Page 44 of Willow and the Wraith

The guilt in Sooni’s voice made her heart ache. She gently stroked the smooth green scalp, trying to find the right words. Wraith seemed to understand her struggle. He smiled at her and picked up Sooni, then sat down with her on his lap.

“You did exactly the right thing,” he told her, his voice gentle. “You stayed hidden and you stayed safe.”

“It was the right thing to do?” the little girl asked doubtfully.

“Yes. The most important thing is that you were safe.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he repeated, and the small body relaxed.

She smiled at the two of them, but there had been something in his voice which made her think he’d remembered more of his past. Remembered a time when he hadn’t been safe.

Malacar dished out the meal he’d prepared and they all sat down together. My family, she thought, smiling at them.

“You know we’re heading for Farlain,” she said. “Wraith and I have decided to stay there and make a home. We were hoping you both would join us.”

Malacar gave her a shocked look.

“Farlain?” he repeated, his voice gruff. “I don’t really know much about it…” Those perceptive eyes looked from her to Wraith, then he nodded decisively. “But I’m sure it’s better than an old space station. I think it’s an excellent idea. As long as you’re sure it’s the right place. I’m not moving again.”

“We won’t stay unless we’re sure,” she assured him and he smiled at her, patting her hand.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “Both of you.”

Sooni could barely contain her excitement.

“Our own home?” she squealed. “Can I have my own room? With a big window? And maybe a garden outside?”

As Sooni’s enthusiasm grew, dreaming up ever more elaborate plans, Willow bit her lip. She hadn’t really considered the practical aspects of their new life, like money. Most of the little girl’s suggestions weren’t realistic, but they would still need to find a place large enough for all of them, plus the garden she wanted. How would they afford all this?

“Sweetie,” she started gently, trying to temper Sooni’s expectations. “We’ll have to see what we can manage-”

Wraith leaned in close, his voice low and amused.

“You don’t need to worry about credits,” he murmured. “I have more than enough. I’ve had a very profitable career and I never had much to spend those profits on other than my weapons and my ship.”

She blinked in surprise, realizing there was a lot about his life before her that she didn’t know. But she gave him a relieved smile and let Sooni continue with her grand plans.

All of them were tired by the day’s events and they decided to turn in early. She put Sooni to bed as usual, but before she left, the little girl reached up and hugged her, her thin arms tight around Willow’s neck.

“I’m glad I get to stay with you forever and ever.”

Tears pricked at her eyes as she returned the hug.

“So am I, sweetie.”

She went to join Wraith in his cabin - their cabin - but as she settled into bed next to him, a thought struck her.

“Had?” she asked, turning to face him. “You said you ‘had’ a successful career.”

He smiled at her.

“I’m retiring,” he said simply.

She bit her lip. As delighted as she was by the thought that he wouldn’t have to leave them, she knew how much his work had defined him.

That thought continued to gnaw at her as he dimmed the lights and pulled her close.

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