A violent tremor shook the circle, nearly knocking Mara off her feet. Vaelor lunged—not to attack, but to steady her. His hands gripped her shoulders, warm and strong.
“Mara,” he said again, voice rough with emotion.
She looked up into his eyes—and saw everything.
Fear.
Love.
Resolve.
“I love you,” he said.
The words hit her like a physical blow. Her breath caught. Her heart stuttered.
She lifted her hands to his face, cupping his cheeks. “I love you too.”
The ice cracked again, louder this time, as if the arena itself reacted to their confession.
Vaelor leaned down and kissed her.
It wasn’t a desperate kiss.
It wasn’t a goodbye.
It was a promise.
A vow.
A moment carved into her soul.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. His breath trembled.
“Forgive me,” he whispered.
Before she could ask why, he stepped away from her.
One step.
Two steps.
Three.
His boot crossed the boundary of the circle.
A blinding flash of light erupted around them.
The Game Master’s voice thundered:
“MARA OF EARTH—YOU ARE THE WINNER OF THE GALACTIC SURVIVOR GAMES! THE FIRST HUMAN CHAMPION IN HISTORY!”
The arena exploded into cheers. Fireworks burst overhead, scattering sparks across the storm-dark sky. Holographic confetti rained down around her.
Mara stood frozen, staring at the spot where Vaelor had stepped out. He stood just beyond the circle, shoulders squared, expression unreadable—but his eyes… his eyes held nothing but love.
She opened her mouth to call out to him——but a swarm of people descended on her.
Technicians.
