Page 17 of Alien Prince (Alien Abductions and Seductions #1)
Chapter 3
Departure for Xeno Prime
The departure hall was alive with motion and sound, a whirl of color and energy that felt both chaotic and mesmerizing. Towering spacecraft, their metallic bodies adorned with luminescent patterns, cast shimmering reflections across the hall as the setting sun bathed everything in rich, golden light. The air was charged with the sharp, electric scent of ionized particles.
I stood at the gate, my pulse quickening in sync with the rumbling engines of the ships docking nearby. Friends, families, and colleagues clustered around, their voices forming a comforting hum. It felt surreal knowing I’d soon be leaving all this behind.
Suddenly, warm arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. Elena’s familiar scent, a mix of lavender and something uniquely her, surrounded me, and I leaned into the softness of her scarf, letting myself feel the moment. Elena has been with my mother for years now, truly a second mother.
“You’re going to do amazing things, Maisie,” she whispered, her voice a blend of pride and a hint of worry that she couldn’t quite hide.
I could feel my throat tighten as I smiled, blinking back a tear that slipped free before I could stop it. “I’ll come back with stories you won’t believe,” I promised, my voice steady, even though a storm of emotions churned beneath my calm.
Elena held my hands in hers, squeezing once more before stepping back, and I turned to see my mother approaching. Mom’s expression was a mix of excitement and concern, while her steady gaze radiated quiet encouragement.
Mom reached out, brushing a strand of hair back from my face with that gentle, familiar touch. “Just remember, Maisie—stay safe and trust your instincts,” she said softly, her eyes searching mine as if trying to memorize every detail.
“I will, Mom. I promise,” I replied, squeezing her hand.
“Your mom and I, we’re all here cheering for you,” Elena said, her voice roughened with emotion she tried to keep in check.
I held their hands for a moment, feeling the strength in it, then released them with a final smile. I could feel their love and support wrapping around me as I turned and made my way toward the spacecraft.
As I approached, the ship loomed large, its doors sliding open with a sleek, silent elegance. The interior was stunning—holographic controls flickered with soft glows, casting an otherworldly light across the ergonomic seating and futuristic design. I ran my fingers over the smooth control panels as I passed, a shiver of excitement mingling with the familiar sense of wonder. I.R.M.A. had outdone themselves with this technology—it felt simultaneously advanced and strangely comforting.
I settled into my seat, letting the cushion mold to my body, supporting me as the hum of the engines grew louder, filling the cabin with a gentle, powerful vibration. The clean scent of the ship’s interior blended with the faint aroma of synthetic air, creating an oddly sterile but soothing atmosphere.
The captain’s voice crackled through the intercom. “Prepare for departure in T-minus ten seconds.”
I closed my eyes, breathing in slowly, savoring the anticipation that tingled through my veins. This was it. As the engines powered up, I felt the surge of acceleration pull me back against the seat, and when I opened my eyes, Earth was already receding, shrinking into a distant, shimmering blue sphere.
The stars came into focus—thousands of them, like scattered diamonds across the endless stretch of velvet darkness. The ship’s soft vibrations were a comforting beat beneath my feet, a reminder that I was already on my way. My heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nerves, and I let it fuel me. There were so many unknowns waiting on Xeno Prime, so many discoveries to make.