Ancelin's fork paused midway to her mouth."I...yes," she admitted, setting it down with a soft clink.
"We can discuss it later if you prefer."His voice softened."I'm curious about your father's profession anyway.The rooftop deck would be perfect for such conversations."
"The beautiful view help clear my head," she agreed.
Krevan rose from his chair and extended his hand, his fingers warm as they closed around hers, guiding her toward the stairs.
Ancelin's breath caught as they stepped onto the deck.The twin moons hung suspended in a sky crowded with stars that seemed close enough to touch, their light spilling across the landscape below like liquid silver.She moved to the domed window and took in the panoramic view stretching to the horizon."I had no idea," she whispered, unable to tear her gaze from the vista."Verrian has its moments after all."
"Beauty and danger often walk hand in hand," Krevan said, his gaze sweeping across the horizon.
"Like you."Ancelin squeezed his fingers between hers, a smile playing at her lips.
Krevan's expression sobered."I need to understand more about your father to keep you safe.These people pursuing you—they're predators, Ancelin, with nothing beautiful about them.Where did he work?"
"Earth-Axis Corporation," she said, her eyes reflecting the twin moons."He was head scientist there.Dad juggled two PhDs—chemistry and physics—and revolutionized both fields.His name often pops up in scientific journals."Her face softened with the memory."Mom always laughed about his 'science geek' fan club."
"That's impressive.What about your mother?"Krevan inquired.
"Mom taught at Westlake College—just ten minutes from our house.History and literature, specializing in Earth-Mars relations.She only worked mornings so she could be there when me and then my siblings got home from school."Ancelin's voice faltered as she gazed skyward."A shooting star just crossed the horizon."
"Magnificent," Krevan murmured, his fingers tightening around hers.
"I remember Mom at our kitchen table, red pen in hand, marking essays while my sister and I struggled with math problems.Then she'd stand at the stove, humming old Earth songs while stirring something that filled the whole house with warmth."
Krevan's grip tightened around her fingers."In those last weeks with your father—did you notice any changes?Was he checking over his shoulder?"
"You think there was some warning."Ancelin's voice quieted, her eyes lowering to their joined hands."That somehow we could have known?"
"No, sweetheart," Krevan whispered, his fingers gently brushing hers."I just want to understand what happened.To keep you safe."
Ancelin nodded, her gaze drifting to the stars above them."Dad lived on coffee and midnight equations.That was just...him."Her voice softened to a hush."But at my graduation, he barely watched me accept my diploma.His eyes kept floating to the exits, the corners.I thought he was just distracted by some formula or theory he was working on."
Krevan's thumb traced small circles on her palm."Would it be alright if my family looked into what happened?They have connections who might help."
"No, I wouldn't mind.What kind of business does your family have?"
"My family runs Vallex Corporation," Krevan said, his voice was gentle."Vallex builds beautiful things—towers that touch the clouds."He caressed her hand with his.
"Vallex Corporation specializes in architectural developments—skyscrapers, primarily.We employ an extensive legal team that handles everything from acquisitions to contract disputes and maintain security personnel who could easily investigate your parents' case.Several of our attorneys are Earth-born and understand the intricacies of your planet's justice system.I'll personally oversee the inquiry and consult our cybersecurity experts about that message.While I'm familiar with computer systems, this situation requires specialized knowledge.Would that arrangement work for you?"
"That would be...such a relief," Ancelin said, the tightness in her shoulders giving way as she exhaled."I've been carrying this alone since it happened.Sometimes I can barely remember what normal feels like anymore."
"Consider it done," Krevan replied, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the space between them.
Ancelin tilted her head, studying him."I've been wondering—arranged marriages on Triaxe—is that common for someone in your position?"
A shadow passed across Krevan's face as his eyes flickered, emerald dissolving into quicksilver before settling back to green.“Let’s go back to the kitchen and enjoy the dessert you’ve prepared.”They walked back to the kitchen, wrapped in quiet, their footsteps falling into a shared rhythm.
"Creating alliances by combining families," Krevan finally said, his voice barely above a whisper."My grandfather saw marriage as a merger—two powerful houses coming together."He settled onto a stool at the counter, watching as Ancelin lifted the knife above her homemade dessert.
The pecans glistened as she transferred a perfect wedge to his plate."Is that still common practice on Triaxe?Families choosing partners?"
"It happens among some of the old Triaxen families.Many Triaxen families have evolved past that custom, much like Earth has," Krevan said, his eyes darkening."But my family clings to old ways.My grandfather decided I'd remained bachelor too long.He had his reasons—political ones."Krevan's jaw tightened."He couldn't force me to truly mate with someone, that's not how Triaxen biology works—but he could make me sign marriage documents."
Krevan scraped his fork across the empty plate, collecting the last sweet crumbs."On paper, the Grusops were perfect—Earth aristocracy with fortunes that spanned generations.Their daughter Gillian..."His eyes darkened as he set down his fork with deliberate care."Beautiful, yes.The kind of beauty that turns heads across crowded ballrooms.But beneath that perfect exterior lived a woman who sneered when others showed mercy.I watched her dismiss household staff with a flick of her wrist, ignore strangers who approached her, and eventually, look through me as if I were glass.Eighteen months of marriage felt like eighteen years—until the accident changed everything."
"I'm sorry, Krevan."Ancelin reached for him and took his hand in both of hers, her thumb tracing the ridge of his knuckles."No one should endure a loveless marriage."
