Page 12 of Lunar Bound
* * *
Personal Log, Supplemental:
We have relocated to more suitable accommodations through the intervention of Eclipse's human contact, Rowan. The dwelling offers adequate separation between light and shadow zones, which should reduce conflict with Solar. However, the light-bearer continues to display aggression and territorial behavior typical of his kind.
More significantly, I have confirmed the human female Poppy possesses extraordinary perceptive abilities. She detected both my shadow-walking and Solar's light emissions without technological assistance. This suggests potential genetic variations in Earth species that were not included in our briefing materials.
Poppy has demonstrated knowledge of natural Earth minerals that interact with energy patterns. The black tourmaline she provided exhibits absorption properties that warrant further study. She has also referenced locations with deep shadows that may offer superior regeneration conditions.
I intend to continue observation of this anomalous human. Her abilities suggest possibilities beyond the simplistic mating objectives of our mission. The shadow territories could benefit from understanding how certain Earth beings perceive energy frequencies, potentially developing new concealment techniques against Solarus detection systems.
Eclipse and Solar both appear to be forming attachments to human females, despite their denials. This development may complicate mission parameters, but provides useful leverage if necessary.
For now, I will maintain the appearance of cooperation while pursuing independent objectives.
* * *
Lunar completed his log entry and moved to the window, carefully avoiding direct light while observing the external environment. The desert landscape stretched before him, red rock formations creating complex shadow patterns as the sun moved across the sky.
In the distance, the town center was visible, where humans conducted their various activities. Many of them believed they were the only sentient life in their planetary system, a common delusion among developing species.
Yet Poppy had sensed him immediately. Had known he was different. Had offered assistance without fear or aggression.
There was something about her. He wanted to be near her. Even now, he wanted to find her and pull her into the darkness with him.
Lunar returned to the room's darkest corner. The night would bring new opportunities for exploration, away from Solar's intrusive brightness and Eclipse's constant mediation.
Perhaps he would investigate these deep shadow locations Poppy had mentioned. Or perhaps he would observe the light-bearer's interaction with his fire manipulator at The Crash Zone to make sure he didn’t draw trouble toward them. Either way, Earth was proving more interesting than anticipated.
The shadows had secrets to reveal. And Lunar had always been very, very good at discovering secrets.
Chapter
Five
Night transformed the desert.
Poppy watched as the last ribbons of sunset faded from the western sky, leaving only the deepening blue that would soon give way to perfect darkness. She'd parked her old SUV at the end of a rugged dirt road, far enough from the light pollution of Duskrock that the stars would shine unfiltered. The scent of cooling earth and sage filled the air as she leaned against her vehicle, waiting.
She wasn't entirely sure he would come. She didn’t give him directions, but something told her he could find her if he wanted to. Their connection at the retreat had been interrupted, and despite his acceptance of her invitation to explore the desert's nocturnal side, Lunar struck her as someone who might change his mind. Someone who kept his options open and his trust closely guarded.
The thought had barely formed when she felt it, that familiar cool presence, like a patch of shade on a hot day, moving toward her from the darkness beyond her headlights.
"You came," she said, smiling into the apparent emptiness.
"I said I would." Lunar's voice emerged from the shadows before his physical form did. He materialized like ink spreading through water. He wore the same restrictive skin-suit as earlier, but it seemed to have deteriorated, revealing glimpses of his true nature, a darkness deeper than the night itself. "The others are occupied with their own pursuits."
Poppy nodded, unsurprised. "Eclipse is having dinner with Rowan. And your sunshine friend is with Dani."
"You are well-informed for someone who claims to be uninvolved with our arrival." Suspicion colored his voice.
"Duskrock is a small town. People talk." She pushed off from her vehicle. "And I pay attention."
The desert stretched around them, red rocks transformed to purple-black silhouettes against the darkening sky. Twisted juniper trees cast strange shadows in the fading light, their gnarled forms like ancient sentinels guarding the wilderness.
"I brought you something," Poppy said, reaching into her bag. She handed him a metal container. "More black tourmaline. Different formations. I thought you might want to test which ones work best."
Lunar accepted the container, his fingers brushing hers in the exchange. Even that brief contact sent a cool ripple along her skin, like dipping her hand into a night-chilled stream.
