Nicholas watched everything around him with fascination, amazed at the ship and the technology that surrounded him. Zara, however, felt a tightness in her chest. The possibility of being captured by Merko haunted her. The captain, in the service of counselor Mirov, inspired distrust in her and the team. But it wasn't just fear that Zara felt. Nicholas' beauty and goodness attracted her more and more. Taking him safely to planet Life, fulfilling the orders of the king and counselor Kenan, was her greatest desire, but now it mingled with a new and intense feeling: love.

Zara had always been focused on her missions. She had studied every detail about Nicholas - his records, the strength of his "N" lymphocytes -, watching him from the planet Life. She admired his intelligence and now, having him there, so close, was the fulfillment of a dream. She knew he had never had a girlfriend. He was lost in scientific explanations about the stars when trying to talk to girls and he had still his shyness.

Zara also had difficulty connecting with the men on her planet. Her ability to read minds and hearts made her dismiss the superficiality of the majority. In a way, she and Nicholas were soulmates, despite being so different.

Suddenly, a warning on the ship Science made everyone pay attention.

"Commander, Star Hunter is already on Earth!" Drako reported, after contacting counselor Kenan. "Merko and his men are in Los Angeles, looking for the boy."

Sivoc frowned.

"He will find us sooner or later. We need to find another place to hide, somewhere that doesn't raise suspicion. Hiding the ship will be impossible."

The news of the imminent danger made Zara's heart trigger. Fear traveled her body as a shock, making her break into a cold sweat. Her fingertips tingled, and she seemed to be suffocating. Nicholas, realizing Zara's sudden pallor, wrapped her in protective hug. His affection calmed her. Gradually, panic gave way to an adrenaline discharge. She, with a slight tremor in her hands, forced a smile.

"What happened to you?" Nick asked, worried.

"An anxiety crisis," she replied as she recovered her breath. "Knowing that Merko is close... He's relentless."

"Here on Earth people also have anxiety crisis," Nicholas commented. "I thought these problems no longer existed in future."

"The human mind is complex, Nick," Zara explained. "Emotions, conflicts... We all have to deal with it, even in the future. We have medications in the ship, but the best medicine is still learning to control our minds."

While the other crewmembers walked away, Zara decided to tell the truth to Nicholas.

"Nick, I approached you with a mission: to seduce you." The words came out difficult, full of guilt. "I studied all about you, your preferences, your tastes... But I really fell in love."

"Why didn't you tell me?" He stared at her, incredulously.

"We needed you to come with us. Princess Isadora... She needs you."

"You could have made a clone, collected my marrow..." Nicholas felt betrayed.

"There is no time for risks, Nick."

"I was just a mission for you?" The disappointment was evident in his voice.

"No, Nick!" Zara held his hands; a pleading look in her face. "I risked everything for you, put the princess's life in the background. I love you!"

"I don't know if I can believe it..."

"I know I was wrong, but a life was at stake, a child's life! Forgive me, Nick. I love you and I will do everything to make you happy."

Nicholas, confused, looked at Zara. He struggled with love and hurt inside him. He also remembered her true form. He looked at his enigmatic bracelet. He thought of his absent father. There were so many mysteries. How to create a bridge that united the two lovers? But among so many conflicts, his heart spoke louder.

"Zara, I... I still love you. Even after all."

"Nick..." Zara approached, her eyes shining. For a moment, she almost kissed him, but remembered that they were in the command room.

"I'm going with you, Zara. I will help save the princess." He declared, decided.

The fear of losing her propelled him. Finding her was like finding a rare star amid the immensity of the universe, and now the idea of separating from her was unbearable.

"But you'll come back with me later, won't you?" Nicholas sought her gaze, his hand shaking on hers.

Zara hesitated. "My parents died and I miss them a lot. I no longer have relatives on my planet, but I have my life, my work..."

"I also have a life, Zara." His eyes filled with tears. "Come back with me. Be part of my life."

Zara observed the sea animals swimming across the transparent wall of the spaceship, thoughtfully. A smile sprouted on his lips.

"I will think about it with care, Nick."

"Is this a yes?" He stared at her, hopefull.

Zara confirmed with a nod and a shy smile, her heart full of hope.

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Read #TheDeathMoon by #ChaieneSantos chaienesantoswriter