Page 143

The K?str?ls and Krypós warriors surprised the Riders by whipping out flutes, small drums, and cornets and launching into a series of rousing musical numbers that soon had the entire room on their feet.

Kaxim launched in song, his voice all at once peals of thunder and sweet music that resounded throughout the mighty craft. His notes were immortal, glorious yet unholy, as he interspersed his powerful, emotive expression with impudent, ribald jokes that had everyone in stitches.

The Katánians’ dancing, too, had been off the charts, wowing the Riders.

At one point, they’d taken off into flight, soaring out of the dining area and into Phantasm’s vast docking bay before rushing out the wide doors into Devansi’s skies.

They’d moved into formation around the ship and continued their aerial display while the Riders, Élisa and Killen, stood in wonder on the edge of the hold.

Hours later, worn out, Riv tugged off his boots and eased out of his meta suit. ‘Do you think Killen has any idea what’s waiting for him?’

Élisa shook her head. ‘I shared with him all I remembered of the old Kingdom. This new statehood he’s stepping into will be a vast difference. He’ll have much to contend with.’

‘However, if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’ll be him.’

Killen’s mother shared a wry smile. ‘He’s already charmed the die-hard Krypós and K?str?l Sab?r Hawks, and I believe they’re the most powerful united group right now in Katáne.’

‘Speaking of uniting,’ Riv rasped, pulling Élisa to his side. ‘I’ve been dreaming of this moment for hours now.’

She was down to her underwear by now, and before she reacted, he lifted her into his arms and marched into the head.

Their lips met, their bodies and their hearts ravenous for each other.

Riv molded to Élisa to his hard, taut length. ‘I never imagined us here. With a son. My life has transformed beyond my wildest dreams, woman, and I have you to thank for it.’

Élisa stroked his cheek. ‘You’re the one I should express my gratitude to. Your relentless search for me led us here, my silver hero. You’ve given me back myself, Riv. Without you, I was jaded, harder, and un-trusting. With you, I’m transported to how we used to be—in love, lost in its purest form. I am young and charged with flames. My heart awakened to hope. Your care takes me back to before our hearts were torn apart by time, distance, and circumstance. I love you so much.’

As her words left her lips, Riv dove down, seized her mouth, and united them in delirious and delicious harmony.

Two days later, while the giant cruiser leisurely returned to Eden II, Mirage organized a private dinner on one deserted end of Phantasm’s highest deck level.

It was also where a gigantic plex window dominated a hidden alcove. Making one feel as if they were in the centre of space, surrounded by 360 plex glass as the mighty ship powered through the galaxy.

The table was lit by candlelight and topped by the exquisite presentation of bouquets of fresh flowers from the hold, gold xentium candles around the perimeter, and a fine white linen tablecloth.

When Riv led Élisa into the nook, she gasped at the beauty of the panorama outside and the decadent meal set out for them.

When she leaned forward to nab an oyster from a platter, her lover demurred.

‘Not yet beautiful. First things first.’

She stared into his eyes, devouring his handsome, chiseled features, which she was still getting used to again.

He still made her heart jump each time she set eyes on him, as she took every chance to drink him in, still in disbelief that they were together after almost a lifetime apart.

He pulled her gently to the verge of the plexiglass as Phantasm powered past an unusual solo star that winked at them.

Riv pointed it out, his lips turning up as he spoke. ‘That lone phenomenon is named XTC 846285. When I blasted by it no more than a month ago, it dipped in brightness and freakin’ fluttered its lashes at me. I got a premonition about you then. Somewhere deep inside me, I knew that somehow fate was leading me to something special and that my search for you was almost over.’

Élisa set a hand above her beating heart, eyes fixed on him as he rasped the heartfelt words.

‘Just like that star refracts light in shards of prismatic glory across time and space, I want to surround your finger in a band of diamonds that will bind you forever to me. K’Élisa Djan, how would you like it if both our names had Sable in them?’

When she gasped, her eyes misting over, he pressed on. ‘Will you do me the honor of being my wife by accepting my hand a second time?’

Élisa choked back an exclamation as he bent his knees and produced a new jewel. This time, it was an oversized 10-carat, white diamond emerald-cut loop.

Her voice shook as she spoke. ‘Naam, Riv, I will marry you.’