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Trav opens the door and gestures for us to step out. There’s an undeniable thrill in the air as we approach the balloon, its fabric billowing above us as the crew finish inflating it. Lycus takes my hand, his grip strong and reassuring.
We climb into the basket of the balloon which is weighed down, joining the pilot who greets us with a warm smile. He introduces himself as Max, and informs us that he’s a seasoned balloonist. He has a twinkle in his eyes that suggests he has countless stories to tell. Safety checks completed, the crew removes the ballast and we’re off.
As we ascend into the sky, the world below begins to shrink. The vast expanse of the desert unfolds beneath us, its rugged beauty captivating and humbling. I find myself entranced by the peacefulness of it all, the serene silence that only nature can offer.
The balloon doesn’t frighten me at all. Maybe it would have if I’d known about it in advance and had time to work myself up over it, or possibly it’s because I’m not actually afraid of heights – just planes. Or maybe I feel relaxed because I’m with Lycus.
Lycus wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I don’t know why I don’t fight him on it, but I’m like putty in his hands up here. We stand side by side, soaking in the breathtaking view as the sun starts to rise on the horizon. The colours dance across the landscape, casting a warm glow that ignites the cacti and paints the sky in brilliant hues.
With each passing moment, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. The worries and doubts that had plagued me before seem insignificant in this moment of pure tranquillity.
As we drift higher into the sky, I catch a glimpse of something extraordinary – a flock of birds soaring gracefully through the air. They move in unison, their wings beating in perfect harmony. It’s as if they are choreographed by an invisible force, dancing among the clouds.
Max points towards them and smiles. “Those are Sandhill Cranes,” he says, his voice carrying a touch of awe. “They migrate to this region every winter, flying thousands of miles in that ‘V’ formation to reach their destination. Normally they’re all gone by now, but this particular brood were enjoying an extended stay.”
I watch in awe as the Sandhill Cranes gracefully glide through the sky, their synchronised movements captivating my gaze. It’s as if they hold the secret to true freedom, effortlessly navigating the vastness above us.
“They mate for life too,” Max adds, giving the two of us a significant look.
I guess we probably do look like a couple, just the two of us out here on this private tour, Lycus wrapped around me and holding me close. Normally I’d be quick to set the record straight, but Max has already moved on, checking his gauges and I don’t feel annoyed that I didn’t get the chance to correct him.
Lost in the moment, I feel Lycus’s warm breath against my ear as he whispers, “This is why I wanted to bring you here. To show you the beauty that lies beyond the confines of our everyday lives.”
His words resonate deeply within me, and for the first time, I understand his intentions. Lycus wasn’t trying to control my down time or manage my sightseeing routine. He wanted to create a magical experience that transcended ordinary expectations. He wanted me to have a lasting memory from this trip that I could take home with me and cherish.
My heart swells with gratitude for him.
As the hot air balloon ascends higher, we become one with the sky and the desert below transforms into an abstract painting. The vibrant colours of dawn blend with the stark landscape, creating a surreal masterpiece that only nature could achieve.
Max adjusts the controls, manoeuvring the balloon with expert precision. His skilled hands guide us through invisible currents, allowing us to witness this extraordinary display of nature from a front-row seat.
The balloon drifts closer to the Sandhill Cranes, and I watch in fascination as they flap and fly in perfect harmony, their calls filling the air like a symphony of freedom. It’s as if they are beckoning us to join them in their timeless journey across borders and boundaries.
Lycus squeezes my hand, his touch grounding me amidst this ethereal experience. “Do you see it now?” he asks softly.
I nod, unable to speak as emotions surge within me. Lycus takes my hand in his and together we silently watch nature unfold around us.
In this moment suspended in time, I realise that life is so much more than the routine and mundane. It’s about seeking out these moments of awe and wonder, of doing more than justworkingall the time.
In the presence of the Sandhill Cranes and the vast expanse of the desert below, I feel another surge of gratitude for Lycus and his decision to show me a different side of life, and I make a promise to myself that I will embrace opportunities for adventure and spontaneity more often. The world is full of hidden treasures and magical experiences, waiting to be discovered.
ChapterFifteen
Lycus
Ihave to say, so far this trip it’s been easy to forget that we’re working. It’s been great, even if I’ve not made as much headway with Angelica as I would have liked. But tonight’s the night.
The reason why we’re here.
I don’t know how much research Angelica has done about Club Ecstasy. Knowing her she’ll have done such a thorough investigation that she’ll know more about the place than its owners do.
Which means she’s surprisingly calm about tonight.
I didn’t think she would be the kind of woman who would be comfortable going to a sex party, but so far she hasn’t mentioned it, hasn’t shown any sign of nerves either.
The club’s owner – a woman named Claire – emailed over the waiver for us both to sign, and confirmation that both of our background checks and health screenings were all clear last night. The official invitations arrived at the hotel reception yesterday too and I know that Angelica’s package should have included a key.
I’m excited. Looking at the questionnaire before me, I scan through the different options, Angelica in mind as I answer each one.
