We're locked in eye contact as our bodies move in sync. I keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort, and I'm ready to stop at any cost, even if it means sacrificing myself. But she doesn't look any different, which I'mhappy about. I'm flooded with intense joy as I feel her slipping into ecstasy, and I join her without delay.
After that, words feel unnecessary. The look of wonder on her face fills me with something warm—joy, pride, maybe even hope. We stay close, wrapped in each other’s arms, exchanging soft touches and quiet glances that say more than either of us could.
Then, out of nowhere, she starts giggling. Her cheeks flush, and she tries to hide her smile, but it’s no use.
“Ileana?” I ask, smiling despite myself. “What’s so funny,My Faksaya?”
“Oh, nothing…” she says, clearly holding something back.
“You’re definitely amused. Come on, share it with me.”
She props herself up on one arm, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was just thinking… maybe I should correct Wingo. Your trunk may be cute—but it’s definitely not small.”
She bursts into laughter, genuine and unfiltered.
I blink, caught off guard—then laugh too, shaking my head. “Remind me never to let you and Wingo team up again.”
Chapter 14.
Ileana
I wake up slowly, still wrapped in that lingering euphoria. I reach out for Pherebos, but the space beside me is already cold. He must’ve gotten up early—maybe to make breakfast, go for a run, or just to shake off another nightmare. He once told me, in a quiet voice, that memories from his past still come back to haunt him. I didn’t press. He’ll talk when he’s ready.
As I get dressed, my thoughts drift to everything that’s changed.
It’s only been five days since everything shifted between Pherebos and me—since that moment with SIL.
My beautiful Asgarnien is gentle, attentive, and kind. Everything the Governor never was. I’ve discovered a whole new kind of closeness with him. It’s like stepping into a different world.
Henri always wore a smile in public, but behind closed doors, he was cold. Sometimes even cruel. He’d demand I “pay tribute,” using my body however he pleased, without the slightest concern for how I felt.Maybe it was his age, or maybe it was just who he was—but those moments were rare, and when they happened, they hurt. He’d stand behind me, make me kneel, and lift me up again in seconds, never even bothering to take off his nightclothes. Then he’d leave, and I’d head straight to the shower, scrubbing away any trace of him before going back to my room.
When I’m with Pherebos, it’s different. I feel loved—truly loved. He looks at me like I’m the most important thing in his world. He’s patient, gentle, and so deeply understanding. But more than anything, his kindness feels real. It’s not a performance. It’s who he is.
Sure, there have been others since then who weren’t as tender. But every time, Pherebos brings me back to myself. He knows how to guide me to that edge, how to make me feel powerful and beautiful all at once.
Our daily rhythm has changed too. Pherebos spends a lot of time with me now, walking me through the details of MyFaS and the Confederation. He even asks about my past—about my parents, about Prianka. He listens.
In the mornings, I go with him around the energy dome. After his jog, he slows down to a trot and gently leads me along. I’m nowhere near as fit as he is, so I tire out pretty quickly. I usually run just a quarter of the way, and even then, I’m slower than I think he expects. But he never says a word about it. We just walk the rest of the loop together.
He’s incredibly kind. He shows me the different markers he checks to monitor the terraforming progress, and he’s even teaching me how to recognize certain plants—like the one used to make fabric with the replicator. It’s fascinating.
Wingo tags along for part of the route, but he usually peels off to hunt or just stretch his legs on his own.
Later in the day, Pherebos teaches me how to cook. And honestly? I kind of enjoy it. It’s way easier to follow his calm explanations while watching him work than trying to keep up with Wingo’s... let’s say,less structuredapproach.
I’m sure Prianka would’ve loved Pherebos and Wingo. As I step outside the complex and take a deep breath, I tell myself—she would’ve loved MyFaS too.
That thought brings a small sense of comfort. My sister’s gone, and she’s never coming back. But I can’t help seeing this new world through her eyes, wondering what she would’ve thought, what she would’ve said.
Wingo suddenly drops down in front of me, belly to the ground, tongue lolling out, then springs sideways like a bolt of energy.
“Ileana, come quickly!”
His excitement makes me smile. I glance around for Pherebos.
“He’s busy at SIL. Come on! I have to show you something!
What did you find that’s got you all worked up? Hang on, I’m putting on my shoes!”
