Page 28 of Swipe Right for Stardust

We huddled over the malfunctioning device, our heads close together as we examined its inner workings.

“The magnetic fields in this area must be interfering with the circuitry,” Zarnak mused, his fingers brushing against mine as we both reached for a wire.

I pulled back, a jolt of electricity that had nothing to do with the device running through me. “Right, um... maybe if we...” I trailed off, an idea suddenly forming. “Wait a second. What if we use the bioluminescent patterns to recalibrate it?”

Zarnak blinked. “That’s brilliant, Vanessa.”

Working together, we managed to sync the nav device with the pulsing light patterns of the jungle. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to get us back on track.

As the stress of the moment faded, I became aware that our bodies were practically touching. The jungle around us seemed to fade away.

A distant roar snapped us back to reality. We quickly put some distance between us, both clearing our throats awkwardly.

“We should, uh, probably find a safe spot to rest,” I suggested, my cheeks burning.

Zarnak nodded, not quite meeting my eyes. “Good idea.”

We found a small clearing surrounded by bioluminescent plants that Taffy seemed to deem safe. As we settled down to catch our breath, I reflected on how far we’d come. Not just in terms of the race, but in our partnership.

Zarnak offered me a water pouch, and our fingers brushed as I took it. That same spark of electricity shot through me, and I quickly looked away, taking a long drink to hide my flushed face.

“Thank you,” I said softly, handing it back. “For everything. I don’t think I would have made it this far without you.”

Zarnak’s expression softened. “I feel the same way about you, Vanessa. You’re... remarkable.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I had the crazy urge to lean in, to close the distance between us, but something held me back. Fear? Uncertainty? I’d been hurt before, and the idea of opening myself up again was terrifying.

But as I looked at Zarnak, at the gentle curve of his smile, I wondered: was it worth the risk?

ZARNAK

Icrouched down, examining the crushed leaves and disturbed soil. Footprints, barely visible, led deeper into the jungle.

“Vanessa, look at this,” I called softly.

She peered over my shoulder, her breath warm on my neck. “What is it?”

“Signs of recent passage. We’re not the first team through here.”

Vanessa’s brow furrowed. “How far ahead do you think they are?”

I stood, brushing dirt from my hands. “Hard to say. The trail’s faint, but I’d estimate no more than an hour.”

“We can catch up,” Vanessa said, determination blazing in her eyes.

I admired her spirit, even as concern gnawed at me. The jungle grew denser, more treacherous with each step. Branches snagged at our clothes, roots threatened to trip us.

“We should proceed cautiously,” I said. “There’s no telling what dangers lie ahead.”

We pushed forward, Vanessa in the lead. Her adaptability impressed me - she moved through the alien terrain with surprising grace. I cataloged potential threats, eyes darting from shadow to shadow.

A sharp crack echoed through the trees. Vanessa stumbled on a hidden root, pitching forward. Without thinking, I lunged, catching her around the waist.

“Careful,” I murmured, steadying her. Our bodies pressed close, and I suddenly could only focus on her scent, the shimmer of her eyes.

“Thanks,” Vanessa said, her voice breathy. She made no move to step away.

The moment stretched, filled with unspoken tension. I thought of our kiss in the crystal maze, the taste of her lips. Focus, I chided myself.

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