Margot Winslow

Directing supersonic passenger shuttles across three solar systems takes iron nerves and micro-telekinetic precision, and Marimat is the best in the terminal. But her shift goes to hell when Shadimat crashes through her control tower window. Golden-skinned, deadly, and radiating scorching heat, Shadimat is a solar-vampire on the run from corrupt security syndicates. Trapped together during a total starport lockdown, Shadimat's internal solar furnace threatens to incinerate him unless he grounds his searing bio-heat against human skin. Marimat's telekinesis can cool his burns, but every touch unleashes an intoxicating wave of psychic euphoria that blurs the line between hostage and lover. When the sun sets, staying alive means surrendering to the heat.

Estela Quintero can hear the secret music in every pebble, using her piezoelectric empathy to tune soothing singing fountains for public plazas across the Cordillera League. When four canyon republics request harmonious water installations to ease cross-border tensions before the Carnival of Concord, Estela loads her heavy acoustic stones into an electric hauler. Her driver is Baldomero, a seven-foot granite gargoyle stonemason who looks like an ancient siege weapon but handles fragile teacups with agonizing terror. As they navigate dizzying canyon bridges and terraced cliff towns, Baldomero chisels stone basins while Estela tunes the water's calming chords. Between roadside flatbreads and cozy campfire tune-ups, Estela chips past Baldomero’s rocky shyness. Bringing harmony to six nervous border nations is daunting, but helping a gentle gargoyle realize he is worthy of love makes every mile worthwhile.