Page 29 of Solar Bound
"I know," Rowan panted. "We need to split up."
They reached a junction in the path. Ahead lay the main building with a narrow trail that wound toward the red rocks at the property's edge.
"Take the trail," Rowan instructed. "Circle around the canyon side. I'll create a diversion."
"What? No!" Dani protested, grabbing Rowan's arm. "They're after you specifically."
"Exactly." Rowan pulled away, already backing toward the main building. "I'll be fine. Get to Eclipse and Solar. Tell them Milano is actively hunting us, not just watching. Don't contact my phone. Don't come after me."
Before Dani could argue further, Rowan turned and sprinted toward the retreat's central building. Something about her confidence made Dani think this wasn't her first time evading pursuit.
Dani hesitated for one precious second before darting down the narrow trail. The red rock path rose steadily, snaking around natural formations and offering sparse vegetation for cover. Her lungs burned with the exertion, but she pushed on, scanning constantly for signs of pursuit.
She'd made it halfway up the trail when movement below caught her eye. Three Milano operatives were spreading out at the trail's base, speaking into their comms. They hadn't spotted her yet, but it was only a matter of time.
Dani dropped to a crouch behind a twisted juniper, her heart hammering against her ribs. She needed to circle back to the suite, but these guys were blocking the obvious route. She'd have to go higher, find another way around.
The path steepened as she climbed, loose rocks skittering beneath her feet. A misstep sent a cascade of pebbles down the slope. She froze, pressing herself against the cliff face as one of the men below looked up, scanning the trail.
For an excruciating moment, Dani didn't breathe. The operative stared directly at her position, then, seemingly satisfied, returned to his surveillance. She exhaled slowly, her hands trembling slightly.
Keep moving. Keep moving. Keep moving.
The mantra repeated in her head as she picked her way higher. From this elevation, she could see more of the retreat's layout. The main building swarmed with activity. Rowan's diversion was working. But to her horror, she spotted black SUVs pulling up to the Desert Suite. Men in tactical gear poured out, surrounding the building.
Solar.
They’d found him.
Her entire body trembled in fear. The thought of him captured, experimented on, and dissected. It sent a wave of nausea through her. She needed to warn him, somehow.
A distant commotion drew her attention to the main entrance. A colorful parade of... What the hell? People in alien costumes? A man with a bullhorn led the group, his silver jumpsuit catching the sun as he gestured dramatically. Behind him, at least thirty people in various extraterrestrial getups waved signs and shouted slogans.
"The truth is here!” boomed across the retreat grounds.
Dani recognized Pete from the crystal shop, his wispy gray hair flying as he directed his flash mob of alien enthusiasts straight toward the Milano operatives. Several confused tourists joined the parade, thinking it was part of the retreat's entertainment.
Rowan must have called in reinforcements. Clever girl.
The distraction gave Dani her opening. As Milano personnel moved to contain the unexpected Earth-alien invasion, she darted across an exposed section of trail to a service path that wound behind the guest cottages. From there, she could approach the Desert Suite from the rear.
She was halfway there when a deafening crash echoed across the grounds. Dani whipped around to see the front door of the Desert Suite flying off its hinges. Smoke billowed out, followed by a flash of golden light so bright it left spots in her vision.
No!
Solar.
A surge of something—electricity?—arced from inside the suite, followed by screams. Two Milano operatives stumbled out, their tactical gear smoking. One collapsed to his knees, the other dragged him away from the door.
More operatives rushed forward, carrying strange weapons that bore no resemblance to conventional firearms. Dani's heart lodged in her throat. Whatever they were planning, she couldn't let them hurt Solar.
She sprinted toward the suite, abandoning stealth for speed. Twenty yards out, she spotted movement on the ridge above. Three figures were climbing rapidly away from the suite. Even from this distance, she recognized Solar's golden glow and Eclipse's twilight shimmer. Rowan was with them, leading them up a narrow trail.
They'd escaped. Relief flooded through her, immediately followed by dread. Where did that leave her?
More Milano personnel poured out of the suite, pointing up at the escaping trio. Several raised weapons. Dani changed direction, ducking behind landscaping to avoid detection. If she followed Solar's group now, she'd only lead Milano straight to them.
A hand clamped over her mouth from behind.
