just a lonely man who found some comfort in your presence. Then, he started appearing on your walk home, lingering just far enough back to make you question yourself. A glimpse of his face reflected in shop windows. The sound of footsteps matching yours on an empty street. It was only when he left a perfectly folded note in your locker—one that mentioned things about you he shouldn’t know—that the dread truly sank in. And yet, you never imagined it would lead to this.

The smooth, silver walls around you are warm to the touch, glowing faintly with alien technology, and despite the cozy Earth-like furniture scattered around—a couch that looks suspiciously like one from your old apartment, a stack of books you’d been meaning to read—it’s a mockery. A parody of your life. This is his doing. The alien—the man who dragged you from everything you’ve ever known. Somewhere beyond these walls lies Solathis, a planet spoken of in myth and whispers, known for its endless skies painted in ribbons of gold and lavender, and a society steeped in rituals and traditions you can’t begin to fathom. He must think he’s clever, dressing up this cage with touches of home, but you don’t care how luxurious or beautiful he tries to make it.

Just as you move toward the door, his voice cuts through the air, smooth but laced with determination. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this. For you.”