The Alien’s Unwanted Bride (Alien Brides #4)

Chapter 10

TEN

D ravek nodded, grudgingly impressed by her ability to remain calm and analytical in the face of their predicament. It was one of the things that had first drawn his attention to her, though he’d been loath to admit it even to himself. Her intelligence, her quick thinking, her ability to adapt to new situations—all qualities he valued highly. But coupled with her recklessness, her disregard for protocol... it created a confusing mix of admiration and frustration that he couldn’t seem to reconcile.

“Agreed,” he said, pushing aside his conflicting thoughts. “From what I can tell, this seems to be some kind of ancient Tharvisian technology. The symbols may hold the key to deactivating the barrier.”

As if eager to contribute, Sprig chimed in with another burst of nonsensical chatter. This time, however, the little robot projected a series of symbols into the air—crude representations of the glyphs that adorned the cave walls.

Zora’s eyes lit up, and Dravek felt an unexpected warmth bloom in his chest at the sight of her excitement. “Sprig, you beautiful little glitch! You’re recording the symbols!” She turned to Dravek, her face alight with enthusiasm. “This could help us decipher the code faster.”

For the next several minutes, they worked in tandem, examining the projected symbols and comparing them to those on the walls. Dravek inhaled the subtle scent of her hair, felt the warmth radiating from her body, noted the way her brow furrowed in concentration—each detail seemed magnified, threatening to distract him from the task at hand.

He drew upon his military training, recalling briefings about ancient technologies that responded to specific energy frequencies. But even as he focused on the problem before them, a part of his mind kept circling back to Zora. Her expertise, her quick mind, the way she approached the challenge with such determination—it stirred something within him, a grudging respect tinged with... what? Attraction? The thought sent a jolt of panic through him.

“Look here,” Zora said, pointing to a recurring pattern. Her finger brushed against his arm as she leaned in, and Dravek had to suppress a shiver. “These four symbols—I bet they represent the classical elements. Earth, water, air, and fire.”

Dravek nodded, forcing himself to focus on the glyphs rather than the warmth of her touch. “And here,” he indicated another section, fighting to keep his voice steady, “these glyphs correspond to energy frequencies we’ve encountered in other ancient sites.”

A plan began to form in Dravek’s mind, a welcome distraction from the confusing swirl of emotions. He raised his wrist, fingers flying over the device’s interface. “If I can calibrate a signal to match the frequencies associated with these symbols...”

“...and if we use Sprig to project counter-frequencies,” Zora continued, catching on to his train of thought, “we might be able to disrupt the barrier’s energy field.”

Their eyes met, a spark of shared understanding passing between them. For a moment, Dravek forgot about protocols and propriety, about the inner turmoil that had been plaguing him. In that instant, they were simply two minds working in perfect harmony toward a common goal. The feeling was exhilarating and deeply unsettling.

As they set their plan into motion, each detail of Zora seemed to burn itself into his memory. The way she bit her lower lip in concentration, the graceful efficiency of her hands as she adjusted Sprig’s settings?—

He shook his head, trying to clear the distracting thoughts. Focus. Control. These were the principles that had guided him throughout his life. So why did they crumble in her presence?

Sprig continued to interject with his unique brand of “assistance.” The robot’s language centers were still scrambled, resulting in a stream of mispronounced words and nonsensical advice.

“Recommend dancing to appease the spirits,” Sprig chirped in a garbled mixture of Earth Standard and Tharvisian. “Empfehlen Sie einen Tanz, um die Geister zu bes?nftigen...”

Zora rolled her eyes, a fond smile forming. “Not helpful, Sprig. But thanks for trying.”

To his own surprise, a low chuckle escaped Dravek’s throat. The sound startled him—when was the last time he had laughed so freely? “Perhaps he’s onto something,” he said, the barest hint of a smirk softening his usually stern features.

Zora raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. “You think dancing will solve this? I had no idea the mighty Prince Dravek was so in touch with his spiritual side.”

Her teasing tone sent an unexpected thrill through him. Part of him wanted to retreat behind his usual mask of stoic indifference, to shut down this dangerous line of banter. But another part—a part that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment—urged him to engage, to see where this newfound rapport might lead.

Dravek shrugged, the gesture more relaxed than any he’d allowed himself in years. “It might be worth a try. I’ve seen stranger things work on this planet.”

The words left his mouth before he could fully consider their implications. Was he flirting? The very idea was absurd. He was a prince, a military commander. He didn’t flirt. And yet...

The lighthearted exchange eased some of the tension that had been building since their initial confrontation. As they resumed their work, Dravek found his gaze continually drawn to Zora. The determined set of her jaw as she deciphered the ancient glyphs. The quiet intensity in her eyes as she worked. He’d always respected her intelligence, but seeing her in action, applying her knowledge to a real-world crisis... it stirred something within him that he wasn’t quite ready to name.

With each passing moment, Dravek felt the carefully constructed walls around his emotions begin to crack. The rigid control he’d maintained for so long was slipping, replaced by a confusing mix of admiration, frustration, and... something else. Something warm and unfamiliar that both thrilled and terrified him.

As if in response to their scrutiny, the symbols began to glow faintly. A low hum filled the air, and the cavern floor shifted beneath their feet.

“Zora, look out!” Dravek called out, grabbing her arm and pulling her close as a section of the floor gave way.

They tumbled together onto a smooth, metallic surface hidden beneath the cavern floor. Zora found herself pressed against Dravek’s broad chest, his arms wrapped protectively around her. For a moment, neither of them moved, their faces mere inches apart.

Zora’s heart raced, and not just from the fall. She could see the conflict in Dravek’s eyes – duty warring with desire. Her gaze dropped to his lips, and for a breathless second, she thought he might kiss her.

“Zora Arison!” Sprig shouted from above, “Are you injured?”

Dravek snapped his head back and cleared his throat, gently disentangling himself from her.

“No, I’m fine,” Zora called up to the robot. “Stay up there, Sprig.”

As they got to their feet, they realized they were standing on some kind of ancient platform. Alien technology surrounded them, pulsing with an inner light that responded to their presence.

“What is this place?” Dravek wondered aloud, his usual composure giving way to awe.

Before Zora could respond, a disembodied voice filled the chamber. “Genetic analysis complete. Xuevisian bloodline detected. Access granted.”

Zora and Dravek exchanged confused glances. “Xuevisian?” Zora repeated. “I’ve never heard of such a people.”

As if in answer to her unspoken questions, holographic displays sprang to life around them. Star charts, complex equations, and images of worlds they didn’t recognize filled the air.

“Welcome, Descendant,” the voice spoke again. “You have returned in our hour of need. The balance must be restored. The Shadowed One must be stopped.”

Zora’s mind reeled with questions. What in the world was that thing talking about?

She turned to Dravek, seeking some sort of reassurance or explanation, but his face was a mask of confusion and concern. In that moment, Zora realized that whatever was happening, whatever secrets this place held, she and Dravek were on their own to figure it out.