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I stood among the remnants of destruction, my body protesting with each breath. The acrid smell of plasma discharge burned my nostrils, and scorched metal mingled with the metallic tang of blood. Mercenary corpses sprawled across the depot floor, their weapons scattered uselessly beside them.

Iria stood next to me, her blaster still gripped tight. Dirt and blood streaked her face, but her eyes remained clear, alert. She’d fought well—better than well. Without her, I might not be standing here now.

Alkard approached through the smoke, his stride purposeful. Unlike the rest of us, he looked untouched by battle, his clothing pristine save for a few specks of dust. His gaze swept the destruction, before settling on us.

“You’ve proven yourself, Iria Jann,” Alkard said. “The Fangs reward skill and loyalty. I’d like to offer you something more permanent—a different kind of contract. Longer than your first, but with better pay and more freedom.”

I kept my face blank, but my chest constricted. Pride in her accomplishments warred with unease about what her answer might be. I hadn’t prepared for this possibility.

Iria blinked, her shoulders tensing. “You’re serious? I didn’t think I’d even survive the month, let alone get invited back.”

“You’ve earned it,” Alkard replied. “But I won’t decide for you. Take your time.”

Alkard turned to me, his expression unreadable. “Lieutenant, get her answer. If she accepts, make sure the terms are clear. I’ll leave it in your hands.”

Leave it to me? Alkard trusted me with many things, but this felt different. Personal. It wasn’t just about Iria’s skills—it was about whether I wanted her to stay.

Alkard strode away without waiting for my response, disappearing into the smoke. He’d made his expectations clear: bring Iria into the fold or let her go. The choice was technically hers, but he’d put me in position to influence that choice.

I looked at Iria. She stood tall despite her exhaustion, her fingers flexing on her blaster. Ready for another fight, even now.

“We’re leaving,” I said. “You’re coming with me.”

Iria raised an eyebrow. “What? Back to the Starfall ?”

“No. My quarters on Thodos.” I holstered my weapon. “You need rest, and I need to know you’re safe.”

“You don’t trust me on my own ship?” Her head tilted, challenge in her stance.

I smirked. “Not tonight. Call it... precaution.”

It wasn’t just precaution. I didn’t want to let her out of my sight. Not after everything we’d been through. Not after what we’d almost lost.

The journey back to Thodos Station passed in silence. Iria’s exhaustion finally caught up with her, and she dozed in the transport shuttle while I kept watch. The adrenaline had drained from my system, leaving dull pain across my ribs and shoulder where a mercenary’s blast had grazed me.

My quarters sat in the secure wing of the Vinduthi compound—sparse and functional by design. When the door slid open, Iria stepped inside and surveyed the space with careful eyes.

“You live here?” she asked. “It’s... very you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I moved past her into the main room.

“Efficient. Practical. No frills.”

I didn’t respond, just gestured toward the small couch against the wall. She needed to rest, and I needed to tend to these wounds before the blood dried completely.

I retrieved my med kit from a storage compartment and began cleaning the gash on my arm. The antiseptic stung, but I’d endured far worse.

Iria watched me work for a moment before standing. She crossed the room and took the kit from my hands.

“You’re terrible at this,” she said. “Sit down.”

I complied, watching her work as she cleaned and bandaged the worst of my injuries. Her touch was gentle but firm, her hands steady despite everything she’d been through. I hadn’t asked for her help, but I didn’t stop her. I didn’t want to.

“There,” she said, securing the last bandage. She remained close, the scent of smoke and battle still clinging to her skin, mingled with something uniquely hers.

“Alkard’s offer,” I said finally. “What do you think?”

“What do you think?” She turned the question back on me, her expression guarded.

The words caught in my throat.

I’d been trying not to think about it, but this was all that was in my mind.

I wanted her to stay. I wanted her beside me. But I couldn’t ask that of her—not after everything she’d been through. She deserved to make this choice on her own.

“It would be beneficial for the Fangs,” I said carefully.

Iria snorted. “I didn’t ask what Alkard thinks. I asked what you think.”

“I think you’re skilled. Resourceful.” I met her gaze directly. “And unpredictable.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one I can give.” I stood, putting distance between us. “The choice is yours.”

Iria leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “It’s not a bad deal. Better than most I’ve had. But I’m not about to give up the Starfall or let anyone tell me where I can and can’t go.”

A rare flicker of amusement broke through my composure. “Alkard wouldn’t expect anything less.”

She was as stubborn as ever. But that’s what I admired about her. She didn’t bend. Not for me, not for anyone.

“And what about my other arrangement?” she asked, her tone deliberately casual.

“What arrangement?”

“With you.” Iria shifted closer, her gaze steady. “What about you? Do you want me to stay?”

My breath caught. For a moment, I considered lying—keeping the professional distance I’d maintained with everyone else under my command. But Iria deserved more than that.

“It’s your choice, Iria,” I said, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “But if you stay... you won’t be alone.”

The air between us grew heavy, charged with possibility.

“You should rest,” I broke the silence. “Take the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Iria’s lips curled into that wicked smile I loved. “You’re letting me have the bed? What happened to the cold, ruthless Vinduthi I met at the Dead Man’s Dock?”

“He met someone who makes him want to be better,” I answered softly.

She fell silent, and I felt the weight of my words settle between us.

I prepared the couch for sleep, removing my outer armor and stretching my sore muscles. My mind spun through the day’s events -- the battle, Raxin’s betrayal, watching Iria fight alongside me like we’d been partners for years instead of days.

She was reckless, infuriating, and impossible to predict. But she was also brave, loyal, and unlike anyone I’d ever met. I didn’t know what the future held for us, right now, I wasn’t afraid to find out.

The bedroom door slid open, and I looked up to see Iria standing in the doorway. She’d washed the blood and dirt from her face, but hadn’t changed clothes. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.

“I can’t sleep,” she said simply.

I sat up. “Do you need?—”

She crossed the room before I could finish, bent down, and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss stole my breath, fierce and demanding. Her hands found my shoulders, urging me to stand.

“I’ve made my decision,” she murmured against my mouth.

“About the contract?” I pulled back slightly, needing clarity.

“About everything.” She kissed me again; her body pressed against mine. “Come to bed, Korvan.”