The Bigshot's Superstar Wife - Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Look Around

They reached the clearing just as the twin moons climbed higher into the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape.

Twin moons… I’ve always wanted to land on Jupiter before because it has several moons and I wonder what it would look like watching from below. Now, I see two…

The clearing was bordered by towering trees whose glowing branches swayed gently in the breeze, creating a mesmerizing light show.

A crystal-clear stream ran through the middle, its waters shimmering like molten silver. Everything here just feels magical and unreal to me.

Mors dropped his pack near a large, flat stone and began unpacking their gear. “This should be a good spot for the night.”

“Is it?”

“The stream’s clean, and the area’s defensible if anything decides to pay us an unwelcome visit.”

Athena looked around, taking in the serene beauty of the place. Despite the alien terrain, it felt oddly peaceful. “Do you think we’ll be safe here?”

Mors glanced at her as he set up a small, portable energy barrier around the clearing. “Safe enough.”

“Can we really sleep peacefully this time?”

“The barrier will alert us to anything approaching, and I doubt anything too dangerous lurks this close to the outer forest.”

Athena nodded and set about helping him.

They worked together in comfortable silence, setting up a small camp with lightweight chairs, a collapsible table, and a compact heat generator that served as both a cooking station and a light source.

As the heat generator cast a warm glow over the camp, Mors handed Athena a ration pack. “Not exactly a feast, but it’s better than nothing.”

Athena took it with a small smile. “I think I’ve earned a bit of bland food after everything we’ve been through.”

They sat by the stream as they ate, the soft hum of the forest around them blending with the gentle burble of water.

Athena couldn’t help but relax, and the atmosphere was soothing after the chaos of the past weeks.

“You know,” she said, breaking the silence, “I’ve never been anywhere like this before. It’s… otherworldly.”

Mors leaned back, resting on his elbows as he gazed at the glowing canopy overhead.

“There are a lot of places like this scattered across the galaxy. Some even more breathtaking. You just have to know where to look.”

Athena turned to him, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Do you travel often? Outside of military missions, I mean.”

Mors’s expression softened as he glanced at her. “Not as much as I’d like. Duty tends to keep me grounded. But places like this… they remind you why the fight is worth it.”

She studied him for a moment, noting the hint of weariness in his tone. For all his strength and confidence, there was a weight he carried, one she suspected he rarely let anyone see.

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

Mors raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For bringing me here,” she replied, gesturing to the forest around them. “I didn’t realize how much I needed this.”

He gave her a faint smile. “Neither did I.”

The two lapsed into silence again, but this time it was companionable.

The night deepened, the forest around them coming alive with the soft chirps and hums of its nocturnal inhabitants.

After a while, Mors stood and stretched. “We should get some rest. It’s been a long day, and we’ll want to explore more tomorrow.”

Athena nodded, rising to her feet. “I’ll take the first watch,” she offered.

Mors shook his head. “No need. The barrier will alert us if anything approaches. You’ve earned a full night’s sleep.”

She hesitated but eventually nodded. “Alright. Goodnight, Mors.”

“Goodnight, Athena,” he replied, his tone unusually gentle.

As she settled into the small tent, Athena found herself replaying their conversations in her mind.

There was something about Mors that was changing, or perhaps it was her perception of him that was shifting.

Either way, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip was more significant than either of them realized.

Outside, Mors remained seated by the stream, his gaze fixed on the water’s shimmering surface.

For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a moment of peace, the weight of his responsibilities temporarily set aside.

–

The next day, Athena and Mors set off deeper into the alien forest, where the air was thick with the scent of blooming flora.

The flowers on this planet were unlike anything Athena had ever seen, massive blossoms in shades of vibrant blue, fiery orange, and deep purple, their petals shimmering with bioluminescent patterns.

Some opened and closed as if breathing, while others swayed gently, even without a breeze.

Athena crouched near a cluster of bright pink flowers that emitted a faint hum. “These are fascinating,” she murmured, reaching out cautiously.

Mors grabbed her wrist gently. “Careful. Some plants here are known to release spores when touched. Beautiful doesn’t always mean safe.”

She gave him a wry smile. “Noted. I’ll admire from a distance.” As they ventured further, the forest became denser.

The sunlight filtering through the canopy above created intricate patterns on the forest floor, adding to the surreal beauty of the environment.

Occasionally, they’d pause to watch as small, luminous creatures flitted between the flowers, winged beings that resembled a cross between birds and fireflies.

But not all of their journey was serene.

At one point, Mors suddenly froze, his hand signaling Athena to stop. She followed his gaze and spotted a massive, six-legged beast grazing on a plant up ahead.

Its scaled body shimmered with iridescence, and its long, sharp horns glinted ominously.

“That’s a Graxtor,” Mors whispered, his voice barely audible. “Mostly peaceful, but if it feels threatened, it’ll charge.”

Athena nodded, her movements slow and deliberate as she backed away. They took a long detour around the creature, avoiding its territory.

Another time, they found themselves huddled behind a thick cluster of vines as a pack of wolf-like creatures prowled nearby.

These beasts had sharp, glowing green eyes and claws that looked as though they could tear through steel.

Athena whispered, “They don’t seem infected. Are they dangerous?”

Mors nodded. “Incredibly. Let’s wait for them to pass.”

They stayed still, barely breathing, as the pack moved through the area. Athena couldn’t help but admire their grace and silent communication.

Once the beasts were out of sight, Mors gave a small nod, and they continued their journey.

By midday, they reached a clearing where a field of flowers stretched out before them, their petals shifting colors like a living rainbow.

Athena’s eyes widened in awe. “This… this is stunning.”

“Not as stunning as you,” Mors murmured.