Page 51 of My Alien Pirate

As she drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but marvel at the turn my life had taken. From feared pirate captain to a male in love, ready to change the course of his people's future for the sake of his mate. It was a strange, unexpected path, but one I embraced with all my being.

For Nova, I would do anything. For her, I would change the universe itself.

34

The Grove

Finding Zalira proved easier than expected. As I approached her "library," I felt her presence before I even reached the door. She was waiting for me, her ancient eyes gleaming in the dim light as the door spiraled open at my approach.

"Come in, young one," she said, her voice carrying the weight of millennia. Her ancient age had her scales hold an iridescent sheen that only came with great age. "I've been expecting you."

Of course she had. Zalira always seemed to know things before they happened. I ducked my head respectfully as I entered her domain. The room was filled with real books—actual paper and binding from dozens of worlds—along with data crystals and scrolls. The scent of age and knowledge permeated the air.

"You've started the bond," she said. It wasn't a question.

"Yes," I replied, my ridges pulsing with joy despite my attempt to maintain composure. "We have."

Zalira's own ridges flickered with interest. "The prophecy speaks true then. Show me."

I held out my hands and she placed hers in mine. Her eyes closed as she read the bond through our touch. After a moment, she pulled back, her expression both pleased and troubled.

"The bond is strong," she said. "Stronger than any I've seen in centuries. But it is incomplete."

"That's why I'm here," I said. "I want to complete the bonding ritual. We've already joined physically and shared our thoughts and feelings. What else must we do?"

Zalira rose from her seat and moved to one of her many shelves. Her tentacles selected an ancient scroll, bringing it carefully to the table between us. "The ritual of complete bonding is sacred, passed down through generations. It must be performed in the sacred grove of K'thara, where the energies of our world align with the cosmic forces."

My hearts sank. "K'thara? But that's leagues away, near our homeworld."

"Yes," she confirmed, her eyes sympathetic but firm. "The ritual cannot be performed elsewhere. The grove has been consecrated by thousands of years of bonding ceremonies. Its energy is essential for binding two souls, especially of different species."

I began to pace, my tentacles writhing with agitation. "It will take twenty rotations to reach K'thara?"

She watched me carefully. "The journey itself is part of the ritual, Zharrox. It tests the strength of your commitment, the depth of your bond."

I ran my hands over my face ridges in frustration. "Twenty rotations... Nova will think I'm having doubts."

"Then you must show her otherwise," Zalira said firmly. "The bond you share is rare and precious. It transcends species, dimensions, even time itself. The universe has chosen you two to bridge worlds, to bring about change. This journey is but the first test of many."

She rose and moved to another shelf, this time retrieving a small crystal box. "Here. These are the sacred oils and incense needed for the ceremony. You will need them when we reach K'thara."

"We?" I asked, surprised.

Zalira's ridges pulsed with amusement. "Did you think I would miss the first cross-species bonding ceremony in recorded history? Besides, you need a high priestess to perform the ritual."

Relief flooded through me. Having Zalira's support would make this easier to explain to both Nova and my crew. Speaking of which...

"I need to tell the crew," I said. "Set our course for K'thara."

"They already suspect something has changed," Zalira observed. "Grixxa knows, of course. And Jorixx... well, he will need convincing."

I nodded grimly. Jorixx had been against keeping Nova from the start. Learning that I intended to bond with her permanently would not go over well.

"Gather them in the command center," Zalira suggested. "Let them see the truth of the bond. It will be harder for them to object when faced with its reality."

I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. "You're right. Will you be there?"

"I will observe," she said cryptically. "But this is your task, young one. Show them the strength of your conviction."

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