A World Unveiled

Myles groaned as he stirred awake."Where... am I?"

Confusion clouded his mind as he scanned the room. It resembled the one inside the egg vehicle, yet several differences stood out. A larger mech stood gleaming in the corner, its metallic frame catching soft light. The floor beneath him was polished wood, and the walls were adorned with delicate paper panels, giving the room a refined, traditional elegance. A subtle earthy, jungle-like scent lingered in the air—foreign yet oddly soothing. The temperature was perfect: cool enough to relax him, warm enough to feel safe.

Weird, he thought. Everything feels too perfect. Like it was made for me.

As he shifted to rise, a familiar fragrance halted him. A soft, floral aroma floated in, announcing her presence even before she stepped through an opening in the wall.

Lia entered, framed by soft light.She was breathtaking.

Her tall, statuesque figure radiated poise and strength. Smooth, rich brown skin contrasted beautifully with the flowing white flare dress that danced with her every step. Silver accessories glinted subtly in the light, and a brown sash tied neatly at her waist accentuated her form. Platform sandals lent a graceful rhythm to her movements.

Her hair, now untied, fell in soft waves past her shoulders, catching the light as if each strand had been touched by the sun. Myles could only stare, lips parted slightly, overwhelmed.

Then she spoke.

"You know—" she began, hesitating. A faint blush touched her cheeks as she turned away. "You're naked."

Myles blinked, then looked down.

"Oh—!" he exclaimed, scrambling to pull the blanket over himself, flustered beyond words.

Lia, composed despite her pink-tinged cheeks, backed toward the wall. As she exited, the opening behind her sealed silently.

Still reeling, Myles exhaled. His mind drifted to the way her dress flowed, the way the light clung to her hair. Warmth stirred in his chest, and he shook his head. "No distractions," he muttered. "First, find a bathroom."

After freshening up, he returned to where Lia had exited. With a moment's hesitation, he knocked gently on the wall.

The panel slid open instantly—just as Lia was about to come through. They collided, tumbling to the ground together.

For a moment, neither moved.

Their eyes locked. Myles' breath caught in his throat. Her scent, her warmth—it surrounded him.

"So…" he said softly, trying not to sound as breathless as he felt, "where are we going?"

Lia smiled. There was something unreadable in her expression—tender but distant. She leaned in slowly, their faces inches apart. Myles' heart pounded.

"I want to show you my world," she whispered.

But before he could respond, she pulled back, rising to her feet. He blinked away the rush of emotion, hiding his disappointment behind a crooked smile. She offered her hand. He took it.

"How is she this strong and this cute?" he murmured under his breath.

They arrived at a smaller vessel—sleek and refined, much like the one he'd arrived in, but more intimate. Its transparent walls offered a seamless, panoramic view of the landscape outside, giving it an almost dreamlike quality.

As the ship ascended, Myles tensed. Flying hadn't exactly left good memories. He gripped the seat subtly, trying to steady himself.

Lia noticed. Without a word, she slid beside him, wrapping her arms around his. Her head rested gently on his shoulder.

"What are you so tense about, cutie?" she teased, her voice light.

Myles blinked, then smiled. "Nothing."