Chapter 12

Taryn’s heart raced as she walked down the hallway, flanked by her two new friends Mara and Olivia. Their elegant dresses were creations of the wardrobe machine, which had taken their measurements and produced the stunning garments they now wore.

Taryn’s dress was a deep yellow, complementing her skin tone with delicate silver accents that shimmered in the light. She fidgeted with excitement as she felt the soft fabric against her skin. Mara’s dress was a pastel pink, giving her an angelic quality, while Olivia’s vibrant green dress brought out the warmth in her complexion.

The three women exchanged compliments and laughter as they made their way to the transport that would take them to the celebration hall. Taryn’s heart raced with eagerness—this was her chance to experience Naar’s culture and meet eligible males in a controlled environment.

The sleek, futuristic transport glided smoothly along the paths of Naar, impressing Taryn with its advanced technology. As they arrived at the celebration hall, Taryn gasped in awe. The exterior was adorned with iridescent panels that created a mesmerizing display of colors.

Inside, the hall surpassed all expectations. The ceiling soared above them, glowing with patterns and designs that seemed to come from another world. The walls were lined with large windows that offered breathtaking views of the landscape outside.

As they made their way through the grand entrance, Taryn marveled at the intricate designs etched into the polished floor beneath her feet. The space was filled with elegant seating areas, each one adorned with plush cushions and vibrant fabrics.

Tables were set with an array of exotic Naar delicacies, filling the air with enticing aromas. Taryn took in the scene, overwhelmed by the beauty and lavishness surrounding her.

She soon noticed that the hall was filled not only with female Synthari but also with eligible males, all dressed in attire that reflected Naar’s elegance and sophistication. Nervousness filled Taryn. Would they be accepted or seen as outsiders?

But before she could dwell on it, the Earth women began to mingle with the males, the sound of conversations and clinking glasses filling the air. A group of musicians played a beautiful, melodic tune on the stage, adding a touch of magic to the evening.

Taryn’s gaze roamed around the celebration hall, taking in the vibrant colors and intricate decorations. Her gaze landed on Losax, a tall and imposing figure dressed in traditional Synthari garments. She recognized it from the book she’d read on the ship.

Her gaze locked with his briefly, sending a thrill of anticipation through Taryn’s body. She turned to her friends Mara and Olivia, who also admired the hall with wide-eyed wonder. They had made a pact to stick together throughout the night and support each other as they navigated their first celebration on Naar. But now that they were here, she wasn’t sure they’d be able to stick to that plan.

Taryn’s heart swelled with delight and hope as she thought about all the possibilities this evening held. It was a chance for her to fully immerse herself in the culture of her new home and perhaps make some meaningful connections along the way. She couldn’t wait to see what the night had in store for her.

* * *

From across the room, Losax watched Taryn with a mix of anticipation and protectiveness. Several male suitors surrounded her, but he could tell she wasn’t interested in any of them. As their gazes met, his heart raced with nervousness and curiosity.

However, he knew he had to approach her carefully; he had not yet revealed to anyone that she was his true mate, and he feared overwhelming her and his people by revealing too much too soon.

He had been admiring her from afar all evening, but now it was time to make his move. Finally, he made his way through the crowd towards her table. As he got closer, he noticed that she had barely touched her plate of food.

“May I join you?” he asked.

Taryn looked up at him in surprise but quickly composed herself and gestured for him to sit across from her. “Of course, please do,” she replied.

He placed two plates of Naar delicacies on the table, each carefully selected for its flavor and cultural significance.

“I noticed you haven’t eaten much,” he stated. “I thought I could offer you some of the best dishes on our planet.”

As they ate and talked, Losax admired Taryn’s intelligence and curiosity. She was bold enough to try new things and offered interesting insights about each dish.

“This one reminds me of a citrus fruit from Earth called an orange,” she commented after tasting a morsel he found to be sweet and tangy. “And this one has a smoky flavor similar to grilled meat.”

Losax nodded in agreement, pleased that she was enjoying the food. “You have a discerning palate,” he remarked, impressed by her observations.

As they finished their meal, Losax contemplated his next move. He knew he needed to be direct with Taryn, even though he risked scaring her off. The connection he felt with her was undeniable, and he couldn’t ignore it any longer.

“Taryn,” he began, his tone serious yet gentle. “The reason I came over tonight is because I want to see if we are compatible as mates.”

He watched as Taryn processed his words, her expression thoughtful. He could sense her surprise and uncertainty, but he also saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes.

“I understand this is a lot to take in, and I want you to know that I’m not rushing you,” he continued, hoping to reassure her. “But I can’t ignore the connection I felt when we met. I believe there is something special between us, and I would like to explore that possibility.”

Taryn took a moment to gather her thoughts before meeting his gaze. “I appreciate your honesty,” she said” “I’m open to exploring the attraction between the two of us.”

Losax felt a surge of relief washed over him. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “That means a lot to me.”

Even as he said the words, he had to bite his tongue to keep from saying more. Attraction was too light of a word to describe what was to come if his suspicions were correct.

As they talked, he noticed the way her eyes sparkled in the moonlight and how her smile reached in a way that caused indentation in her cheeks. A sense of calm washed over him. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but he was excited to explore the potential for a meaningful connection with Taryn.