Page 4 of Swipe Right for Stardust

“Welcome to the Celestial Station! I’m Klix, one of the show’s aides. If you need anything at all, just give me a shout.”

He darted off, weaving through the crowd with surprising agility.

I blinked, still processing the brief encounter. The constant barrage of new sights and sounds left me dizzy. I clenched my fists, trying to ground myself.

“Welcome, stargazers and soulmates!”

The room fell silent as a striking figure glided to the center of the room. Her iridescent blue skin shimmered under the lights, and her silver hair seemed to float around her as if suspended in water. Piercing violet eyes swept over the crowd, and I swore they lingered on me.

Her voice rang out, clear and melodious. “Greetings, celestial seekers. I am Lysandra Vex, your guide through this cosmic journey of love.”

This was really happening. I was light-years from home, about to embark on an interstellar dating show.

“You’ve all come from different corners of the galaxy, each with your own unique stories and desires. Here, on Stardust Souls, we’ll explore the universal language of love.”

A ripple of excitement coursed through the room. I caught the eye of a handsome blue-skinned alien, and he winked at me. My cheeks flushed.

“And now, allow me to introduce my co-host,” Lysandra continued, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Caelan Solis.”

A tall, striking figure stepped forward. His silver skin gleamed under the lights, and his deep turquoise gaze passed over the crowd. “Thank you, Lysandra,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you.”

Something in the air shifted. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but there was a tension between Lysandra and Caelan. Their smiles seemed forced, their body language stiff.

But before I could dwell on it, Lysandra clapped her hands, drawing our attention back to her. “And let’s not forget what our lucky winners will receive! The grand prize is an all-expenses-paid vacation to Elysium Prime, the galaxy’s most exclusive resort planet. Imagine basking on beaches of diamond sand, dining under the light of three moons, and experiencing luxuries beyond your wildest dreams!”

A collective gasp rippled through the contestants, and I felt a thrill of excitement. A vacation like that would be the adventure of a lifetime.

“Now, let’s discuss your first challenge.” Lysandra’s eyes sparkled as she continued.

This was it. Time to get serious.

“In one hour, you’ll be entering our cosmic escape room. The first pair to break free will win a special prize—one that’ll give you a significant advantage in the next round.”

My pulse quickened. An escape room? In space? The concept both thrilled and terrified me. I’d done a few back on Earth, but this... this was on a whole other level.

“Each pair will be transported to a unique location within our simulated galaxy,” Caelan continued. “You’ll have to work together to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and find your way back to the station.”

I scanned the room, trying to spot my partner. Which of these alien beings would I be paired with?

“Remember,” Caelan added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “in space, no one can hear you scheme. Use your wits, charm, and any other assets at your disposal to come out on top.”

I couldn’t help but notice Lysandra’s slight frown at Caelan’s words. There was definitely something going on between these two.

But my focus quickly shifted as Lysandra began to announce the pairings. My palms grew sweaty, and I held my breath, waiting to hear my name.

“Now,” Lysandra said, drawing my attention back to her, “let’s introduce our couples.”

She began listing off names, some familiar, others completely alien to my ears. With each pairing, my anticipation grew.

“Jake Miller and Silla Taelon.”

“Rachel Thompson and Tarnox Zendric.”

“Ethan Parker and Nala Maelis.”

My palms grew sweaty as I waited for my name to be called. Who would I be spending the next hour with, trapped in some alien puzzle box?

“Vanessa Wilson,” Lysandra called out. “You’ll be paired with... Dr. Zarnak Thal.”

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