Page 12 of Real Scale Blazer
“The land is dying,” Kai said quietly, and the pain in his voice drew her attention back to him. He stood at the edge of theplatform, his profile sharp against the alien sky. “The tremors grow worse each day. The very foundation of Nova Aurora is becoming unstable.”
As if to emphasize his point, a low rumble shook the platform. Quinn’s instruments beeped urgently in her bag. She pulled out her compact seismometer, eyes widening at the readings.
“These energy signatures...” she shook her head, “they’re like nothing I’ve ever seen. The wavelength patterns are almost... musical?”
“The land sings,” Kai said, moving closer to look at her readings. His proximity sent a different kind of tremor through her, one her instruments couldn’t measure. “But lately, the song has become discordant. That’s why we need you.”
“Me specifically?” She looked up at him, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. “Or just any geologist?”
His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the intensity in them stole her breath more effectively than any alien atmosphere. “There’s nothing ‘just’ about you, Quinn.”
Before she could process that statement, another tremor shook the platform, stronger this time. Quinn stumbled, and Kai’s hands shot out to steady her. The moment his skin touched hers, a spark of energy jolted between them like static electricity but warmer, deeper.
“What was that?” she demanded, pulling back.
“What waswhat?” But his innocently arched eyebrow told her he’d felt it too.
“Never mind,” she muttered, turning back to her readings. “So, tell me more about these tremors. When did they start? Have you mapped the frequency patterns? What about?—”
“Perhaps,” he interrupted smoothly, “we should continue this discussion somewhere more comfortable. Your quartershave been prepared, and I believe the walls are eager to meet you.”
NINE
“I’m sorry, the walls are what, now?”
His only response was that ghost of a smile again as he gestured for her to follow him back along the crystal path. As they walked, Quinn found her gaze drawn to his profile more often than she’d like to admit. He moved with a fluid grace that seemed at odds with his imposing size, and there was something compelling about the way he carried himself—regal without being arrogant, powerful without being overbearing.
She needed to focus on the geological mysteries, not the way his presence made her pulse quicken. She was here to solve a scientific puzzle, not to get tangled up in whatever game Gerri was playing with her matchmaking schemes.
But as they approached what appeared to be a palace carved from living crystal, Quinn couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d stumbled into something much bigger than a simple geological consultation. And judging by the way Kai’s eyes kept finding hers, he knew it too.
The real question was: what had she gotten herself into?
The palace corridors seemed to breathe around them, walls pulsing with soft light that followed their movements. Quinn’s scientific mind itched to understand the mechanics behind it all—the crystalline structure, the responsive lighting, the way the very air seemed charged with energy she couldn’t quite explain.
“The palace is sentient,” Kai said, watching her examine the walls. “It adapts to those within it, learning their preferences and needs.”
“Sentient architecture?” Quinn reached out to touch the nearest wall. The surface was cool and smooth beneath her fingers, and she could have sworn she felt a gentle vibration, almost like a purr. “How does it?—”
“Welcome, Samara Quinn,” a disembodied voice announced, making her jump. “Your quarters have been calibrated to Earth-standard atmospheric conditions with adjustments for optimal comfort.”
“Are you... talking to me?” She spun around, searching for speakers.
“I am the quarters’ integrated assistance system. I am here to serve.” A pause, then: “Your primitive Earth attire has been detected. Would you like recommendations for a wardrobe upgrade?”
Heat crept up her neck as Kai unsuccessfully tried to hide his amusement. “Hey, this attire got me through glaciers. It’s hardly primitive.”
“Previous terrain compatibility noted,” the AI responded primly. “However, Nova Auroran designs offer superior thermal regulation and aesthetic appeal. The wardrobe interface is to your left.”
“The AI can be... opinionated,” Kai said diplomatically. “But it means well.”
“Of course, it does,” Quinn muttered, then caught herself. “Wait, did you say ‘it’? Should I be using different pronouns for your sentient palace?”
This time Kai did laugh, a rich sound that seemed to resonate through the crystalline walls. “The palace’s consciousness isn’tquite analogous to gender as you understand it. It’s more of a collective awareness.”
“Right. Collective awareness. Sure.” Quinn ran a hand through her hair. “Any other casual revelations about your magical alien palace I should know about? Does the furniture talk too?”
“Only the chairs,” he deadpanned.