Page 27

Islae

Sunlight streamed through the crystalline windows of their bedroom and cast rainbow patterns across the bedsheets. Islae stretched, still marveling at the softness of their bed compared to the old cot in her clinic on Jorvla.

Nirrn shifted beside her and traced his finger down her arm, making her shiver.

“You should visit the High Temple today,” he said, meeting her eyes. “Many humans gather there. It might help you feel more… settled.”

Islae rolled onto her side, studying the intricate patterns of the orange scales across his broad chest. “You’re not coming?”

“I need to prepare our course materials for the healing program at the university,” he replied. “Unless you’d rather I escort you?”

“I can find my own way.” She started to move away, but he grabbed her hand.

“Islae.” His voice dropped lower. “Look at me.”

She met his gaze, challenging him. “I’m not going to break, Nirrn. I managed just fine on my own before.”

“But you’re not on your own anymore.” He pulled her closer, until she was pressed against his chest. “Nirum is your home now. Our home. I want you to find your place here.”

Home. The word stuck out in her mind. Such a simple concept, yet it felt foreign after years of surviving in the shadows. Yesterday’s tour of the Medical Plaza had left her feeling overwhelmed—so much knowledge and potential, all freely given instead of fought for.

“I don’t know how to just… exist,” she admitted. “Without fighting. Without hiding.”

Nirrn’s hand cupped her cheek. “Then learn. Start with the temple. Meet others who’ve made this transition. But come back to me.”

He leaned in and captured her lips. His kiss was fierce and possessive, leaving no doubt about his claim on her. When he pulled back slightly, his eyes had darkened to molten gold.

“I will always come back to you,” she whispered, meaning it despite her uncertainties about Nirum. “But first, I need to shower.”

He pulled further away from her reluctantly. “The temple services begin at midday. Don’t be late.”

Islae walked through the winding crystal streets of Nirum, marveling at how the twin suns cast prismatic shadows across the gleaming surfaces. The High Temple loomed ahead, its spires stretching toward the lavender sky.

Inside, the temple’s vast chamber hummed with quiet conversation.

A group of humans gathered near an ornate fountain, their voices carrying across the polished stone floor.

Two women caught her attention—one with flowing brown hair, the other blonde—both radiating a sense of peace she hadn’t expected to find.

“You must be Nirrn’s mate,” the brunette said, smiling warmly. “I’m Mila, and this is my sister Priscilla. We heard about your arrival yesterday.”

“News travels fast here,” Islae said, tension easing from her shoulders at their friendly demeanor.

Priscilla laughed. “That’s Nirum for you. Come, sit with us.”

They settled onto cushioned benches near the fountain. The cool mist felt refreshing against Islae’s skin.

“We were once like you,” Mila said, her eyes knowing. “Trapped on Jorvla, until my mate Brivul helped save me and my sister. He’s a former Niri general.”

“And now you’re…” Islae trailed off, her curiosity piqued.

“Studying law at the university.” Mila beamed. “Something I never dreamed possible on Jorvla.”

“I found my mate here,” Priscilla added. “Andear, the Niri warlord. Now we train warriors together, and I advise the council on human integration.”

Islae’s fingers twisted in her lap. “You both seem so… settled.”

“It takes time,” Priscilla said gently. “But Nirum offers the freedom we never had before. Real choices. Real futures.”

“I still wake up sometimes expecting to be back in slavery,” Mila admitted. “But then Brivul’s there, and I remember this is home now.”

“If you ever need friends who understand…” Priscilla touched Islae’s hand, “we’re here. We can show you around and help you find your place.”

Warmth bloomed in Islae’s chest. “I’d really like that,” she said, meaning it fully. Since arriving on Nirum, something inside her began to settle and accept all this planet had to offer her.

Islae settled more comfortably between Mila and Priscilla. The temple’s high ceilings stretched above them, adorned with intricate crystal formations that caught the light from the twin suns. The space filled with a soft hum as more people filtered in for the midday service.

“The services here are different from what you might expect,” Mila explained, her voice gentle. “More meditation than ceremony. It helps quiet the mind.”

Islae nodded, remembering Nirrn’s words from that morning. He’d known exactly what she needed—a moment of peace and a chance to connect. Her mate’s intuition never ceased to amaze her.

“How did you adjust?” Islae asked, watching a group of humans and Niri enter together. “To all this freedom?”

Priscilla laughed softly. “Small steps. I started by allowing myself to walk outside without looking over my shoulder. Then I learned to speak up in council meetings without fear of punishment.”

“Andear helped,” Mila added with a knowing smile. “Just like Nirrn helps you. These Niri males—they’re protective, but they give us room to grow and be ourselves.”

The service began with a low, resonant tone that vibrated through the chamber. Islae closed her eyes, letting the sound wash over her. For the first time since arriving on Nirum, her shoulders relaxed completely.

“You’re still thinking too hard,” Priscilla whispered as the tone faded. “Just let go. You’re safe here.”

Those words struck something deep in Islae. Safe. The concept felt foreign after spending most of her life hiding on Jorvla. But here, surrounded by others who understood her journey, she felt the truth of it settling into her bones.

The meditation guide’s voice floated through the chamber, speaking of connection and belonging.

Islae thought of Nirrn—his fierce protection, his gentle healing hands, and the way his tail would curl possessively around her when they slept.

He had given her more than safety. He had given her a future filled with hope.

“Thank you,” Islae murmured to her new friends as the service ended. “For welcoming me.”

“We’re having dinner tomorrow night,” Mila said. “You and Nirrn should join us. Meet our mates.”

Islae smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “That sounds wonderful.”

Islae stepped into their home, the crystal walls catching the late afternoon light from Nirum’s twin suns.

The familiar scent of healing herbs and Nirrn’s unique musk welcomed her.

He was coiled on their oversized cushions in the living space, datapads spread around him, his orange scales gleaming as he worked.

His head snapped up at her entrance, his eyes intense. “You’re finally back.” His tail shifted, making space for her beside him.

“I just wanted to say thank you,” she said, settling next to his powerful form. “For suggesting the temple. I met two women there—Mila and Priscilla. They understood exactly what I’m going through.”

His lips curved into a knowing smile. “I thought they might help. Mila’s mate, Brivul, mentioned they would be there today.”

“You planned this,” she accused, but warmth flooded through her at his thoughtfulness.

“Perhaps.” He pulled her closer with his tail, wrapping it loosely around her waist. “Now that you’re here, I need your expertise.” He gestured to the scattered datapads. “The human anatomy sections need review, and I’d value your input on the course materials.”

Islae picked up the nearest pad, scanning the detailed diagrams. “These are quite thorough, but the nerve pathways could use clarification.” She leaned against his broad chest, pointing out specific areas.

Nirrn’s arm slid around her shoulders. “Show me.”

They worked together for hours, Islae adding her practical knowledge to his theoretical expertise.

The familiar medical terminology flowed between them, punctuated by debates over teaching methods and healing techniques.

It felt natural and collaborative—nothing like her desperate solo work in Jorvla’s shadows.

“We should include more about human pain responses,” she suggested, settling deeper into his embrace. “Many Niri healers don’t realize how differently humans process trauma.”

“Noted.” His voice rumbled through his chest against her back. “Your experience will be invaluable to our students.”

Islae paused, struck by the simple rightness of this moment—working alongside her mate, building something meaningful together. The fear and uncertainty that had plagued her since arriving on Nirum began to fade.

“I never imagined this,” she admitted softly. “Teaching, helping others openly. Being here with you.”

Nirrn’s tail tightened possessively around her. “This is only the beginning. We will build something extraordinary together.”