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M organ buzzed with excitement. Phoenix House impressed her and the children—younglings—were adorable. Despite how difficult their lives started, they still found happiness and joy in small things.

Talos told her they needed teachers. With the wide age ranges and only him, he had to assign too many of them digital courses.

He worried they weren’t receiving enough personal attention.

While others taught them gardening or warrior training, their academic education was suffering.

His dedication inspired her, especially once she learned that he only recently became a part of their contingent.

If she wanted to work at Phoenix House, he believed Largon would hire her without question.

She knew King Sovex would allow her to remain on Costonia.

He had offered the option before, so that wasn’t an issue.

One of the reasons she’d chosen to go to a colony was there were no children on Costonia at the time.

But now there were and according to Emmy, they expected more women and children to relocate to the planet from Earth once treaties were signed.

The only issue was Grulen. Without his memory, he would probably remain on the home world, but once it returned, he most likely would return to the Invictus .

Lin said she thought the space cruiser would be making regular trips to Earth for the foreseeable future with short stays on Costonia in between.

Emmy suggested Morgan could travel on the Invictus and teach whatever children traveled or even lead the training for adults relocating to or visiting the planet.

While the compromise would allow her to use her degree, she wasn’t sure she could make a real difference if she only taught a child for a month or two.

Not like she could on the planet where she’d have time to form meaningful connections.

If things worked out with Grulen, then she would definitely consider it to stay together, but she was concerned it might not be enough for her now that she knew a better option was available to her. She didn’t know what to do with that.

Yanz and Kragen re-entered the woods once the flitter returned to the cabin. She and Grulen said their goodbyes to the visitors and making vague assurances to get together again at a later date.

“Are you hungry?”

She shook her head at Grulen’s question.

“Not really. I am thirsty, though.”

“Let’s get some beverages and sit outside. We can watch the sun set.” His hand rested at the small of her back as he escorted her to the kitchen.

“Okay.” She grabbed some water pouches from the cooling unit. “These work?”

“Yes, but I think I’m going to see what might be available for something stronger.”

“I’ll meet you outside.” She wandered out the kitchen door and smiled. I didn’t know there was a firepit and grill out here. We’ll have to use them.

She found a couple chairs and moved them closer to the firepit. Locating the firewood pile, she grabbed a couple logs and arranged them in the center of the pit. She raided a box of kindling and added her find to the pit. I’ll wait and see if Grulen wants to have the fire now or later.

His fangs gleamed in the sunlight as he held up two bottles.

“Estalan liquor. One smoky, the other sweet.”

“Oh, the good stuff.”

“Yes.” He placed the bottles on the small table between the chairs. “I forgot glasses.”

“I’ll get them. If you want a fire now, feel free to light it now.”

“Let’s wait until the air cools a little.”

“Okay.” She made quick work of finding glasses. Deciding to grab a throw from the living area for when the temperature dropped, she tossed it over her arm and returned. Taking the empty seat, she placed the glasses on the table and the colorful afghan over the back of her chair.

“Which one?” He arched an eyebrow.

“How about smoky?”

“As you wish, ciebala .” He poured some in the glasses and handed one to her.

She swirled it and sniffed. Oh, this smells divine. I hope it takes as good.

Taking a small sip, she moaned as the full-bodied liquid slid smoothly down her throat. It reminded her of some of the best whiskey on Earth.

“This is wonderful.”

“I agree.” He took another sip. “What did you think of Phoenix House?”

“They did an awesome job making it a safe, enjoyable home for the children. I can see a lot of human influence in some of the setup.”

“How so?”

“Well, Emmy grew up in foster care and it was her idea to have multiple bedrooms with their own sanitary facilities instead of dormitory style rooms. They prioritized everyone feeling they have their own safe space over ease of maintenance or oversight. That tells me their primary mission isn’t just to keep them safe, healthy, and educated, but they want them to thrive and be loved.

” Morgan hummed as she swirled her liquor.

“And the smaller seating areas in the dining area and elsewhere makes me believe one of the women probably suggested it.”

His brows drew together.

“Why?”

“Most large institutions on Earth tend to go with long tables and benches or chairs to accommodate big groups. When I was in high school, neurodivergent needs began receiving a lot of attention.”

“Neurodivergent? I’m unfamiliar with the term.”

“It simply means someone’s brain might work a little differently from what people perceive as ‘normal.’ Truth is, no one’s brain could meet the supposed definition of normal, even if we knew what it was.

Many neurodivergent individuals might have more extreme reactions to various stimuli—be it sound, light, texture, taste, etc.

Some might get distracted by too many details or process information in a different manner or need a little more time to understand.

It’s not an issue of intelligence, but their brains sometimes file the new information in multiple places.

While it can frustrate them or those around them, I believe it’s one of the reasons they can be as creative as they sometimes are or see new solutions others miss.

Anyway, some find it difficult to be in settings that can overwhelm them.

Many find it easier to interact in smaller groups. ”

“So, more than the difference between introverts and extroverts?” Interest lit his eyes.

“Absolutely. In fact, neurodivergent people can be either. There’s a huge range of behaviors and each person is different.

Even how they might react to stimuli can be affected by whether they’re tired, ill, or a whole host of other factors.

Honestly, once I understood neurodivergence better, I thought it must be exhausting for them.

” Her forefinger traced the rim of her glass.

“In some cases, a person’s neurodivergence can affect things like balance, clumsiness, and, unfortunately, their self-esteem and confidence. ”

“Now the smaller seating areas around the edges of the dining area make sense to me.” He smiled at her. “I like how you become more animated when you’re discussing something you care about. And you seem to have a natural rapport with younglings.”

Heat crept up on her cheeks.

“Thank you.” She watched as he moved to crouch in front of the firepit and light the kindling. “What did you think of Phoenix House? And so many Zuvgran hybrids?”

“I found it a warm and welcoming environment dedicated to younglings. I wasn’t expecting to like Largon or even Ronan, but I admire them.

They’ve worked for decades saving younglings at risk and genuinely care about their well-being.

Not behaviors or attitudes I expected from Zuvgran, even without my memories intact.

” He returned to his chair and reached for her hand.

“Largon offered me a position there if I wanted it.”

She wove her fingers with his.

“Really?”

“I helped one of the older younglings with some tips about an obstacle course. Largon said my interaction with Crutaw, along with stories the others have told about me, makes him believe I would be a good fit for their mission.” Oh, that would be a perfect solution.

“What are your feelings about his offer?”

“I’m flattered, but I don’t know if it would satisfy me. Until I remember more about myself and my life, I don’t want to decide one way or another.” Staring into the flames. “Then there’s you.”

“Me?”

“What do you want? You have so many options. Where do I fit in?” His voice trailed off. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him uncertain before.

Tightening her fingers on his, she said, “Until I talked with the younglings today, I thought I would be happy returning to the Wing Raiders or living on another ship. But I believe I would eventually become dissatisfied if I couldn’t teach.

If you don’t think you’d be happy remaining planetside, then I would see if I could teach on the Invictus as more people from Earth are transported here.

” She sucked in her lower lip, then said, “That’s assuming you’d want me with you. ”

“Of course I want you with me.” He tugged her hand. “Come sit with me.”

She rose and sat on his lap.

“We haven’t known each other very long. Your feelings could change.” She wrung her hands.

He brushed the hair from her face. His tail smoothed along her thigh while his other hand gently stilled her fingers.

“I expect my feelings for you will grow deeper and stronger, ciebala . You continually amaze me, and I feel whole with you.” His lips twisted. “That sounds strange given I have missing memories leaving gaps in myself. You make the gaps matter less.”

“We don’t have to decide anything tonight.”

“No, we are simply discussing how we feel and what other information we need to consider.” Leaning forward, he kissed her. “No need to be anxious. Let’s watch the sunset and enjoy the fire.”

Kissing him back, she scooted to sit with her back to his front. His cock prodded her ass, but they ignored it. Kicking a small log closer, she rested her feet on it. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck.

“This is where you belong, Morgan. In my arms.”