Page 94 of Stars in Halo

‘Meet my kids, Xion,’ she whispered.

‘It’s my pleasure,’ he rasped back.

Eyes shining, she pointed each tousle-haired child out. ‘That’s Kira, Kali, Kade, Kane, Kian, Kaan, Kadi, Koda, Kylo, Kobe, Kastian, Kash and the baby’s Kaaia.’

The bachelor in him panicked; the lover in him melted. ‘Pleased to see them, can’t wait to get acquainted when they’re awake.’

‘They’re a riot, so be careful what you wish for,’ Katya said with a half laugh.

She gestured to the older woman who resembled her in beauty and grace.

She was propped on a crash couch, exhaustion lining her kind features. She gave them a small wave as she accepted water and a pack of rations. ‘That’s my mother, Kiko. She took care of them all this time. I’ll never be able to repay her.’

‘She sounds like an angel,’ the Rider rasped.

He crossed to the sleepy woman. ‘Welcome on board, Khosa D’Hanna,’ using the older woman’s formal title. ‘Is there more we can do to make you comfortable?’

Her eyes lit over him. ‘You’re a good one,’ she whispered. ‘Your soul shines with pure light,’ she added to his surprise.

‘Sante,’ he murmured, nonplussed.

‘I need nothing now that my beautiful girl and I are reunited,’ Kiko reiterated. ‘Thanks to you.’

He bent over, lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm.

She gave him another soft smile before turning into the back of the crash couch, exhaustion taking her over.

She was soon snoring, senseless to all the activity around her.

Xion turned to see Katya seated on the floor on a mattress, stroking the dark curly hair, skin, and cheeks of the youngest charge in her arms.

He strolled to the mess’s doorway, where he lingered, leaning on the jamb, eyes locked on her, his chest churning with feeling.

Katya caught sight of him and stood, tucking the girl under covers.

She moved to his side at the threshold.

His eyes met his, her face etched with gratitude.

‘Happy?’

She nodded.

‘If you’re happy, I am too,’ he rasped.

Her hand brushed against his, a mother’s thankful touch.

He reached for her hair, smoothing it over her nape and neck, then tagged her to his flank. They remained in silence, shoulder to shoulder, as an uncanny sense of peace washed over him.

Blood Of The Covenant

They arrived at the palace of Khosana DKRT late that night.

The unique landscape, a natural fortress, enveloped the stately home, which was a marvel of architecture.

It was nestled in a sheltered valley, its grandeur accentuated by the two mountainous ridges that loomed over it.

The castle provided a haven from the volcanic destruction happening elsewhere on the planet, creating a sense of safety and tranquillity.

---