The Call
Arthur leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple as the phone on his desk buzzed. "Yes?" he answered impatiently.
"Mr. Arthur," the scientist from the research department began nervously, "we urgently need your signature for a project approval. It's about the crystal device."
Arthur straightened. "Any progress with it?"
"Not yet, sir," the scientist admitted, "we've tried every method to unlock its properties, but the technology… it's beyond anything we've seen."
Arthur sighed. "Fine. I'll get the document to you shortly."
Looking around the empty office, he realized Edwin wasn't around, and he himself was swamped with work. Then his gaze fell on Aelira's desk outside his office. He smirked. She's been pestering me about the research department. Let's see how curious she really is.
He grabbed the documents and stepped out. "Hey, girl," he called.
Aelira turned, startled. "Yes, boss?"
"Remember last week when you were so eager to visit the research department?" he asked, waving the papers. "Here's your chance. Take these documents to the scientists there. Don't disturb anyone, and don't touch anything. Got it?"
Aelira's eyes lit up. "Really? You mean it?"
"Don't make me regret this," Arthur said, handing her the papers.
---
The Research Department
Aelira entered the research department with wide eyes, marveling at the futuristic equipment and bustling scientists. Earth's technology is primitive compared to ours, but… it's impressive in its own way.
Her assistant, hidden in her pocket, squeaked. "Master, do you sense the signal?"
"No," she whispered, frowning. "It's… gone. The interference is too strong here. I can't even use my powers."
Walking deeper into the lab, she scanned the room until her gaze fell on a glass case containing a familiar glowing object. The device!
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Her heart raced. She approached cautiously, pretending to study her surroundings, and placed the documents on the desk nearby. When no one was looking, she slipped over to the case and inspected it.
The device was surrounded by an electromagnetic field. She reached out tentatively, but a pulse of energy shocked her hand. She bit back a yelp. They've rigged it with radiation barriers. Clever, but not clever enough.
She recalibrated her bracelet, sending a low-frequency pulse to disrupt the field temporarily. The glow flickered, and she snatched the device, replacing it with a weighted decoy box she'd prepared.
Clutching the device tightly, she walked out of the lab with feigned nonchalance. When she reached Arthur's office, she handed over the signed documents and forced a smile.
"All done, boss," she said quickly. "Uh… Nancy called. She needs me urgently. Can I leave early?"
Arthur raised a brow. "Nancy, huh? Nope."
"What?" Aelira blurted.
He smirked. "You're coming with me to Astron's art exhibition."
She hesitated, her mind racing for an excuse, but Arthur grabbed her hand. "No arguments."
---
At the Exhibition
The gallery buzzed with excitement as Arthur and Aelira entered. Luna stood near the entrance, her smile fading when she saw Aelira by Arthur's side.
"Aelira," she said icily, "you must be lost. This is for art enthusiasts."
Arthur interrupted. "She's with me, Luna."
Luna's face darkened, but she forced a smile. "Oh, of course. You two seem… close."
Aelira stepped back, trying to distance herself, but Arthur held onto her hand. "Stay," he said firmly. "You'll enjoy this."
Astron was across the room, engrossed in his paintings, oblivious to the drama unfolding nearby.
Suddenly, Edwin appeared, running to Arthur. He whispered urgently, "Sir, the crystal—it's missing."
Arthur's eyes widened. "What? When?"
"Right after Aelira left the lab," Edwin said quietly, glancing at her.
Aelira overheard, her heart pounding. They noticed already? I need to get out of here.
She slipped her hand into her pocket, where the device should've been, but it was gone. Panic surged through her until she realized she'd slipped it into Arthur's blazer pocket during their walk to the exhibition.
It's safe… for now.
---
The Fire
The calm of the exhibition shattered as smoke filled the air. Alarms blared, and people screamed, scrambling for the exits.
"A fire?" Arthur exclaimed, grabbing Aelira's arm. "We need to get out!"
Aelira's assistant squeaked from her pocket. "Master, Astron is trapped inside!"
"Astron!" she shouted, pushing against the crowd to run back into the burning gallery.
"Aelira, stop!" Arthur called, chasing after her.
Through the smoke and flames, she found Astron coughing near a collapsed beam. Without hesitation, she lifted the debris with sheer determination and dragged him toward safety.
Arthur caught up just as she collapsed near the entrance, gasping for air. "Are you crazy?" he shouted, shaking her.
"There's… someone else," she wheezed, pointing deeper into the fire.
Arthur hesitated but saw the determination in her eyes. "Stay here."
Ignoring her condition, she pushed past him, determined to save everyone she could. But the smoke overwhelmed her, and she collapsed again, unconscious.
---
The Viral Moment
Arthur found her near the center of the inferno. He scooped her up and carried her outside, laying her down on the grass. She wasn't breathing.
"Damn it, Aelira," he muttered, leaning down to give her CPR. As he pressed his lips to hers, a photographer snapped a picture.
She coughed, sputtering awake as Arthur leaned back, relieved. "You're alive," he said softly.
The next day, the media exploded with headlines:
"CEO Saves Employee With Passionate Kiss During Fire Rescue!"
---
The Fallout
Aelira sat in Arthur's office, avoiding his gaze as he paced back and forth. "Do you have any idea how reckless that was?" he demanded.
"I saved lives," she said quietly.
Arthur stopped, looking at her. "You scared the hell out of me."
She glanced up, surprised by the emotion in his voice. Before she could respond, Edwin burst in. "Boss, about the missing crystal…"
Arthur shot him a warning look, silencing him. "Not now, Edwin."
As Edwin left, Aelira shifted uncomfortably. Does he suspect me?
Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're impossible, Aelira."
She smirked faintly. "You're welcome, boss."
Arthur shook his head, but a small smile tugged at his lips as he watched her leave. What is it about her that I can't shake?