Page 28 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

“And I’ll protect you,” she said softly. “We’re partners in this, Dravek. Equals.”

The urge to kiss her was almost overwhelming. Dravek leaned in slightly, his heart racing. But a sharp beep from Sprig broke the spell.

“Alert! Festival procession approaching. Optimal infiltration window in T-minus ten minutes!”

Dravek straightened, his military training taking over. “Right. We should join the others.”

Zora nodded, but as they turned to leave, she caught his hand, intertwining their fingers. “Together,” she said, her voice filled with promise.

“Together,” Dravek echoed, drawing strength from her touch.

They stepped out of the room and into the corridor where the rest of their team waited. Ylara Windrider, the Xuevisian rebelleader, nodded approvingly at their disguises. “You’ll fit right in with the festival crowd. Remember, our primary objective is to reach the Grand Hall undetected. Once inside, we’ll need to?—”

Dravek listened intently as Ylara went over the plan one last time. The warmth of Zora’s hand in his, the subtle shifts of her body as she listened, even the sound of her breathing—all of it grounded him, giving him a focus beyond the mission.

As Ylara finished her briefing, a hush fell over the group. The weight of what they were about to attempt settled heavily on everyone’s shoulders. Dravek looked around at the faces of their comrades—humans, Xuevisians, and Tharvisians united in a common cause. His gaze lingered on Zora, and he found her already watching him, her eyes filled with a mix of grit and something deeper that made his heart race.

“It’s time,” Ylara announced, her voice cutting through the tension.

Dravek took a deep breath, squeezing Zora’s hand one last time before reluctantly letting go. As they moved toward the exit, preparing to step into the vibrant chaos of the festival, he leaned close to Zora.

“When this is over,” he murmured, his lips close to her ear, “there’s something I need to tell you.”

Zora’s eyes met his, a flicker of hope and anticipation crossing her face. “I’ll hold you to that, Prince Dravek,” she whispered back.

With those words hanging between them, full of promise and unspoken feelings, they stepped out into the Xuevisian night. The sky above was alive with swirling auroras, casting an otherworldly glow over the festival below. Music and laughter filled the air, mingling with the scents of exotic foods and the shimmer of countless floating lanterns.

Dravek felt Zora’s presence at his side like a physical force as they merged into the crowd. Despite the gravity of their mission,he couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. For the first time in his life, he was stepping completely out of his comfort zone and embracing the unknown. And he was doing it with Zora by his side.

As they wove through the bustling streets, dodging revelers and street performers, Dravek marveled at how natural it felt to move in sync with Zora. They navigated the crowd as one, their steps perfectly aligned, hands brushing occasionally in a way that sent sparks through his body.

A group of masked dancers whirled past, their costumes a riot of color and light. One of them bumped into Dravek, nearly dislodging his elaborate headdress. Before he could react, Zora was there, steadying him with a hand on his arm and deftly adjusting the headpiece.

“Careful, Your Highness,” she teased. “We wouldn’t want you to lose your disguise just yet.”

Dravek felt a smile blossom, marveling at how she could make him feel so at ease even in the midst of such a high-stakes situation. “What would I do without you?” he murmured, only half-joking.

Zora’s expression softened, and for a moment, the noise and chaos of the festival were gone. It was just the two of them, standing in a bubble of calm in the storm. “Let’s hope you never have to find out,” she said softly.

The moment was broken by Sprig’s insistent beeping. The softball-sized robot was tucked away in a hidden compartment of Zora’s elaborate gown but still managed to make its presence known. “Alert! Grand Hall entrance approaching. Prepare for phase two of infiltration!”

TWENTY-ONE

Phase Two of infiltration. Now on her own away from Dravek, the Xuevisian night pulsed with an electric energy that set Zora’s nerves on edge. Everywhere she looked, the festival swirled in a dizzying array of colors and sounds.

Performers twirled in elaborate costumes, their movements fluid and hypnotic. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the sweet aroma of candied fruits. Luminescent lanterns bobbed gently overhead, casting a dreamlike glow over the bustling streets.

Zora’s heart raced, not just from the excitement of the celebration, but from the weight of what was to come. She adjusted her ornate mask, its delicate feathers tickling her cheeks. The disguise felt both liberating and constricting—a perfect metaphor for her current state of mind.

“Remember,” Dravek’s low voice came through the tiny communication device in her ear, “stick to the plan. No unnecessary risks.”

His concern warmed her even as she fought the urge to roll her eyes. “I’ve got this,” she murmured, her lips barely moving as she wove through the crowd. “You just worry about your part.”

As she navigated the throng of revelers, Zora’s mind drifted to the hours of preparation that had led to this moment. The endless strategy sessions, the combat training, the painstaking work of crafting their disguises. But more than that, she thought of the quiet moments—stolen glances with Dravek during meetings, the brush of his hand against hers as they pored over maps, the way his eyes softened when they landed on her.

Shaking off the distraction, Zora focused on her immediate surroundings. The Grand Hall loomed ahead, its imposing architecture a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere. Ornate spires reached toward the star-studded sky, and banners bearing Malgor’s insignia fluttered in the cool night breeze.

A group of dancers whirled past, their movements synchronized in a traditional Xuevisian dance. Zora recognized it from her time with the clan—the Dance of Unity, a celebration of harmony and togetherness. Without hesitation, she joined in, her body falling into the familiar rhythm.

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