Pugly's legs propelled him forward, a bounding furry mass of tears, snorts, and squeals. He bounded toward Midori in a furry gallop, a delirious grin spreading across his snout.
Midori ran to meet him, her arms open wide. Pugly launched himself at her, nearly bowling the woman over as he collided against her torso with unbridled enthusiasm. Burying his snout against the crook of her neck, he drank in her warmth, her essence, the indescribable joy of having her returned.
"Oh Pugly, I missed you!" Midori laughed, her arms tight around his rotund body. She peppered his cheeks with kisses, unmindful of the drool slobbering from his jowls.
Words failed Pugly in his moment of rapturous reunion. His heart swelled, overflowing with sheer elation at having the sun returned to him. Endearments bubbled up, too numerous and muddled to articulate in a coherent stream. Instead, he settled for nuzzling deeper into her embrace, basking in the euphoria of Midori's warmth and scent. His eyes slid shut in contentment as she showered him with affection, drinking in every precious second. The rest of the universe could wait. In that moment, Pugly needed nothing more.
Midori's eyes shone with pure joy as she held Pugly close, his plump body squirming in her embrace. "You have no idea how much I missed you, Pugly," she murmured, nuzzling her cheek against his furry head.
Cael's deep chuckle drew her attention as he approached, his silver eyes crinkling fondly at the scene. "I see someone is thrilled for your return."
A fresh peal of laughter bubbled up from Midori as Pugly twisted in her arms, showering her face with sloppy licks of unbridled glee. "And I couldn't be happier to see him!"
Pugly's tail battered Midori's legs with frantic swipes, his entire body seeming to vibrate with ecstatic energy.
"Speaking of which . . .” Cael began, drawing closer to lay an arm across Midori's shoulders. She leaned into his solid warmth, cherishing his closeness. "We have an offer for you, noble Pugly."
The furry creature stilled, ears perking up as he met Cael's gaze.
"On my home planet of Zyranth, in the royal palace, you would want for nothing," Cael explained, his words ringing with sincerity. "A life of comfort and plenty, with the full resources of the kingdom at your beck and call. You would be honored as a treasured companion, free to remain ever at Midori's side."
Pugly's eyes widened, stunned by the unexpected proposition. Midori gave him an affectionate squeeze.
"Say you'll come with us, sweet Pugly. I can't bear the thought of parting from you again after everything we went through."
For a prolonged moment, Pugly was silent and still save for the rise and fall of his barrel-shaped body. At last Pugly met her eyes, his own shining with profound emotion. "I would follow you anywhere, radiant one," came his decisive reply.
Pulling Pugly into a fresh embrace, she rained kisses over his furry cheeks as joyful tears pricked her eyes. "Then it's settled! You're one of us now, Pugly—the newest, most cherished member of the royal family!"
Midori's heartwas so full, it felt like it might burst with joy. Not only was she glad to see Pugly, but the Zebrans were so overjoyed to see her and Cael safely returned, a feast was thrown in their honor. Zana and Pugly never left her side the entire evening.
News of the slave compound's destruction was quickly shared, as was gossip of another human woman seen in the city.
"Valentina! I'm sure that's her." Midori squeezed Cael's hand. "Maybe she knows something about my sister."
"We'll inquire in the city, see if we can track her whereabouts."
Cael left the feast to speak with his men aboard the slimship. Soon it was on its way to Mlima City, where his men would investigate the rumors of the human female.
Tears welled in Midori's eyes as the ship disappeared over the horizon, leaving Midori and Cael in the village's care for the night.
April, where are you? I promise I won't stop looking until you're found.
Zephryn approached them, his striped face solemn. "Welcome back, friends. I am glad to see you safe and well."
Midori smiled at the Zebran leader. "Thank you, Zephryn. It's good to be back." She glanced around at the gathered tribe members, their faces a mix of relief and curiosity. "Where's Jessa? I noticed his scowling face was missing from the feast."
Zephryn's expression darkened. "Jessa has been banished from the tribe. His actions in betraying you to the slavers were unforgivable."
Midori nodded. "I understand. It must have been a difficult decision."
"It was," Zephryn acknowledged. "But the safety and unity of the tribe must come first. We cannot tolerate such treachery among our own."
Midori felt a pang of sympathy for Jessa as the chief informed them of his banishment. Despite his actions against them, she could understand the desperation which drove him. Her eyes found Cael's, seeing the same mixture of emotions reflected there.
Cael stepped forward, addressing the chief. "Jessa acted out of love, however misguided. If I were in his shoes, I might have done the same."
His words carried weight, and Midori saw the chief's eyes soften slightly.
