Page 52 of Swipe Right for Stardust

I locked eyes with Zarnak, his expression mirroring the storm of emotions churning inside me. For a split second, I weighed the consequences of abandoning the race. The chance at the grand prize, the acclaim, the opportunity to explore the galaxy – all of it hung in the balance.

But only for a second.

“We have to help them,” I said flatly.

Zarnak nodded without hesitation. “Agreed. Their safety takes precedence.”

Relief and pride washed over me. I shouldn’t have doubted him.

We sprang into action, quickly repacking our gear. My mind raced with possible scenarios, each more dire than the last.

“We’ll need to move fast,” Zarnak said, efficiently outlining a rescue plan. “The ice formations are unstable. We’ll use the ridge to our advantage, but we must be cautious.”

Affection warmed me despite the biting cold. His calm efficiency was a balm to my frayed nerves.

Taffy chirped anxiously from my pack, a high-pitched trill that reminded me of the stakes. This wasn’t just about winning anymore. Lives were on the line.

We set off across the treacherous landscape, fear and determination warring within me. The wind howled around us, whipping snow and ice crystals into a stinging frenzy.

Zarnak moved with sure-footed grace, and I drew strength from his steady presence. We’d changed, from strangers to... what? Partners? Friends? Something more?

I pushed those thoughts aside as we approached a narrow ice bridge spanning a yawning chasm. My stomach clenched as I peered over the edge, unable to see the bottom through the swirling mist.

“We can do this,” Zarnak said, his hand warm on my back. That simple touch was enough to steady my nerves.

I nodded, drawing on the skills I’d learned throughout this crazy adventure. Who would have thought that two weeks ago, I was just sitting on my couch.

Now here I was, traversing alien landscapes, rescuing new friends, and falling for–

No. Focus, Vanessa.

We inched our way across the bridge, the ice creaking ominously beneath our feet. I held my breath, willing each step to be solid, secure.

When we reached the other side, I managed a shaky laugh. “Well, that was fun. What’s next, a lava pit?”

Zarnak’s lips twitched in what I now recognized as his version of a smile. “Let’s hope not. Though I’m certain you’d find a way across that as well.”

Before I could reply, our comms crackled to life. Silla’s voice came through, faint but unmistakable. “...anyone there? Please... help...”

My chest tightened. “We’re coming!” I shouted into the comm, not caring if she could hear me or not. I pushed harder.

We had to make it. There wasn’t any other choice.

We crested a ridge and finally spotted them in the distance. Jake and Silla were huddled on a crumbling ice shelf, clinging to each other as the ground beneath them slowly disintegrated.

Adrenaline surged through me as I realized just how precarious their situation was. I squeezed Zarnak’s hand, a silent exchange of support and determination passing between us.

“Ready?” he asked.

I swallowed hard. “Let’s go save our friends.”

I took the lead, my smaller frame allowing me to navigate the treacherous ice formations more easily. The wind whipped around me, biting at any exposed skin. I inched closer to Jake and Silla, their forms becoming clearer with each step.

“Hold on!” I called out, my voice barely audible over the howling gale.

The ice beneath my feet groaned ominously. I froze, terror gripping me as I felt the surface shift. I was certain I’d plunge into the abyss below. But I steadied myself, taking a deep breath before continuing forward.

Jake’s voice cut through the wind. “Vanessa! Be careful!”

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