Page 51 of Alien Assassin's Heir

Certainty—and disbelief so sharp it almost knocks the breath from me.

“Careful,” Luna says softly, brushing hair out of Solie’s face. She’s trying to sound casual, but her voice cracks like thin glass.

I can’t speak. If I open my mouth, the truth will come tearing out, and I’m not ready. Not yet. I don’t want to see her flinch. Don’t want to watch her eyes close against me. Not after this.

So I just sit there, letting Solie tuck herself deeper into me, letting her weight anchor me in a way I didn’t know I needed.

The sky darkens, stars pricking holes in the twilight. Luna gets up eventually to light the balcony lamp, its solar cell buzzing faintly, its glow softening the shadows. I stay where I am, holding Solie, feeling her breaths even out as sleep pulls her under.

Luna watches us from the doorway, her face unreadable in the half-light. I want to ask her. I want to demand answers, shout, rage,beg. But all I manage is a rasped whisper. “She’s… bright.”

“She’s everything,” Luna answers, her voice so raw it cuts.

I press my cheek against the crown of Solie’s head, the strands of her hair tickling my jaw, and I know I’m done for.Done pretending, done doubting, done running from the truth that’s staring me in the face.

I carry her inside when she’s fully asleep, lay her gently in her bed. Luna tucks the blanket around her, kisses her forehead, lingers a moment too long before stepping back. I brush Luna’s hand as we move past each other in the narrow hall. She doesn’t pull away.

Later, when I’m back in my hideout, the terminal hums at me, waiting for another report. My claws hover over the keys. I could type about the courier. About the Combine executive. About anything.

Instead, I open my private log.

And I change the word.

Not “Suspicion.”

Not anymore.

Just one word, hammered out with a certainty that shakes me to my core.

Mine.