Page 138 of Stars in Halo

His eyes widened when he recognised it. ‘The Iris?’

‘Naam,’ Katya confessed, dropping the glittering crimson gem into his hand. ‘I plucked it off Akira’s pockets on his ship when he came at me as I tried to exit the bridge.’

Xion chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. ‘Of course, you did. Why the hell did he have it?’

‘K’Sumi gave it to him. Had we made it to the Sable vaults, we’d have needed to test the frequencies of the Viper’s Eye and the Serpent’s Iris to ascertain they matched.’

Xion sobered up. ‘Which might have caused an epic geological fallout across Eden II, or worse, this corner of the universe.’

‘Seems neither K’Sumi nor Akira and perhaps not even my brothers, had thought that far. Or had a clue about how monumental its power is, sufficient to change the course of a universe.’

‘Damn woman, you rock my world,’ Xion rasped.

‘I hope I’m enough for it, for you,’ Katya breathed.

Xion’s thumb brushed away a tear that escaped down Katya’s cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. ‘You are more than enough, and I mean every word,’ he affirmed, his gaze unwavering as he held hers. ‘I see you for who you are now, not for who you used to be, khaliya. Your dedication to your kids has much to do with your redemption and my regard for you. You’re more righteous than many a so-called holy man or woman I’ve met.’

His words sank in, and a sense of warmth bloomed in her chest, thawing the ice that had encased her heart for so long.

‘I may need some time, kodan,’ she said after a beat. ‘To reassure my kids, settle them down, and perhaps relocate them from Iccythria. I’m not sure I want them nor my mother living there any more.’

Xion’s brow lifted. ‘Take all the time you want. You’ve got a home on Eden II should you require one.’

Katya’s eyes widened in surprise at Xion’s offer, his unwavering support catching her off guard. It was rare it was to find someone who not only accepted her past. Furthermore, he was willing to stand by her side as she navigated the complexities of her present.

‘Sante, kodan,’ Katya whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and a hint of disbelief. ‘I never imagined finding this level of understanding and kindness.’

Xion’s hand remained on her cheek, a silent gesture of comfort and reassurance. ‘You don’t have to face your future alone, khaliya. I’m here for you, whatever you need.’

The weight of his words hung in the air, wrapping around them like a protective shield against the uncertainties ahead.

For the first time in a long while, Katya believed that maybe, just maybe, she had found a glimmer of solace in the arms of a man who valued her beyond her past and for her soul, which was the best redemption ever.

‘You and your children are welcome wherever I am,’ he grunted. ‘I want you to feel safe and supported, no matter what comes our way.’

Katya let out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.

‘Sante.’

It was all she was able to whisper.

‘Lips, woman,’ Xion growled, dragging her onto his lap.

Their kiss was a mix of raw emotion and unspoken words, a silent promise of unwavering support and love.

The chaos of their experience to date faded into the background, their world shrinking to just the two of them in that moment.

For Katya, the touch of his mouth was a lifeline in the storm, grounding her in a reality she had almost lost hope of finding again.

In the aftermath of the shakedown, Kisan and Kage raced back to Eden II’s surface, with the pirates locked in the secure holds of their frigates.

Xion lingered on the Tachy’s bridge, wrapping up a report on the incursion.

Needing to refresh herself, Katya stepped into the head cleanser and let the soap, suds, and warm mist wash away her troubles.

Her mind drifted back to her and Xion’s recent conversation and his promise of understanding and acceptance.

She slumped against the wall, tears flowing free.

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