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But the one thought that remained etched in my mind was the sheer helplessness I had felt against Talan’s immense weight and strength.
* * *
The canopy of the alien jungle stretched before us, an expanse of green and otherworldly hues that seemed to go on forever.
The air was thick with the sound of unknown creatures, each chirp and rustle setting my already jangled nerves on edge.
But Talan seemed unbothered, his focus set on a particularly tall tree just ahead.
“That’s our next destination,” he declared, pointing upwards.
As I followed his gaze, I took in the massive trunk and the numerous branches that offered what seemed like a perfect vantage point to survey our surroundings.
But the height was dizzying, and I had to suppress the growing knot of anxiety in my stomach.
Without hesitation, Talan bent to lift me up, the action now almost familiar.
But this time, pride and annoyance welled up inside me. “I can do it myself,” I snapped, brushing his hands away.
A brow raised in mild surprise, he eyed me skeptically. “You think you can climb that with your feeble human arms?”
My temper flared at his challenge. “I might not have your alien strength, but I can climb well enough.”
A playful smirk danced on his lips. “Alright then. Let’s see.”
Without another word, he scaled the tree with an ease and grace that made the act seem as simple as walking.
Swallowing hard, I approached the base of the tree, my fingers tracing the rugged bark.
It wasn’t exactly the oak trees I’d climbed back on Earth during my childhood, but the principle should be the same, right?
Gripping the lowest branch, I began my ascent.
While Talan had moved with the fluidity of water, I climbed with more caution, each hand and foot placement calculated.
I could feel his eyes on me, monitoring my progress, but I refused to let it deter me.
Determination fueled each reach and grab.
The rough bark scraped against my hands, but I gritted my teeth and kept going.
When I was nearly at the top, my muscles burned from the exertion, and my breaths came in short, labored gasps.
Just a little further, I told myself.
But as I stretched for the next branch, my foot slipped on the mossy bark.
Panic seized me, and I scrambled for a grip, but momentum was not on my side.
Just as I was about to fall, a strong hand shot out, gripping my forearm with an iron hold.
Talan effortlessly hoisted me up to sit beside him on the sturdy branch.
My heart raced, not just from the exertion, but from the near fall and the close proximity to him.
But rather than the teasing I expected, he simply gave a nod of appreciation. “Not bad… for a human.”
I shot him a mock glare, trying to catch my breath. “Thanks for the save. But I told you I could do it.”
