Page 25 of Alien Prince (Alien Abductions and Seductions #1)
Chapter 11
A Playful Escape
The palace grounds were alive with vibrant energy, transformed into a lively arena for the intergalactic festival. Twinkling lights hung from every tree branch, casting a glow over the bustling crowd, and as I wove through the throngs of people, the scent of sizzling delicacies and sweet, alien confections filled the air, tantalizing my senses. It was impossible not to feel swept up in the excitement.
Beside me, Ryler’s laughter was infectious, his carefree energy making the atmosphere even brighter. We’d found ourselves in the heart of a bustling marketplace, stalls filled with colorful fabrics brushing against our fingers as we wandered past. Every vendor had something unique on display—artifacts, jewelry, and strange trinkets from all corners of the galaxy, each more fascinating than the last.
Ryler’s smile widened as he caught sight of a nearby stall adorned with shimmering gemstones that seemed to pulse with energy. “Come on, Maisie! Let’s try something new,” he urged, his lilac eyes twinkling with excitement.
I laughed, falling right into his lighthearted rhythm. “I don’t know what I’m looking for, but I’m willing to follow your lead.”
He picked up a small, iridescent stone from the display, holding it up to the festival lights. “These are mood stones—they change color based on your emotions. Let’s see yours!” he said, placing the stone in my palm.
The stone was cool and smooth against my skin, and as I focused, it began to glow a soft blue, matching the calm happiness I felt in that moment. I couldn’t help but smile, marveling at the way it reflected my mood back at me. “They’re incredible,” I said, turning the stone over in my hand. The sensation of holding something so unique added a layer of enchantment to the night.
Ryler chuckled, clearly amused by my reaction. “Let’s find one that matches your adventurous spirit.” He picked out another stone and held it up, and this one flickered into a vibrant orange, almost like a flame.
I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement. “I guess that means I’m ready for anything tonight.”
Our laughter blended seamlessly with the sounds of the festival around us. Ryler’s enthusiasm was irresistible, and I let him lead me to a nearby game booth where holographic targets floated in the air, each one reacting to a successful hit with bursts of light and sound.
“Let’s see who’s better at this,” he challenged, his competitive spirit shining through.
“You’re on!” I replied, grabbing the holographic controls and aiming for the first target. The feel of the controls beneath my fingers and the satisfying vibrations with each successful hit made the game exhilarating. My heart raced, a mix of concentration and adrenaline as I watched each target light up.
Ryler’s cheers were genuine, and his laughter was warm and encouraging. “Nice shot! You’re a natural, Maisie!”
As we played, each hit and miss, each playful taunt and cheer, brought us closer. I could feel the tension of the past days lifting, replaced by the pure joy of the moment. We moved from stall to stall, sampling exotic foods and laughing; intrigued by the various gadgets and keepsakes the vendors displayed. The festival lights and laughter wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, providing a much-needed escape.
Under the open sky, surrounded by the warm glow of lights and the excited chatter of the crowd, I felt something powerful—a sense of belonging. Holding Ryler’s hand as we navigated the vibrant festivities made everything feel more connected, as if the threads of our lives were weaving tighter with each passing moment.
When the final fireworks lit up the night, Ryler and I stood side by side, watching the brilliant colors explode across the sky. The warmth of the display lingered on my skin, and I could feel the energy in the air around us.
“Thank you for tonight,” I said softly, turning to Ryler with genuine gratitude. “I needed this.”
His smile was gentle, his gaze warm. “Anytime, Maisie. We need moments like these to remind us what we’re fighting for.”