“You needed to talk… Oh.” Aura nods. “It is time, then?”
Mother Cinuska gets a nod from the other command members and speaks up as their representative. “It would be less strain on your fleet if we could move our civilians to a planet where we can rebuild.”
“Just the civilians,” Jorusk adds. “The plan is to lead them to Drathis and return to battle with those willing, if that will work.”
Aura runs a hand over his mouth like he doesn’t want to say what’s on his mind. “Well, I mean, you do whatever you have to. I just represent Amphirans.”
“You are still Prince Aurelius in my mind,” Fieri mutters.
“We’ve been over this.” Aura gives Fieri an annoyed glance. “If you need anything, for your trip, let Fieri know. He can get it for you. For now, I need to go have a chat withGreen Beanabout handling some childish Nebs who need a lesson in behavior.”
Elix and Zariah wait for Aura down another hallway with two teams of guards. I thanked them before the meeting, but it doesn’t feel like enough. And as I consider all those who helped rescue my mate, I begin to understand Aura’s deep commitment.
Aura hugs Jorusk firmly and pats him on the shoulder. “Do not be gone too long, my friend.”
“We’ll return soon,” Jorusk replies. “Thank you again. For everything.”
Mother Cinuska swats Fieri on the ass as Jorusk’s crew and their Pyraforce command members leave with her.
Jorusk snorts a chuckle.
Fieri’s eyes follow Cinuska with growing interest, but I think I know why he’s holding back.
“Go on,” I tell Jorusk. I’ll be right behind you and DIA in Black Sun.”
Jorusk kisses my cheek, glances between Fieri and me, and then follows the others.
“What can I do for you?” he asks.
“Fieri.” I give him a knowing look.
He sighs and looks away.
I rest a hand on his arm. “Tell me. I will keep it between us.”
His jaw muscles flex. “I can’t.”
“You lost your mate, the one you wanted, didn’t you?”
He’s quiet for a long time before he nods.
“And that’s why you’re so desperate to hang on to everyone around you, why you don’t let anyone waste time.”
He curls a purple lip like he’s fighting hard inside not to cry. But it is the dying green light in his eyes that confirms his truth. “Yes.”
“But what are you doing to yourself?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It absolutely does. To all of us who care about you. And to Cinuska. She clearly wants you.”
Fieri straightens and searches for her down the hallway but doesn’t say anything.
“Come with us. Beforeyoulose your second chance.”
He rasps a low, broken note. “It would not be fair toher.”
“But she would want you to be happy, right?”
