Page 16 of Solar Bound
“Is something amusing about that?”
“Twilight zone?” She nodded and laughed harder. “I mean, yeah. I think I might be in the twilight zone right now.”
He looked up. “No. I do not think so. I believe you call this unwelcoming time the night.”
“Twilight Zone is an old television show where strange things happen to,” she paused, “you know what, never mind. It’s not important.’
“Ah, yes, your television. We were shown your depictions of aliens on our journey here.” He frowned. “They were not completely accurate.”
"So, always sunlight, you said? That sounds beautiful and terrible at the same time," Dani changed the subject. "Never seeing stars, but also never knowing darkness."
Solar glanced at her. "You, a person of the fire, enjoy this dark sky?”
"Yes, I prefer the balance of light and dark. I think you need both to appreciate either," she said, surprising herself with the philosophical turn. "Fire means nothing without shadow to define it."
Solar seemed to consider this. "Perhaps that is why the council sent representatives from both zones, with Eclipse to mediate between us."
"Eclipse? That's your friend from the twilight zone?"
"The correct Earth translation for his land is called the Twilight Belt," Solar corrected. "Yes. He maintains balance between those of light and shadow."
They reached her small apartment, a second-floor unit in an adobe complex with a view of the red rocks. Dani fumbled with her keys, suddenly self-conscious about the modest space.
"It's not much," she said, opening the door. "But it's home for now."
Solar entered, his eyes taking in every detail with careful assessment. "You have many fire implements," he noted, gesturing to the practice tools hanging on her wall and propped up in a corner.
"It's more than a job," Dani admitted, setting down her bag. "It's the only thing that ever made sense to me. The only time I feel fully in control."
Solar moved to the window, looking out at the night sky. "Control is an illusion. Fire knows this. It can be directed but never truly contained."
Dani stepped closer to him, drawn by the warmth of his presence. "Is that what you are? Fire that can't be contained?"
Solar turned to face her, his golden eyes reflecting the dim light of her apartment. "My people believe in harnessing energy, focusing it to achieve our goals. But yes, there is always a risk of burning too bright."
"And what's your goal here, on Earth?" Dani asked, her voice dropping to a near whisper. She studied his skin. It looked like some kind of shell meant to hide who he really was beneath.
"Officially? To demonstrate that cooperation between different beings is possible." His gaze intensified. "But I find myself developing unauthorized objectives."
Dani smiled, closing the distance between them. Her adrenaline from being set on fire was still surging in her veins. She couldn’t help but think she was a moth to his flame. She needed to get closer to him. "Such as?"
"Understanding why your fire manipulation techniques affect my energy patterns," he said, but his voice had roughened. "And why I cannot stop thinking about the way your body moves when you dance."
The directness of his statement sent heat coursing through her. "Maybe we should investigate that. For science."
"For science," Solar agreed, his lips curving in what might have been his first genuine smile.
Thank goodness this alien man got flirting.
Dani reached up, hesitantly touching his face. His skin was hot beneath her fingers, not uncomfortably so, but warmer than any human's should be. The subtle glow intensified where she made contact.
She wondered if their bodies would be compatible. Every nerve in her begged her to find out. Her eyes dipped down his body. He looked human, or in the very least, humanoid. There seemed to be a bulge between his thighs that gave her growing desire hope. She couldn't help but think of how good his heat would feel inside her.
Her heartbeat quickened, and she naturally leaned closer, wondering at the shape of him beneath the fake skin.
"I want to see the real you," she whispered, surprising herself with the admission.
Solar's hand covered hers, pressing her palm more firmly against his cheek. "You control fire as if you were born to it. On my world, such skill would mark you as elite."
