When it seemed Zara was completely losing control, Elio finally spoke:
"We still have a mission," his voice was soft but firm. "There's another Artromus waiting in the next deposit."
And then, as if deliberately wanting to provoke her anger more, he added: "And I would prefer to face it alone."
♢♢♢♢
Elio silenced her in the only way that occurred to him: leaning forward, he pressed his lips against hers.
The shock was immediate and total.
The electricity vanished instantly while Zara remained completely still.
Around them, their companions suddenly found the tunnel walls fascinating, turning to give some privacy to the moment.
All except Lila, whose eyes remained fixed on the scene, a complex mixture of emotions crossing her face.
Time seemed to stop in that instant, the world reducing to that single point of contact where unresolved tension finally found its expression.
