Page 36 of The Alien's Unwanted Bride

As the day progressed, filled with a mix of serious planning sessions and lighthearted family moments, Dravek felt more at ease than he had in years. The weight of duty he’d carried for so long felt lighter, balanced by the warmth of connection and the promise of a future brighter than he’d ever dared to imagine.

That evening, as the group gathered on a terrace overlooking the city, Dravek found a quiet moment with Zora. The setting sun painted the sky in breathtaking hues, casting a warm glow over her features.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

Zora tilted her head, curious. “For what?”

“For this,” Dravek gestured to the scene around them—their family laughing and chatting, the city below coming alive with hope. “For showing me what it means to be part of something... more.”

Zora’s eyes softened, and she reached out to take his hand. “We did this together,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “And whatever comes next, we’ll face it the same way.”

As they stood there, hand in hand, watching the sun set on a new era for Xuevis, Tharvis, and Earth, Dravek felt a sense of peace settle over him. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and responsibilities. But for the first time in his life, he wasn’t facing it alone.

And that, he realized, made all the difference.

Sixteen

The Xuevisian capitalglittered beneath a sky painted with swirling auroras, its restored grandeur a testament to the resilience of its people. Zora Arison stood on a balcony overlooking the city, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns carved into the railing. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of blooming night flowers, reminding her of the lush gardens that had captivated her upon first arriving on this world that was now a part of her heritage.

Dravek’s steady presence beside her grounded her amidst the whirlwind of emotions churning within. His hand rested lightlyon the small of her back, a gesture that had become familiar and comforting over their shared journey.

TWENTY-FIVE

“It’s breathtaking,” Zora murmured, her gaze sweeping over the city below. Luminescent structures seemed to grow organically from the landscape, their graceful spires reaching toward the stars. Waterfalls cascaded down the sides of buildings, their crystalline droplets catching the light of floating lanterns that drifted lazily through the air.

Dravek nodded, his deep voice tinged with wonder. “The resilience of the Xuevisian people is truly remarkable. To see the city restored to such beauty after years of oppression...”

Zora leaned into him slightly, drawing strength from his solid presence. “It’s more than just restoration. It’s transformation. Look there—” She pointed to a newly constructed plaza where Tharvisian architecture seamlessly blended with Xuevisian design. “And there—” Her finger traced the path of an elevated garden where Earth plants mingled with exotic Xuevisian flora. “It’s becoming something entirely new. A symbol of what we can achieve together.”

A comfortable silence fell between them as they absorbed the vista before them. The city buzzed with anticipation for the celebrations to come—festivities that would mark the beginning of a new era of alliance between Xuevis, Tharvis, and Earth.

Zora’s mind drifted to the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. Discovering her true heritage, the battle against Malgor, and the subsequent days of rebuilding and negotiation had left her exhilarated and exhausted in equal measure. Yet standing here on the precipice of a new chapter, she felt a sense of purpose settle deep in her bones.

“We should join the others,” Dravek said softly, breaking the silence. “The opening ceremony will begin soon.”

Zora nodded, taking a deep breath to center herself. As they turned to leave the balcony, she caught sight of their reflection in a polished wall panel. The image startled her for a moment—gone was the uncertain botanist who had first arrived on Tharvis. In her place stood a woman who carried herself with quiet confidence, her eyes bright with determination and hope.

Dravek’s reflection stood tall beside her, his usual stoic expression softened by a warmth that seemed reserved solely for her. The sight made her heart flutter, a reminder of the unspoken connection that had grown between them.

As they made their way through the palace corridors, the sounds of the gathering crowd grew louder. Delegates from all three worlds mingled, their diverse languages creating a symphony of excitement. Zora’s gaze was drawn to the banners adorning the walls—a crescent moon entwined with a star for Xuevis, the proud Tharvisian phoenix, and the blue and green orb representing Earth. The sight filled her with a surge of emotion.

“Are you ready?” Dravek asked as they approached the entrance to the grand amphitheater.

Zora squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied with a small smile. “Let’s make history.”

They stepped into the amphitheater, and the roar of the crowd washed over them. Thousands of faces turned to them, asea of hope and expectation. Zora felt a moment of vertigo at the sheer magnitude of what they were about to undertake.

But then Dravek’s hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with her own. She met his gaze, drawing strength from the unwavering support she saw there. Together, they walked to the center of the theater, ready to usher in a new era of alliance and understanding.

The opening ceremony was a blur of color and sound. Representatives from each world took turns sharing blessings and traditions, their words echoing through the space and across the airwaves to reach every corner of the three allied planets.

When it was Zora’s turn to speak, she stepped forward, her heart pounding. The crowd fell silent, waiting. She took a deep breath, remembering all that had led to this moment.

“People of Xuevis, Tharvis, and Earth,” she began, her voice clear and strong. “We stand here today not as separate worlds, but as one united cosmos. Our differences are not divisions, but the very threads that when woven together create a tapestry more beautiful and resilient than any single strand could be alone.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the audience. She saw hope in their eyes, and it fueled her words.

“I have walked the forests of Earth, explored the technology of Tharvis, and discovered the wonders of Xuevis. In each place, I found beauty, wisdom, and strength. But it is in our unity that I have found the greatest marvel of all—the power to shape our shared future.”

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