Savannah

Ithought I was prepared for Teloril. Tons of research, countless simulations—I was ready to tackle hyperjumps like a pro.

But nothing, and I mean nothing, could"ve prepared me for Ryon.

My chest tightened as I took in his avian features—the sharp, curved beak and those striking golden eyes. Taloned fingers, wings tucked neatly behind him.

Yet, his broad shoulders and confident stance screamed masculinity, making my heart do a weird little flip. Even in his understated gray suit, vented in the back for his wings, he looked... strangely handsome.

Ryon extended a wing, almost apologetically. "I'm afraid Bhelenia Lukrok has been delayed by a business matter. The initial family meeting will have to wait."

I shrugged, smirking. "Weddings and family drama go hand in hand, in my experience."

A low chuckle rumbled from his throat. "Ah, I can certainly relate to that." His eyes crinkled with amusement. "In the meantime, how about I be your tour guide? Vorinax City has plenty to offer."

"Lead the way." I couldn't resist the spark of curiosity ignited by this charming alien.

Stepping out of the bustling spaceport, I gasped. Vorinax City was like something out of a sci-fi dream. Towering spires of gleaming metal, translucent domes stretching towards the sky, streams of hovercrafts zipping through the air. Below, pedestrians navigated a maze of walkways and canals. It was breathtaking.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Ryon's gaze followed mine, pride evident as his feathers ruffled. "Vorinax blends the latest technological marvels with the natural beauty of our world."

He gestured towards a sleek silver pod hovering nearby. "Shall we? The transit system offers an unparalleled view of the city."

I eyed the spherical vessel dubiously. "You're sure it's safe?"

His feathers ruffled in amusement. "Perfectly. Though I understand if a human finds the experience... unsettling at first."

Challenge accepted. I squared my shoulders and strode forward. "Just try to keep up, featherboy."

The pod's curved doorway dilated as we approached. Inside, plush benches molded themselves to our forms. I jumped as the door sealed shut, encasing us in a transparent bubble.

Ryon's eyes danced with amusement. "Don't worry, I'll guide you through your first flight."

With a subtle wave of his hand, the pod hummed to life and drifted upwards. My stomach did a somersault as we ascended above the walkways, buildings shrinking below us. I gripped the armrests, knuckles white.

"Easy now," Ryon murmured, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. "Take a deep breath and look around."

I forced myself to follow his advice. As the pod leveled out, gliding effortlessly through the airborne streams of traffic, the sprawling vista of Vorinax unfurled before me. Crystalline towers soared majestically, their prismatic facades refracting the golden sunlight. Lush suspended gardens adorned the skyways, waterfalls cascading from their lush bowers.

"It's... incredible," I breathed, wonder replacing my initial trepidation. "Like something out of a dream."

Ryon's warm chuckle enveloped me. "You should see it at night when the city glows with bioluminescent grandeur." His gaze lingered on me. "Though I must admit, the true spectacle is watching your reaction."

Heat crept into my cheeks at his words, my pulse quickening. Focus, Savannah. I tore my eyes away, drinking in the architectural marvels as potential wedding venues. That domed pavilion surrounded by floating gardens could host a breathtaking ceremony. The grand plaza with its shimmering fountains would be perfect for a reception...

My mind whirred, professional instincts taking over as inspiration blossomed within me. This city was a masterpiece waiting to be transformed into the most exquisite backdrop for eternal vows.

"Since you're our esteemed guest, allow me to give you the grand tour." Ryon's feathers puffed out with theatrical flair as the transit pod glided past a colossal crystalline spire.

"Behold, Heaven's Needle! Legend says it was formed eons ago when a star fell and pierced the heart of Vorinax." His voice took on a conspiratorial tone. "Though some claim it's an ancient artifact left behind by the gods themselves."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet intrigued by his showmanship. Ryon simply winked, reveling in my reaction.

I raised an eyebrow, more amused than skeptical by his over-the-top theatrics. Ryon just winked, clearly getting a kick out of my reaction.

Then, he pointed to this massive dome, its panels shimmering like a kaleidoscope on steroids. "The Prismatic Pavilion, where the brainiacs gather to unlock the universe's secrets. Though rumor has it, it's haunted by the ghost of some mad scientist who messed around with trans-dimensional experiments..."

A delighted shiver ran down my spine. This place was straight out of a storybook, equal parts whimsical and wondrous.

The transit pod banked gently, giving us a view of these towering arches wrapped in flowering vines. "Ah, the Verdant Archways—a classic lovers" lane. Many a romance has bloomed under those trellises."

He shot me a teasing look. "Don't tell me you humans have forgotten how to woo?"

I scoffed, trying not to rise to the bait. "We're professionals, remember? All business."

Yet, a traitorous part of me couldn't help but sneak glances at the handsome being beside me. Damn that charming smile of his.

Ryon's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper as we neared a majestic palace crowned with spiraling minarets. "They call it the Citadel, seat of the High Council. But few know about the secret underground chambers where..."

He paused dramatically, then broke into a rakish grin. "Well, perhaps I've said too much already."

I rolled my eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at my lips. Despite his obvious embellishments, Ryon's tale spun visions of mythic grandeur in my mind. I found myself swept up in the romance of this extraordinary place, my creative instincts stirring.

Ryon leaned closer. "You're picturing the wedding now, aren't you? Imagining how these marvels would be the perfect backdrop?"

My cheeks heated at his accurate guess. "Maybe a little," I admitted with a sheepish grin. "Though your wild stories aren't helping me focus on logistics."

Ryon chuckled, not even pretending to be sorry. "Where's the fun in that?"

Before I could ask about the next landmark, my gaze was drawn to a breathtaking sight—a sprawling garden suspended by glimmering cables, lush foliage spilling over the sides in cascades of emerald and fuchsia blooms. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the meandering pathways below.

"Those are the Hanging Gardens," Ryon murmured, his voice softer than before.

I craned my neck, trying to take in the full majesty of the floating paradise. "It"s breathtaking," I murmured, my gaze inevitably drawn back to Ryon.

For a heartbeat, our eyes met, and I found myself captivated by the intensity of his stare. There was something in those alien eyes, something that hinted at depths I couldn"t begin to fathom.

Heat crept into my cheeks, and I quickly averted my gaze, suddenly self-conscious. What was I thinking, trying to decipher the expressions of an alien species?

And yet, a part of me couldn"t shake the feeling that there was more to Ryon than met the eye. Perhaps it was the way he carried himself or the spark of mischief that seemed to dance in his eyes as he spun his tales.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I turned back to the floating gardens, determined not to let my imagination run wild.

"Can we go inside?" I asked, gesturing towards the verdant oasis. "I"d love to see it up close."

"As my lady wishes."