Page 35 of Lunar Bound
"It's strategically sound," Solar said. "Milano developed specific countermeasures for our energy signatures. If Solar and I remain together, capture probability increases substantially."
A distant rumble interrupted them, followed by the thump of helicopter rotors.
"Decision time," Gary insisted nervously. "Milano's air support is incoming."
Solar decided for them. "Dani and I will go with you. Lunar, protect them." He nodded toward Rowan and Poppy. "We will search for Eclipse from the sky, and we will rendezvous at the secondary extraction point once it's secured."
"Wait," Dani began, but Solar had already moved, lifting her carefully from the jeep despite her protests. "We can't go into… We can't fly… I mean, up there?"
Solar carried her toward the pod. Dani's protests continued.
"You should drive now. Those helicopters will be on us in minutes," Gary stated, already hurrying back toward the pod.
Lunar watched as Solar carried Dani into the pod, surprised by the Solarian's gentleness. The light-dweller's attachment to the human had grown. It was a transformation that Lunar recognized within himself.
These Earth women were changing them.
Lunar moved closer to Poppy, his shadow essence automatically adjusting to shield her. The cool darkness of his form met her warmth, creating that strange harmony he'd come to crave.
"Don't drive," he told her, extending his shadow field partly around her.
The pod's engines whined to life, wobbling dangerously before accelerating away with Solar and Dani aboard.
Almost immediately, the Milano helicopter changed course, its searchlight fixing on the departing pod. The diversion had worked. Solar's distinctive energy signature had drawn their pursuit.
"Now we move," Lunar directed. "Quickly, while their attention is diverted."
Lunar positioned himself to provide the vehicle with maximum shadow coverage. With Solar gone, it was much easier. Poppy started the engine and accelerated.
"Will they be okay?" Rowan asked, worry evident in her voice as she watched the sky.
"Solar's energy will regenerate quickly in space," Lunar responded. "And Galaxy Brides, despite their flaws, have transported many species."
"And Eclipse?" Rowan pressed.
Lunar hesitated. He preferred precision, not false hope. Yet the human's distress affected him strangely.
"Eclipse is resourceful," he stated finally. "His twilight abilities let him adapt to both light and shadow. His diplomatic training would serve him well if captured."
As they drove deeper into the wilderness, Lunar maintained his protective field around the vehicle, absorbing light to reduce their visibility. Poppy's proximity created that familiar resonance in his energy. The connection between them grew stronger despite circumstances.
"How much further to the cabin?" he asked.
"Not far," Poppy replied. "The worst of the terrain is behind us."
Lunar noticed the subtle changes when she spoke to him. Her quickened heartbeat, her slightly elevated temperature. He experienced similar reactions, the star-patterns within his darkness realigning whenever they interacted.
This connection between them represented both vulnerability and unexpected strength. It had changed his mission.
Changed him.
As they continued toward the hidden cabin, Lunar faced a choice he'd never anticipated. Return to the shadow territories with intelligence about Earth's defenses? Or remain with the human whose energy had become intertwined with his own?
For the first time in his existence, the path forward wasn't clear.
Chapter
Eleven
