Page 9 of Solar Bound
"You're doing it again," Mike pointed out, snapping his fingers in front of her face.
"Doing what?"
"The smile. Definitely a guy."
"Shut up and move the table, Mike."
Chapter
Four
Solar detected Lunar's distinct energy patterns and followed him to keep an eye on the shadow-dweller, which was not how he had planned to spend his time on this primitive planet. He was not what Earth people called a person who sat on babies, but he would also not let his mission be ruined when he was so close to completing his agenda in record time.
"Let him go," he had told Eclipse last night after Lunar departed from their inadequate Crimson Rock dwelling. "Maybe he'll find a cave to hide in."
However, when Lunar failed to return, Eclipse had insisted that they locate him.
"The mission requires all three of us to remain in proximity," he'd said with that irritating diplomatic tone. "We cannot afford to lose track of each other."
Solar had drawn the short metallic rod, which apparently meant he was responsible for locating their missing shadow-dweller while Eclipse met with his human female to secure better accommodations. The Earth custom of determining duties through random chance seemed inefficient, but Solar wasn't about to question it while Eclipse's attention was elsewhere.
Tracking Lunar wasn’t a challenge. The shadow-dweller left a distinctive energy signature. The cold void disrupted natural light patterns. Solar could sense these disruptions with his enhanced perception, following the trail like footprints across the settlement.
The path led to a large complex nestled among the red rocks, identified by Earth signage as the Duskrock Yoga and Spa Meditation Center. The retreat's parking area was filled with vehicles, and humans moved about in strange, loose-fitting attire. Many carried thin mats rolled under their arms. He recognized the location from the spinning viewing screen when they crashed. This was also where Eclipse said their new dwelling would be located. Perhaps Lunar was with him, and Solar could end his hunt.
Solar's skin-suit felt increasingly restrictive as Earth's sun climbed higher. The dampening effect on his natural light was necessary for blending in, but uncomfortable. Like trying to contain a star in a paper bag. Small sparks occasionally escaped around his wrists and collar, forcing him to readjust the membrane.
He approached the main building, noting that the security was minimal. A human male at the entrance barely glanced at him before returning to his overlord communication device. Solar strode past as if he belonged there, projecting the confidence befitting a Solarus Elite Guard.
Inside, the air smelled of burning plants. Humans sat in circular formations in several rooms, contorting their bodies into unnatural positions. His energy could easily mimic such actions, but humans had a solid foundation. Was this some form of ritualistic torture? Or perhaps preparation for combat? He had been doubting whether the Earth population was ready for a fight should one come.
He detected Lunar's energy signature growing stronger, coming from deeper within the building. At the same time, he sensed Eclipse's presence nearby.
Solar moved through the corridors, ignoring the curious glances from passing humans. His height and build made him stand out even with the skin-suit concealing his true nature. One female dressed in white fabrics approached him with a serene smile.
"Are you here for the cosmic alignment meditation?" she asked. "It's about to start in the Crystal Room."
"No," Solar replied curtly. "I am tracking a shadow-dweller."
The female's smile didn't falter. "A shadow worker? For energy clearance? That would be down the east hall, past the sound bath."
Earth females were strange in their interpretations. Solar nodded and continued in the direction she indicated, which happened to align with Lunar's energy signature.
As he rounded a corner, he felt a sudden surge in electromagnetic activity. The lights in the corridor flickered wildly, and a small decorative fountain ceased functioning. Solar recognized the pattern. Lunar was actively manipulating shadows, something he only did when agitated or threatened.
“I know you’ve been following me, show yourself,” a woman demanded loudly.
Solar frowned and stopped to listen.
The shadows darkened their way down the hall, crawling toward him. Such obvious shadow play was abnormal for Lunar. Something more was happening. Had Lunar also found a female to pursue? And in doing so, had he started a conflict? It was the only logical conclusion. What female would want a shadow after her? Humans feared the darkness. And with good cause. Nothing good came from the dark.
Solar turned directions and hurried to find Eclipse. If Lunar had stumbled into a battle, logic said they'd be stronger as a trio. The lights flickered, partially due to his agitation and partially because Lunar was dampening the building’s power. Their conflicting energy signatures played havoc on Earth's power grids.
He'd be lying if he said the idea of a fight didn't excite him. He was a man of action. All this hiding and stealth went against his very nature.
Solar opened a door. Sparks came off his hand, and he stated without fully examining the room, "Eclipse, come. We have a problem. Lunar is skulking, and I believe he's tracking a human female."
"You’re glowing," a female with Eclipse whispered. Rowan, Eclipse had called her.
