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

Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

P hase Two of infiltration. Now on her own away from Dravek, the Xuevisian night pulsed with an electric energy that set Zora’s nerves on edge. Everywhere she looked, the festival swirled in a dizzying array of colors and sounds.

Performers twirled in elaborate costumes, their movements fluid and hypnotic. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the sweet aroma of candied fruits. Luminescent lanterns bobbed gently overhead, casting a dreamlike glow over the bustling streets.

Zora’s heart raced, not just from the excitement of the celebration, but from the weight of what was to come. She adjusted her ornate mask, its delicate feathers tickling her cheeks. The disguise felt both liberating and constricting—a perfect metaphor for her current state of mind.

“Remember,” Dravek’s low voice came through the tiny communication device in her ear, “stick to the plan. No unnecessary risks.”

His concern warmed her even as she fought the urge to roll her eyes. “I’ve got this,” she murmured, her lips barely moving as she wove through the crowd. “You just worry about your part.”

As she navigated the throng of revelers, Zora’s mind drifted to the hours of preparation that had led to this moment. The endless strategy sessions, the combat training, the painstaking work of crafting their disguises. But more than that, she thought of the quiet moments—stolen glances with Dravek during meetings, the brush of his hand against hers as they pored over maps, the way his eyes softened when they landed on her.

Shaking off the distraction, Zora focused on her immediate surroundings. The Grand Hall loomed ahead, its imposing architecture a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere. Ornate spires reached toward the star-studded sky, and banners bearing Malgor’s insignia fluttered in the cool night breeze.

A group of dancers whirled past, their movements synchronized in a traditional Xuevisian dance. Zora recognized it from her time with the clan—the Dance of Unity, a celebration of harmony and togetherness. Without hesitation, she joined in, her body falling into the familiar rhythm.

As she twirled and stepped in time with the music, Zora felt a sudden, overwhelming connection to her heritage. This was the dance of her people, passed down through generations. The realization hit her with unexpected force, bringing a lump to her throat. She was not just an outsider here; she was coming home.

Through the spinning forms of the other dancers, Zora caught sight of Dravek. He stood at the edge of the square, his imposing figure unmistakable even in the flamboyant Xuevisian attire they’d chosen for his disguise. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and she saw a flicker of something in his gaze—pride, perhaps, or maybe something deeper.

The dance took her closer to the Grand Hall’s entrance, and Zora seamlessly broke away from the group. She moved with purpose, her steps light but determined. Guards stood at attention by the massive doors, their expressions hidden behind stern masks.

“Time for a little distraction,” Zora whispered, reaching into a hidden pocket of her costume.

She pulled out a small, innocuous-looking seed pod—one of her own creations, a hybrid of Tharvisian and Earth flora. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it toward a nearby fountain. The pod hit the water and burst open, releasing a cloud of luminescent spores.

The effect was immediate and stunning. The spores drifted upward, catching the light and transforming into a dazzling display of color and movement. It looked like the Aurora Borealis had descended to dance among the festival-goers.

Gasps of wonder and delight erupted from the crowd. Even the stoic guards turned their heads, momentarily transfixed by the spectacle.

“Nicely done,” Dravek’s voice came through her earpiece, a hint of admiration coloring his usual stoic tone.

Zora allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction as she slipped past the distracted guards and into the Grand Hall.

“Now, Sprig,” she whispered, “not a single word or beep from you. If anyone hears you, the entire plan could collapse.”

“Oh,” Sprig whispered back, “I’d better shut down then. I don’t want to get too excited and blow your blanket.”

“It’s cover , blow your cover.” Zora rolled her eyes at his failed attempt to speak Earth slang. His language processor was still damaged. “When we get home, remind me to reprogram your Earth language translator.”

The opulent interior took her breath away—soaring ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes, crystal chandeliers that sparkled like a thousand stars, and tapestries that seemed to tell the entire history of Xuevis in woven silk.

But there was no time to admire the decor. Zora moved swiftly, keeping to the shadows as she made her way toward the central chamber where Malgor would soon address the crowd.

As she rounded a corner, a hand suddenly grasped her arm. Zora’s heart leaped into her throat, her body tensing for a fight. But when she turned, she found herself face to face with Dravek.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she hissed even as relief flooded through her. “We’re supposed to maintain our distance.”

Dravek’s eyes, visible through the slits of his mask, were intense. “I saw a patrol entering behind you. We need to move.”

Before Zora could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor. Panic flared in her chest, but Dravek’s steady presence kept her grounded.

“Follow my lead,” he whispered, pulling her close.

In one fluid motion, Dravek spun Zora into an alcove, pressing her against the wall. His body shielded her from view. Zora could feel the rapid beat of Dravek’s heart matching her own frantic pulse.

The patrol passed by, their boots clicking against the polished floor. Zora held her breath, aware of every point of contact between her body and Dravek’s. His warmth seeped through the layers of their costumes, and she found herself fighting the urge to lean into him further.

When the sound of footsteps faded, Dravek stepped back, his movements reluctant. “That was close,” he murmured, his voice husky.

Zora nodded, not trusting herself to speak. The tension between them was palpable, charged with unspoken emotions and the thrill of shared danger.

A burst of static in their earpieces broke the moment. “Zora, Dravek, status report” came Ylara’s voice, tinged with concern.

Zora cleared her throat. “Dravek has joined me. We’re in position. Proceeding to phase three.”

“Understood. Be careful, both of you.”

As they made their way deeper into the Grand Hall, Zora’s mind raced with the details of their plan. They needed to reach the central communication hub where they could broadcast the evidence of Malgor’s crimes to the entire planet.

The corridors became more crowded as they neared the main chamber. Nobles and dignitaries in elaborate costumes milled about, their excited chatter filling the air. Zora and Dravek blended in seamlessly, their disguises holding up under scrutiny.

Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the hall. “Esteemed guests, please make your way to the Grand Chamber. Lord Malgor will address us shortly.”

The crowd began to move, and Zora felt a surge of anxiety. They were running out of time.

“This way,” Dravek murmured, guiding her toward a side passage with a gentle hand on her lower back.

They slipped away from the main group, ducking into a dimly lit corridor. Zora’s heart pounded as they approached a heavily guarded door—the entrance to the communication hub. According to the intel they had, this room wasn’t supposed to be guarded. So much for reliability.

“Any ideas?” Dravek asked, his voice low.

Zora’s mind raced. They couldn’t fight their way through without raising an alarm. Then, an idea struck her.

“Actually, yes,” she said. “How’s your acting?”

Before Dravek could respond, Zora stumbled forward, letting out a high-pitched giggle. She swayed on her feet, playing the part of an intoxicated party-goer to perfection.

“Oh, darling!” she called out to Dravek, her voice slurred. “I think I’ve had too much of that lovely Xuevisian wine. Everything’s spinning!”

Dravek, catching on quickly, rushed to her side. “My dear, you must be more careful,” he said, his usually stern voice now filled with exaggerated concern.

The guards exchanged glances, their postures relaxing slightly at the seemingly harmless scene before them.

Zora lurched toward the door, Dravek supporting her. “Is this the way to the chamber?” she asked innocently, blinking up at the guards.

One of the guards stepped forward, his hand raised. “I’m sorry, but this area is off-limits?—”

He never finished his sentence. Quick as lightning, Zora’s hand shot out, pressing a small device against his neck. A soft hiss, and the guard crumpled to the ground. Dravek moved simultaneously, subduing the second guard with a swift, precise strike.