Navi’s cheery voice broke through my thoughts. “Good morning, Isla! What would you like to wear for today’s engagements?”
My mind quickly sifted through my wardrobe, settling on a favorite. “The violet flowy gown, please. And the matching stilettos.”
I watched in awe, as I always did, as the room transformed. Robotic arms seamlessly appeared, moving with grace and precision. The sensation of the fabric sliding against my skin, the brush of the robotic hands arranging my hair, and the gentle application of makeup was both comforting and surreal.
Once they were finished, the arms receded, and Navi’s voice returned, now imbued with a touch of pride. “Is this to your satisfaction, Miss Isla?”
Gazing into the 360-degree mirror, I couldn’t help but smile at the stunning image reflected back at me—a confident woman, poised and elegant. The gown hugged my curves perfectly, and the shoes elevated me just right. The violet hue complemented my skin tone, making my eyes and hair color pop. “It’s perfect, Navi. Thank you.”
As I emerged from the RoBo Changing Room, I felt a surge of confidence I hadn’t felt in a while. The cool fabric of the gown whispered against my legs, and my stilettos clicked with purpose on the marble floor.
With each step, I felt more and more grounded, ready to confront the world outside, to face my destiny.
Roman had made himself at home, lounging comfortably in my living area. The large window behind him showcased the dazzling view of the sunrise over the ocean, the perfect backdrop to his silhouette. The deep red of his drink caught the ambient light, shimmering as he took a sip.
As I approached, he turned, and for a moment, the surprise in his eyes was genuine. Then came the whistle. “Well, look at you,” he drawled, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “You clean up pretty good.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his compliment, however backhanded it might have been. “Thank you,” I replied, letting my good mood reach my eyes. I twirled a strand of hair around my finger, playing with it absentmindedly. “But if I’m being honest, I’m not the biggest fan of all this glamour. Give me my lab coat any day.”
His laughter echoed through the room with a genuine warmth I hadn’t expected. “Oh, I’m sure,” he teased, taking another sip of his wine. “But let me guess, when you’re not donning your white coat, you’re lounging around in some old, comfy pajama pants?”
My lips curved into a grin. “You caught me,” I said, playfully pointing a finger at him. “They’re comfortable, cozy, and the perfect outfit for late-night research or just lounging around after a long day.”
He leaned in slightly, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe after all this wedding business, I’ll gift you a pair. Perhaps with some little sharks on them?”
I laughed, the tension from before ebbing away. “You do that, and I might just have to reevaluate this arrangement.”
Roman’s intense gaze met mine as he placed his empty wine glass on the side table. “Ready for the day?”
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I looked down, tracing the intricate patterns made of crystals on my gown. “Do I have a choice?”
Roman’s eyes softened, and he approached me, his steps careful and measured. “Isla, you always have a choice. Remember that.” He paused, his eyes searching mine. “After tomorrow, both you and Ky’rn will be free.”
“I need details, Roman,” I pressed, my fingers tightening around the edge of the ornate table separating us. “You can’t expect me to walk into tomorrow blind.”
Roman’s gaze held a challenge. He seemed to cut right to the core of my intentions. He was a formidable ally, but at times like these, I was reminded that we hailed from our own families, each with our own agendas and loyalties.
How exactly was this going to work if he kept me in the dark on purpose?
He sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “As I said, my team will wait until our ceremony is over. And once Ky’rn is out of the tank, he’ll be escorted straight to them. The scouts will ensure a smooth extraction.”
My frustration bubbled up. “But what’s the plan inside the facility? How do we ensure he’s not caught, or worse, hurt?”
Roman sighed, his shoulders drooping slightly. “What happens tomorrow will largely hinge on your grandfather’s reaction to the revised contract.” He pinned me with an analytical gaze. “Speaking of which, I’ve seen the changes you made. Explain them.”
Swallowing hard, I straightened my back, determined to make my stance clear. “If you’re going to wield power over my legacy, it’s only fair I have a say in yours. A merger ensures that neither of us loses completely, and both of us gain something. Our families remain influential in their areas of expertise, but united, we form a stronger front.”
He seemed to mull over my words, but it was his next question that caught me off-guard. “What about a…new operation?”
My brows knitted. “What are you talking about?”
He leaned in, lowering his voice. “An alien sanctuary. Think about it, Isla. A place for beings like Ky’rn, far from prying eyes and threats. Away from the likes of your grandfather.”
The idea resonated deep within me. Ever since meeting Ky’rn, I’d realized the dangers and prejudices beings like him faced daily. Such a sanctuary could be a true safe haven, both until things settled with the IPA and after. It might take generations for humankind to accept that we were no longer alone in the universe.
My heart raced as the possibilities unfurled.
My eyes searched his for a hint of duplicity, but all I found was sincerity. “How will we ensure its safety? Ensure that what happened to Ky’rn doesn’t happen there?”
