Page 70 of Alien Healer's Touch

A technician approached with fresh data. "Sir, energy signatures are spreading outward at an accelerating rate. We're detecting responses from similar structures across the region."

I studied the tactical map showing energy patterns radiating from our position. Perfect—a cascading activation of the alien defense network, now under human control.

"Continue monitoring and record all responses," I instructed. The ruins had awakened at my command. Action caused reaction. Change required force.

Martinez returned from the outer perimeter, dust covering his uniform. "Sir, something's happening with the weather patterns. The sky's changing color, and wind patterns have shifted dramatically."

Additional confirmation. The aliens had found ways to control this planet, making it inhospitable to humans who challenged them. Now that control was breaking down as we purged their influence.

For months I'd watched my people corrupted, one by one. The marks appearing on their skin—not random patterns but alien technology designed to subvert human loyalty. I'd watched Dr. Carter abandon her people for the alien cause. Others followed, all with the same silver contamination.

But I had found the counter-measure. The very technology they used against us would become their downfall.

Another tremor rocked the chamber. Equipment crashed to the floor. Support beams groaned overhead.

"With this technology secured, we'll purify every contaminated human and drive the aliens from our territory," I declared, my voice steady despite the ground shaking beneath my feet. "This is just the beginning."

Soon they would feel the full force of their own technology turned against them. Soon the marked women would be freed from alien influence.

"Stand firm," I ordered as tremor shook us all. "Humanity's future is being secured today."

* * *

They told me not to touch the ruins.

They didn’t say anything about touching him.

I came here to fix a broken system?—

not to be trapped underground with a Nyxari warrior whose touch sets my skin on fire.

Varek is everything I shouldn’t want: sharp, disciplined, utterly off-limits.

He doesn’t trust me. I can’t afford to want him.

But when a collapsing ruin forces us closer, the tension between us burns hotter than the failing tech around us.

Every brush of his hand, every clash of wills, pulls me deeper into dangerous territory?—

where survival means trusting him with my life...

and risking my heart for something even more perilous.

The world above us might be falling apart.

But down here, it’s not just the ruins breaking open?—

it's me.