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"You did the right thing," I whispered to myself, the words falling flat in hush of the room. It had been the logical decision and the smart one, not to mention the one I’d been trained since childhood to make.

Logic didn't stop the ache, though.

I wanted to talk to him again. Just once more before we returned to the Academy and had to pretend like nothing had happened between us on the drifting ship or in the shower in his fantasy suite. But after returning from the Promenade with Serge, I’d looked over to his balcony. The doors had been closed and there was no movement inside.

I was considering going to his outer door and knocking when my own door beeped, a gentle electronic ping that somehow still managed to make me jump.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, smoothing down the pale blue sundress I’d found hanging in the wardrobe. I never thought I’d miss the utilitarian academy uniforms, but after wearing them for so long it felt strange to wear color or show so much skin.

"Coming," I called, pressing my palm against the access panel.

The door slid open, and for a split second, my heart leapt. I hadn’t been expecting Tivek, but I also hadn’t imagined seeing the creature standing outside my door.

“Reina?" I gasped.

The Vexling's familiar face broke into a smile, blue swirl of hair bobbling as she tilted her head from side to side. "Surprise!"

The sight of her, and the reminder of the academy and a time before my heart had gotten tangled up in this mess, broke something in me. I threw my arms around her, dangerously close to tears.

“Oh, my, hon,” Reina said, patting my back awkwardly. "Are you okay?"

I pulled back, blinking rapidly. "Yes. Sorry. I’m surprised to see you, that’s all.” I gestured for her to come inside.

“My visit was spontaneous. I didn’t know I was coming until the last-minute.”

“Is it an emergency?” I asked, my excitement morphing to concern. “Is everything okay?”

“Perfectly fine.” The door hissed shut behind us, and Reina smiled as she took in the luxurious suite. "They put you up in one of my favorite suites.”

"Apparently almost dying in space earns you an upgrade," I said, trying for humor and missing by a mile.

Reina's smile vanished. "Is that what happened, hon? Did you almost die?”

I shook my head, regretting making the Vexling worry. “Not really. We had enough rations to last several more days, but we had no idea where we were, so in our minds, we were light years from rescue.”

Reina wrung her hands as she listened. “At least you weren’t alone.”

I swallowed, not meeting her eyes as I led her to the balcony to enjoy the view and hoping the reminder of Tivek didn’t show on my warming cheeks. “No, I was lucky that Tivek was with me.” I changed the subject. “So, I know howIcame to be here, but you haven’t told me why you’re here.”

Reina followed me to the balcony and sighed as she took in the view of the crystal blue sea and the lush peaks of a distant island. “I’d forgotten how much I missed my life here until I spoke toSerge. Plus, my job with Noora is essentially complete. She’s happily married and doesn’t need me now.”

I leaned my forearms against the teak railing. “I’m not sure if she would agree with that.”

Reina’s light gray cheeks flushed as she flapped her long fingers at me. “You’re sweet, hon, but Noora doesn’t need me like Serge does.”

My happiness at seeing her deflated a bit. “So, you're not coming back with us?"

Reina turned to face me and tilted her head. “I take it you don’t know then?”

My skin prickled with unease. “Know what?"

“Tivek’s going straight to Earth, apparently. Some new posting." Reina's eyes never left my face. "He won't be returning to the Academy first.”

“Oh.” I tried to smile but my chin quivered, threatening tears instead.

I’d thought I’d have more time with him before he left. I’d been sure he’d go back to the academy and wrap up his work with Zoran first. Not that I had anyone to blame but myself.

"Morgan, what's going on, hon?" Reina asked gently, putting a hand on my arm. "Did something happen between you two?"