The realization confirmed my fears. This was not a mate bond for her. It had only been one for me.
Her happiness was still my first priority. Seeing her truly, genuinely happy was worth every moment of pain. Worth losing her, if that’s what it took to see that light in her eyes.
I loved her enough to let her go.
The thought settled over me with unexpected peace. Thiswas what love meant. Not possession. Not protection at the cost of her joy. But giving her the choice, even if it broke me.
I turned back to Lord Rykar and raised my voice so everyone could hear. “The three who fell from the sky have been our guests. They have been treated with honor and respect. They have contributed to our community in ways we can never fully repay.”
I paused, letting the words sink in. Letting my people understand what was coming.
“And they are free to leave.”
The moment of silence that followed was deafening.
“Lord Rezor—” Torak started.
“They are free,” I repeated, more firmly. “I will not hold them here against their will. If they choose to return to their people, to their lives among the stars, that is their right. We have no claim on them beyond the gratitude we owe for all they’ve done.”
Zelana moved forward, her expression anguished. “The prophecy—”
“The prophecy spoke of renewal,” I said, meeting her eyes. “And we have been renewed. The storms have ended. Our world will heal. Whether that renewal continues is not dependent on keeping three people as prisoners. It’s dependent on us choosing to be better. To open ourselves to the galaxy instead of hiding behind our mountains.”
I looked at Vikkat. “If you wish to establish formal relations, I accept. The valley will open its borders for the first time in thousands of sun-cycles. We will trade. We will learn. We will join the larger world.” My gaze swept across my people. “Wewillchange. Because the alternative is toremain isolated and afraid, and I will not let fear rule us anymore.”
The words felt right. Final. Like a weight lifting from my shoulders.
“Furthermore,” I continued, “I am willing to host a diplomatic delegation here in the valley. To begin discussions of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual cooperation. But first—” I turned to look at Cleo. “First, I return your people to you.”
Zara had been watching me with an expression that might have been grudging respect or might have been continued suspicion. Now she moved toward me, leaving Cleo with the others.
“You’re really letting them go?” she asked quietly. “No tricks? No last-minute demands?”
“No tricks.” I met her fierce gaze with a slight bow. “I should have let Cleo speak with you the first time you came. I was wrong. I let fear and duty and my own selfish desires cloud my judgment. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Damn right, you won’t.” But some of the hostility had left her expression. “For what it’s worth, I can see why…” She trailed off, glancing back at Cleo. “Why this was complicated for you.”
“She loves you,” I said. “She missed you terribly. Take her home. Take care of her.”
Zara studied me for a long moment. “You love her.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re still letting her go.”
“Yes.” The truth of it rang through me. “I want her to be happy. Even if that happiness doesn’t include me.”
Something in Zara’s expression shifted. “You’re either thestupidest male I’ve ever met or the smartest. I haven’t decided which yet.” She turned back toward the group. “Cleo! We can leave now. The ship’s ready. We can take you home.”
The words carried across the plaza with perfect clarity.
I watched Cleo’s face as she processed them. Watched a complex mix of emotions move over her lovely features. I saw something that looked like pain as her brows drew together. “Now?” she asked. “Right now?”
“Right now.” Zara gestured at the craft. “We can be off-planet in an hour. Back to the Sola in a few cycles. You can catch up with everyone, sleep in your own bed again.”
“I…” Cleo looked at Mierva and Baleck.
Mierva looked anxiously at the ship. Her gaze moved over all the new faces in the village, seeking out one in particular. “Is Derrin with you?”
