Tivek found his voice. “Congratulations to both of you, to all three of you.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Zoran cleared his throat. “It’s important that I leave the school in capable hands, and there are none more capable than yours.”
Tivek gaped at him, opening and closing his mouth a few times without speaking.
“I hope you will take the position,” the admiral said. “I’ve cleared it with High Command, and I got authorization from your handler.”
He didn’t mention the Shadows, but it was implied.
“They will release me?” Tivek croaked.
“I impressed upon them the sacrifices you’ve made and what you would bring to the position.” Zoran winked at his adjunct. “I did not mention any other reason.”
The admiral meant Morgan. Despite not mentioning the human, she was the main reason he’d pushed for Tivek to take his place.After years of dedicated and unrewarded service, he felt it was only fair that Tivek get the chance to live his life without it being shrouded in secrecy.
“Well?” Zoran locked eyes with Tivek. “Do you accept the position?”
Tivek moved his head up and down, still stunned. “How did you know?”
“Know what?”
“That it was my dream to lead the school one day. How did you know?”
Zoran leaned forward. “I have known you for a very long time, my friend.”
Tivek released a breath, his expression still dazed. “I promise not to let you down, Admiral.”
Zoran clapped a hand on his back. “I know you will continue to serve Drex with honor.”
Noora crossed to the long wall. “So, it’s settled?”
Before either Drexian could answer, she touched the wall, and it slid open to reveal the admiral’s private lounge filled with friends.
“Well?” Commander Vyk’s voice boomed from the bar that ran along one wall of the lounge. “Did he say yes?”
“He did,” Zoran said as he prodded a stunned Tivek forward.
“Yes to what?” Jess glanced around at her female friends sitting with her on the leather couches. “I still don’t know why we’re here.”
Noora walked into the lounge with a wide smile. “Tivek has agreed to be the new Academy Master.”
Morgan jumped from the couch and ran forward, throwing her arms around Tivek. “I can’t believe this!”
“You’re leaving?” Volten asked the admiral, who was also his half-brother.
Zoran came up to Noora and slid an arm around her waist. “I have more important things to focus on.”
Noora put a hand on her stomach with a grin. That was all it took for Fiona and Ariana to gasp with realization.
“You’re pregnant!” Ariana cried, putting her hands to her cheeks.
Fiona wagged a finger at the woman. “I knew you had a special glow.”
“Congratulations, brother.” Volten patted the admiral on the shoulder. “I look forward to being an uncle.”
“Does that mean I’ll be an aunt?” Ariana asked.
“Only after our double wedding,” Kann said with a wicked grin.
