Page 11 of Claws and Controllers

Ellie found herself increasingly drawn into the unique dynamic between their characters. Her fox’s agility and cunningversus his tiger’s raw power and grace. It was a dance of strategy and skill, each of them pushing the other to new heights.

Ellie tried to ignore the warmth that spread from the point of contact, focusing instead on the game. But she couldn’t deny the growing attraction she felt, not just to Zy’s undeniable physical appeal, but to the quick wit and genuine enthusiasm he brought to the match.

As the competition heated up, so did the banter between them. Ellie found herself trading quips and playful jabs with Zy, their words dancing on the edge between rivalry and flirtation.

“You know,” Zy said as they entered the final stage of the match, “I have to admit, I came here expecting to dominate. But you’ve given me a run for my money, Ellie. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun playing a game.”

Ellie glanced at him, surprised by the warmth in his voice. “Well, don’t get used to it. I still plan on wiping the floor with you.”

Zy laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The final moments of the match were intense, both of them pulling out all the stops. Ellie’s heart raced as she guided her character through a gauntlet of challenges, Zy hot on her heels. The crowd’s cheers faded into the background as she lost herself in the game, in the thrill of competition and the electric awareness of Zy beside her.

When the final score flashed on the screen, Ellie blinked in surprise. It was almost a dead heat with her edging out Zy by the narrowest of margins.

The audience erupted in applause, but Ellie barely heard it. She turned to Zy, breathless and exhilarated, to find him already looking at her. The intensity in his gaze made her pulse quicken.

“Congratulations,” Zy said softly, extending his hand once more. “That was…intense. You’re incredible.”

Ellie took his hand, acutely aware of the warmth of his skin, the strength in his grip. “Thank you,” she replied, her voice equally low. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”

For a moment, they stood there, hands clasped, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. Then the announcer’s voice broke the spell, calling for a round of applause for both competitors.

As they turned to face the cheering crowd, Ellie’s mind whirled. She’d come to this showcase prepared to demonstrate her game, to prove herself as a developer and innovator. She hadn’t expected to find a worthy rival in Zyan Ashford, let alone to feel this undeniable spark between them.

As they made their way off the stage, Zy leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear. “I hope this isn’t the last time we play together, Ellie. I have a feeling we could create something truly extraordinary.”

Before Ellie could respond, he was gone, swallowed by the crowd of well-wishers and industry bigwigs. She stood there for a moment, her heart racing, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and excitement.

What just happened? And more importantly, what was she going to do about it?

As Ellie made her way back to her booth, her mind replayed every moment of the showcase – the thrill of demonstrating Infinite Odyssey, the unexpected challenge of facing off against Zy, the undeniable chemistry that had sparked between them. It was all so much to process.

Noa pounced the moment Ellie returned, her blue eyes wide with excitement. “Oh my god, Ellie! That was amazing! You totally held your own against Zyan freaking Ashford! And the way you two were bantering... girl, spill!”

Ellie laughed, the sound a bit shaky even to her own ears. “Slow down, Noa. It was just a game demo.”

“Just a game demo?” Noa scoffed, pulling Ellie aside to a quieter corner of the booth. “Hon, I was watching the live stream. That was not just a game demo. That was... that was like watching the nerdiest, most adorable meet-cute ever. The sexual tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife!”

“Noa!” Ellie hissed, her cheeks flaming. “It wasn’t like that. We were just... playing the game.”

Noa’s brow rose, clearly unconvinced. “Sure. Sure. Not like I’ve ever seen people fall in love at first sight. Come on, Ellie. I haven’t seen you look at a guy like that since... well, ever. Not even with you-know-who.”

The mention of her ex-husband sobered Ellie instantly. “That’s different. Zy is... he’s the competition, Noa. The enemy.”

“Is he, though?” Noa challenged gently. “Because from where I was standing, he looked a whole lot more like a potential ally. Maybe even something more.”

Ellie sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s complicated. You know what happened with the last game, how Ashford Entertainment bought it from... him. How am I supposed to trust someone who’s part of that world?”

Noa’s expression softened. “Oh, honey. I know you’ve been hurt. But you can’t let one bad experience close you off to all the good possibilities out there. And from what I saw today, there might be some very good possibilities with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.”

Despite herself, Ellie felt a smile tugging at her lips. “He’s not that dark. More... golden.”

“Aha!” Noa crowed triumphantly. “So you did notice!”

Ellie groaned, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “Fine, yes, I noticed. It’s kind of hard not to when he’s standing right there, being all...” she waved her hand vaguely, “...God-like…Zy-like.”

Noa grinned. “Zy-like, huh? Is that code for devastatingly handsome and charming?”

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