“Enjoy your freedom!” Roman leaned back, looking satisfied. “You deserve it.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
ISLA
The vibrant glow of the dome city surrounding us was a marvel of alien technology, a glass bubble showcasing the wonders of the ocean depths. Bioluminescent marine life outside the domes created a surreal ambiance around us.
But for all its beauty, it felt suffocating.
We were so far beneath the surface that I couldn't even see a glimmer of daylight from where we were on the ocean floor. The darkness of the ocean above and the deep silence made me feel so small and vulnerable.
I reached for the bubble dome. My hand touched the glass wall. It was difficult to fathom that I was underwater in a hidden alien metropolis with the aquatic male who had changed my life forever over a year ago.
For a moment, the past few days flashed before my eyes—the fake wedding, the explosion, being kidnapped by Sam and Rose once again, killing them, and the boat crash that had almost led to my drowning.
Why did it always seem like my life circled back to the open waters?
Somehow, I had cheated death not once, but twice—because of Ky’rn.
“What’s wrong?”
Ky'rn moved closer, his large frame a comforting presence. His dark blue scales shimmered in the dim light, highlighting his muscular aquatic form. Those glowing amber eyes, always watchful, now bore into mine, searching for answers.
"I just…a lot has happened, and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it all," I confessed.
Ky'rn's expression softened. "I know you've been through a lot," he said softly, his amber eyes filled with understanding. "I'm here for you, Isla. I'll listen, whatever you need to say."
A suffocating blanket of guilt, relief, and raw fear pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. "Am I…am I a bad person? For what I did to Rose and Sam?" I looked for judgment in his eyes. “Am I a monster for not regretting what I’ve done?”
Ky'rn studied me with a softness that took me by surprise. "I’ve been where you are," he admitted quietly. The gravity of his admission hung in the air, laced with fresh sorrow. "I've taken lives, and each one has left a mark. It never becomes easier. But never forget, what you did was self-defense. You protected your own life against those who sought to harm you. There's no shame in survival. It’s only natural instinct."
Despite the comfort of his words, a gnawing dread remained. "But what if the leaders here decide to hand me over to human authorities?" I asked, anxiety evident in my voice. "What if the police come for me? I've taken two lives. My face will be all over the news. They'll charge me with murder."
Ky'rn gave a nonchalant shrug, the casual gesture at odds with the serious tone of our conversation. "You're now an IPA citizen. The circumstances of your actions were justified. And besides,” he added with a sly smile. "We'll be leaving tomorrow morning. So, you really don't have much to worry about."
A restless energy stirred within me. "But what am I supposed to do once we leave Earth? I don’t want to just…exist," I questioned, my voice tinged with frustration.
His smile widened. "You can do whatever you want. You have credits, resources; you don't even need to work if you choose not to."
I bit my lip, hope blossoming. "I don't want to be idle," I declared. “My research…I don't want to lose that part of me, especially now that I've broken free from the shackles of my grandfather's control and Earth's constraints. Do you think there would be a position within the IPA where I can continue my research?”
Ky’rn cupped my cheek, the cool touch of his skin grounding me. “Of course. The IPA values scientific expertise. With your background, you could greatly contribute to our understanding of marine life across galaxies. The universe is vast, Isla, and its oceans are endless. There's no doubt that the IPA would benefit from having you on board. We'll find a way for you to continue your research, even if I have to use some of my connections."
I nodded, grateful for his support. "I appreciate the offer, it’s just…I don't want to have to depend on you for the rest of my life."
"There’s nothing wrong with accepting help from others," he reminded me. “It doesn’t make you weak. Everyone needs help at some point in their life. If I can use my position to get you what you need to feel fulfilled, to find your purpose, then I will do so gladly. It’s the least I can do because I care about you.”
I sighed. "Yeah, but it's hard to wrap my mind around it," I admitted, my heart heavy with uncertainty. "How are we supposed to make this work?
"We are from two different worlds, Ky'rn. You're a Makezu commander with responsibilities. And me? I'm just a human ichthyologist, and now, the sole survivor of my family's legacy—or whatever’s left of it," I whispered, my voice shaky. "The challenges we've faced already are just the beginning. I’m not foolish enough to believe otherwise. How do we build a life from this chaos?"
"I know it's overwhelming. And I won't lie; there will be challenges.” He offered a reassuring smile, his sharp teeth peeking out. "Isla, it does not matter where we come from or what our pasts entail. What matters is now. And right now, all I see is a strong, brave female who has faced insurmountable odds and still stands. We will face our future together, one day at a time."
I looked deep into his eyes, seeking the truth in his soothing words, but the uncertainty remained. Its weight bore heavily on my chest, tightening every breath I took.
The underwater city lights outside our dome’s window cast their ethereal glow upon Ky'rn's distinct features, emphasizing the ridges and smooth scales that adorned his face. He held my gaze, unflinching and sincere.
It was then that I realized that amidst the chaos in my life, Ky'rn had always been my anchor.
