Iris started with being ambushed and kidnapped by Vax. I picked up the narrative when I began searching for her, explaining about the tracker and the Raycer, even though Anker had likely already told her that part. Then Iris detailed her captivity, Vax’s conspiracy, and the Brakken alliance.
“He made a deal with the renegade Brakken faction,” she said, her voice clipped and professional. “Promised them land for a base in exchange for help removing outsiders and deposing Rezor. They wanted me as a hostage to use as leverage.”
Vash’s skin shifted through shades of angry red. He’d fought in the Brakken war too. The look he gave me held volumes of unspoken history.
“The Brakken have likely deployed probes all over the planet. It’s possible they’re there to block communications,” I added. “When I found Iris, a ship arrived overhead. We had to hide in the ruins overnight.”
“I estimate about two dozen Brakken soldiers occupying the ancient city,” Iris continued. “We escaped this morning. Two of Vax’s D’tran co-conspirators are dead. The Brakken killed them. I warned him,” she added, meeting Sophie’s gaze steadily. “I told him the Brakken would betray them. Use them and dispose of them. I dislike being right about that.”
Sophie absorbed this information with remarkable calm, though her jaw was tight. “How many D’tran were involved in this conspiracy?”
“Vax mentioned finding like-minded individuals,” Iris said. “But there were likely no more than the four individuals I saw.”
“The only D’tran we saw were the ones killed in the ruins,” I added. “No sign of Vax himself.”
Vash spoke for the first time, his voice heavy. “This is worse than we thought. A Brakken presence on Destrani, communication jamming, internal D’tran unrest.” He looked at Sophie. “The Destran lords and your admiral need to know.”
“That ship outside,” Sophie said slowly. “It’s the same destroyer-class vessel that left with Dr. Vasquez some ten cycles ago.” Her gaze sharpened. “I’m glad it’s here. We’ll direct the captain of the vessel to deal with the Brakken.”
“Can it?” I asked. “Two dozen soldiers isn’t much, but if they’ve established a base somewhere on the planet?—”
“That ship has the firepower to handle a small Brakken outpost and the ship they have here,” Vash interrupted. “And to search for probe deployments.” He straightened, his skin settling into determined orange tones. “It’s time Rezor is informed of what’s been happening in his territory.”
Sophie held up a hand. “I agree he needs to know. But not today. He just got his mate back. Let them have tonight.” Her expression softened fractionally. “Tomorrow morning, we’ll brief him. TheWellington’screw can begin dealing with the Brakken immediately. Rezor’s cooperation would be helpful, but it’s not essential for the first phase.”
Vash considered this, then nodded reluctantly. “Tomorrow, then. First light.”
Sophie turned to us, and something in her expression shifted. Pride, maybe. Or gratitude. “You two just saved lives. If those Brakken had been allowed to establish a foothold here, if we hadn’t learned about the probes jamming communications, if Vax’s conspiracy had gone undetected…” She shook her head.“The consequences could have been catastrophic. Well done, both of you.”
Iris nodded curtly, but I saw the slight tremor in her hands. She wasn’t used to praise.
I felt Iris shift beside me, uncomfortable with the attention. I touched her elbow gently, a silent offer of support.
“Is there anything else we need to know right now?” Sophie asked.
I thought about the mate bond. The marks that hadn’t appeared yet but would, I was certain. The fact that Iris and I had crossed a line in that underground room that couldn’t be uncrossed.
But that was ours. Not theirs.
“No,” I said. “We’ve told you everything relevant to the situation.”
“Then get some rest,” Sophie said. “You’ve both earned it. We’ll handle things from here.”
Iris and I left Vash’s quarters, stepping out into the late afternoon sun. The valley was settling into evening routines, but I could still see the crowd gathered around Cleo and Rezor. The D’tran leader had his mate tucked against his side, his arm around her waist like he was afraid she’d vanish if he let go.
I understood that feeling completely.
I turned to Iris. She looked exhausted, dust-streaked, and absolutely beautiful. Her dark eyes met mine, and I saw everything I felt reflected back at me. The fear. The relief. The certainty that something fundamental had shifted between us.
“The time has come for us to live our own lives,” I said quietly.
I held out my hand. She took it without hesitation, her scarred fingers lacing through mine.
I led her away from the guest quarters, away from the crowd and the diplomats and the celebrations. Away from everyoneand everything except us. My small hut sat on the edge of the settlement, modest and private.
When we reached the door, I paused and looked at her. “Is this okay?”
Her answer was to kiss me, soft and certain, before pulling me inside and closing the door behind us.
