Two months had passed since everything had happened. Arabella was slowly recovering from her parents’ death and returning to the normal flow of life. Liv was by her side, making things a little easier. During those two months, they were constantly together, and Arabella didn’t feel lonely. She enjoyed her company, and they had made up for lost time. They studied together.

It was Wednesday evening. They had a very important physics test the next day.
Arabella’s room was a mess. Books, notes, and notebooks were scattered all around them. While studying and chatting, Liv brought up Orion.

– What’s going on with you and Orion now? – she got up from her lying position, put the book down next to her, and sat closer to Arabella.
– Nothing – she just shrugged.
– What do you mean, nothing? – she continued asking curiously.
– Just… nothing. I’ve barely seen him since we got off the rocket.
– I don’t believe it. After everything that happened, you’re saying nothing?
– There was never anything between us.
– You’re still denying it. You literally slept in the same bed, side by side. He was there for you through everything, and now you’re saying there was nothing? Arabella, there’s been something between you two from the very beginning, and there still is. You’re just connected, and anyone can see it – she explained enthusiastically.
– That first part is true, but we don’t know what it meant to him. We all see things differently. And the second part… you’re exaggerating.
– People see these things the same way. They mean the same to everyone… And about that second part – one day, you’ll tell me I was right – she insisted.
– Liv, honestly, there’s no point in telling you some things. We’re enemies. There can’t be anything between us.
– Sweetie, enemies don’t act like that. And I know what I’m talking about – I’ve been watching your relationship from the start. There’s a good, passionate spark between you two.
– You’re so ridiculous – she laughed.
– You don’t see him as an enemy. You’re just using that as an excuse to hide the desire! Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at him!
– How did you uncover my secret! – she replied sarcastically.
– Like I always do!

– Like always!
Liv was right. She knew her to the core and Arabella was well aware of that. There was no hiding it from her.
Arabella turned her focus back to studying, but her friend interrupted again.

– So, what are you planning to do about it? What’s your next move? – she asked again, curiosity and enthusiasm lighting up her face.
– I think... it’s time to sleep – Arabella tried to shut down the questioning.
– It’s not! Are you coming to his meeting tomorrow?
– How do you know about that?
– I was invited.
– You were invited?
– Yeah. I heard he invited a bunch of other creatures too.
– Interesting. Must be something important, then?
– No idea. Anyway, are you coming or not?
– I’m coming.
– Oh, it’s gonna be so interesting then! – Liv lit up with excitement.
– Come on, shut up and sleep – Arabella ordered, smacking her in the head with a pillow.
– Right away! The faster I sleep, the faster the meeting comes – she teased.
– Nothing’s going to happen.
– Oh, we’ll see.
– Don’t you dare try anything – Arabella warned.
– You know I won’t!
– I better know you won’t.

She hit her again. A full-blown pillow fight broke out. Liv jumped in to strike back. At first, they were full of energy, laughing and flailing around the room — but soon, they gave up and collapsed into bed. Things calmed down. Then, they both burst into uncontrollable laughter.
They were happy. Relaxed. And before they knew it, they drifted into a deep sleep.

The next day, after classes, Arabella and Liv headed toward the main building, where the meeting was about to take place. After nailing the physics test, they could finally relax.
But Arabella was tense. Her mind was spinning — all she could think about was Orion. They’d be seeing each other soon.

Liv broke through her thoughts with that usual spark of curiosity.
– Are you excited?!
– About what?

– You’re going to see Orion!
– You’re starting with that again...
Liv just smiled at her.
– I cannot wait to see you two in the same room again!

With that short exchange, they were already standing in front of the massive building. They climbed the steps in silence and made their way to the room where the meeting was scheduled.
Upon entering, they recognized several familiar creatures. They found two empty seats and managed to sit next to each other.

Then, Orion walked in.

With graceful steps, he entered the room and took the main seat at the head of the table directly across from Arabella.
His eyes found hers instantly and lingered there. Her heart was pounding wildly because of those dark eyes.
Strands of his black hair fell across a face glowing with warmth and intensity.

He began the meeting, holding a few sheets of paper in his hands.

– Good afternoon. This meeting has been called for a one special project  that marks a major step forward for our planet – he announced.

His eyes lingered on Arabella as he continued:
– It’s a partnership with a well-known Earth organization NASA, which specializes in space exploration. They wrote to me saying that, for safety reasons, the project will remain classified. It’s a complex operation, as we’ll be transporting certain materials from here to Earth. That won’t be easy, and I’m not entirely sure we’ll be able to pull it off. That’s why we’ve brought together a larger group of beings today, everyone will be assigned different tasks. If we work together, I believe we can make it happen.
– And if all goes well in the end, we’ll attempt to travel to Earth, visit NASA, and conduct further research there.

Silence followed. Everyone in the room looked at him with excitement in their eyes.
Whispers and murmurs began to spread through the crowd, until Orion raised his voice again to continue.

– Any questions?

– I have one! – one of the creatures spoke up with determination.

– Go ahead.

– How did you even come across this project?

– At the beginning of my leadership, I was once walking across our planet when I noticed two groups of strange devices and connectors. Each group had a sheet of paper on top with a message.
I read both messages and followed the instructions written there.

– The first message explained that it came from NASA. They wanted to establish some kind of contact with us. They’d been observing our planet and realized it was inhabited by a very different kind of living beings. They concluded we live somewhat similar lives.
They were curious about us, so they left the devices behind, hoping we’d be able to install them and make contact. That was our first task.
After a few months, I succeeded and they sent back more detailed information.

– The second group of devices was meant to help us all join a video call. That’s our next step. And after that, we’ll have a meeting with them that will guide us through the next procedures.

Silence settled over the room once again.

– Any other questions?

And then, one by one, the others started speaking up. They had questions, thoughts, opinions – and just like that, the meeting went on longer than expected.
The creatures were clearly interested. Ideas were exchanged.

At the very end, Orion added:

– Arabella will be working with me on all major tasks that carry great responsibility. Whether you like it or not.

Everyone turned to look at her, and her heart began racing even faster.
He had said her name again in front of a whole room of beings.
He’d just given her a key role. And she would be working closely with him.
Among all those eyes staring at her, the only gaze she could actually feel was his.
Everything else faded away.

– The meeting is over. You may go – he said, eyes still locked on her.
– Arabella, you stay. I need to check something with you – he added, even though they still weren’t alone.

A fire was now burning inside her.
She watched the others leave, her curiosity growing stronger by the second.
She couldn’t wait to finally be alone with him. She needed to know what he wanted.

Once the room was empty, she slowly walked over to him. He was still gathering the scattered papers on the table.

– What did you need from me, Sir Orion?

– Why so formal? – he looked up from the pile of papers, surprised.

– Just wanted to be sarcastic.

– Ah. I like that – even when it’s sarcastic.

A playful smile spread across his lips.

– Good to know, Sir Orion – she teased, smiling back at him.

– I also like the way you say my name. It sounds amazing. When you say it, it becomes the most special name in the universe.

– How charming of you.

– Isn’t it?! – he raised his eyebrow.

– Come here.

He took her hand, interlacing his fingers with hers. In that moment, their eyes met again. His dark gaze pierced into the core of her being... Or maybe it was just the touch of his hand.

– Whaaat dooo yoouuu waaant? – she mumbled, somehow.

She really shouldn’t have let him see how weak she was to even the smallest gesture.
She had to pull herself together. Regain control.

– Follow me – he said gently, standing up from the chair and lightly pulling her along.

– Where are we going? – she managed to ask, without the stuttering that had exposed her a moment ago.

– Just be quiet.

They moved through the building. He was leading her somewhere, but she couldn’t even guess where.
They slipped quietly through the hallways, their steps light and careful.
A few creatures crossed their path, but they stayed unnoticed.
He still hadn’t let go of her hand.

They kept walking until they reached another building, much larger than the main one.
Its roof was flat, and the entire structure was white.
As they approached, she noticed a panel filled with buttons, built directly into the wall.
Orion pressed a few, and the doors and roof slowly slid open.

She blinked in surprise. Inside stood the same rocket they had traveled in when they went to Scylla.

– A rocket? – she asked, eyebrows raised.
– Yeah. A rocket – he said, confirming it like it was the most normal thing in the world.
– What do we need it for?
– Come on – he pulled her gently with him, stepping into the building.

He let go of her hand and walked over to check the rocket.
She stood still, watching as he moved around it, inspecting it with practiced ease.
After a quick round of checks, he pressed a button to open it.

The hatch slowly came down. Orion began climbing.
She stayed at the bottom, arms crossed, watching him.

Halfway up, he turned back to her and reached out his hand.

– Get in. What are you waiting for? Give me your hand.
– Where are we going? – she asked, taking it.
– You’ll see.
– I don’t want to see. I want to know. Right now.
– Just shut up already. Or do you want me to shut you up myself?

She rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove.

They climbed in.

He ran a few more checks from the inside, moving confidently through the narrow space.
She took a seat across from him, watching his hands as he set everything up.
He was so focused, so in control, it made her nervous — and fascinated.

Silence settled between them.

– So... where are we going? – she asked again, softer this time.
– I told you to be quiet. You’ll see.
– I’m not going to be quiet – she said, leaning toward him just slightly.
– Doesn’t change the fact that I’m still going to ignore you.

He now focused even more on all the rocket’s electronics. She then leaned toward him to get a better look at the electronics in front of them. But he didn’t even pay attention to her. He ignored her while her curiosity grew.
– How do I know nothing will happen to me, considering I’m here with you?
– You entered this rocket on your own – he replied absentmindedly as he controlled the rocket.
– So what. You should have told me where we’re going – she still tried to find out where they were headed.
– Like I said, you’re responsible for yourself.
– Fine... If something happens to me here with you, you better watch my hands!
– Very intimidating! – he teased her.
– And it is.

She went back to her seat and tried to be patient until they reached their destination.

The journey didn’t take long. They arrived faster than she had expected. When the rocket stopped, she still couldn’t figure out where they had landed. She eagerly waited for the door to open so she could find out where they were. Orion pressed the button and the doors began to open.