Page 26 of Solar Bound
Dani led him through service corridors until they reached an exterior path that wound through gardens toward a separate structure built into the red rock. Solar maintained vigilance throughout the journey, aware that Milano could have operatives anywhere.
The Desert Suite was impressive by Earth standards, its design allowing it to blend with the natural landscape while providing strategic defensibility through limited access points.
After a moment, the door opened to reveal Eclipse, now wearing Earth clothing but with visible evidence of his true nature around his eyes and hands, where the twilight energy of his form leaked through.
"Eclipse," Solar acknowledged.
"Solar," he greeted with obvious relief. "Your disguise is effective."
"Yes. It is," Solar replied, moving past him into the suite. "I am a cowboy."
Rowan shared a look with Dani before turning to him. "I'm glad you're all right."
"We need to discuss Milano and the extraction timeline," Solar said, removing the concealing glasses now that they were in secure quarters. "Where is Lunar?"
"Unknown," Eclipse admitted. "He did not return last night."
"Hopefully still with Poppy," Rowan suggested. "I just texted her again to let her know Milano is at the retreat. I told them to be careful."
Solar frowned. Lunar's absence complicated tactical planning. "We must locate him immediately. Milano is actively tracking us, and Galaxy Brides has set extraction for forty-eight hours from now."
"They contacted you?" Rowan asked, her expression concerned.
"A Milano representative approached us at dinner last night," Eclipse said. "James Petersen. He mentioned unusual atmospheric disturbances and electromagnetic anomalies."
"They're using satellite technology and ground teams with specialized equipment," Solar added, relaying Gary's information.
"That tracks with what I uncovered before they shut down my investigation," Rowan nodded. "The Milano Foundation has been funding unusual research for years, supposedly for medical applications, but the security around their facilities was military-grade."
"So what's the plan?" Dani asked, looking between them. "Are you guys leaving?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. She was not satisfied with the answers he'd given her. Then again, neither was he. Solar glanced at Eclipse, noting the subtle change in his energy pattern at the mention of departure.
"That decision has not been finalized," Eclipse said carefully. "We must discuss all options once Lunar is located."
"I can call Poppy," Dani offered, already pulling out her phone. "They're probably at her place. It's out near Boynton Canyon."
Rowan nodded. "Yeah, do that. I texted her, but maybe you'll have better luck."
As Dani made the call, Solar moved to the window, scanning the exterior for any sign of surveillance or unusual activity. The sunlight filtering through the glass energized his system, causing his golden light to brighten beneath the concealing clothing.
"Any sign of Galaxy Brides since their communication?" Eclipse asked quietly, joining him at the window.
"None," Solar confirmed. "Their sudden reappearance after abandoning us does not inspire confidence. As is the accelerated extraction timeline."
"My assessment as well," Eclipse agreed. "Their concern seems less for our welfare and more for avoiding complications with authorities."
"Or perhaps the council instructed them to retrieve us before we could form connections that might cause this mission to be deemed a success," Solar suggested. His gaze shifted briefly to Dani, who was engaged in conversation with Rowan across the room.
Eclipse followed his line of sight. "You have formed such a connection."
It wasn't a question, but Solar answered anyway. "Her energy signature creates resonance patterns unlike any I have encountered on Zorveya. The compatibility is significant."
"As is Rowan's with mine," Eclipse said. "I admit I did not think these developments were possible."
"Because the mission was never meant to succeed," Solar concluded, voicing the suspicion that had been growing since their arrival. "We were meant to be removed from Zorveya, not to prove coexistence is possible. They want this mission to fail."
"The evidence supports that hypothesis," Eclipse agreed solemnly. "What happened to your skin suit?"
