Page 67

Okaban inclined his head, eyes assessing. ‘You have ours for returning our daughter.’

The Senior led the Admiral to a set of chairs, where he settled in as a steaming clay vessel was pressed into the Admiral’s hands.

Kahawa.

Allorian black coffee, rich, spiced, brewed over the embers of last night’s fire.

Another Elder handed him a small tray of honey cakes, their golden glaze still warm from the morning bake.

The Admiral smiled as he drank and ate. ‘This will not be our ultimate visit. We will return with more aid.’

Okaban gave a slow nod. ‘You will be welcomed.’

Ki’Remi lingered a few feet away, eyes on the exchange.

He wasn’t a man for long goodbyes, but he respected the tradition of this moment.

The Allorians had sheltered them and trusted them with one of their own.

They were owed more than a rushed departure.

He turned to where his team stood. Bear, Riva, Juno, and Ghost were packed and ready, standing near the waiting cruiser.

Issa, too, canted up to the rising sun, her face bathed by its rays, eyes closed as if receiving its welcome.

His soul lurched, recalling their conversation the night before, how she’d mentioned that she’d be gone before her hunters came round next.

The thought of her future absence had twisted a storm inside him all night.

He now sucked his teeth, eyes on her as she worshiped the rays.

Fokk, she was like a goddess.

The villagers approached, offering their final words of appreciation.

They touched their hands to the shoulders of their visitors in a simple, sacred gesture.

When Zera stepped forward, she stopped before Issa.

Ki’Remi saw a tiny flicker of mischief in the young woman’s eyes.

Issa winked and hugged her, whispering something only the Allorian could hear.

Ki’Remi didn’t hear what was said. He didn’t need to.

He’d witnessed what had led to their silent understanding.

Ki’Remi was the last to step onto the ramp as the crew boarded, and all paused as one taking a final look at the village.

At the huts, the towering jungle, the winding stone pathways, and the flickering morning torches, worlds apart from the sterile halls of Perseus Prime.

The villagers waved goodbye, some giving solemn nods, others sharing quiet smiles of gratitude.

All due to one woman.

As the hatch sealed shut and the engines roared back to life, Ki’Remi moved toward the cabin, where he strapped in with his crew.

He and Rhye exchanged nods, promising a conversation. Through the viewport, the rainforest stretched below them in an endless sea of emeralds and mist.