Page 57 of My Alien Pirate

"She's stronger than she looks," he observed, his tentacles wrapping around me comfortably.

"She is," I agreed. "And I think she's right about Manny and Grixxa."

Zharrox's ridges pulsed with interest. "You think they share a bond?"

"Not like ours," I said, trailing my fingers along his chest ridges. "But something's definitely growing between them."

He was quiet for a moment, his tentacles moving soothingly against my skin. "Perhaps this is part of the prophecy too – different species learning to love each other, breaking down the barriers between worlds."

I smiled, pressing a kiss to his chest. "I like that idea. Love transcending species, changing the universe one heart at a time."

His arms tightened around me, and I felt his love pulse through our bond. As I drifted off to sleep, I thought about Sara's words. She was right – what Zharrox and I had was different from anything I'd experienced before. It was deeper, truer, more real than I'd ever imagined love could be.

Of course, not everyone shared our optimistic view. Earlier that day, I'd overheard Jorixx arguing with Zharrox in the command center. "Three humans now integrated into our crew," he'd growled. "Each forming... attachments. The timing is too perfect, too convenient."

But even Jorixx's suspicions couldn't dampen my hope for the future we were building.

And if Manny could find that with Grixxa, if Sara could find it with someone else, if more of our peoples could learn to see past their differences and find love together... well, maybe that was how real change began.

38

Endings & Beginnings

The Nebula Stryker emerged from FTL drive above Kraxia's largest moon, Rylixia, where the Temple of Eternal Bonds stood guard over K'thara Grove. Through the viewing window, my eyes widened as I took in the crystalline mountains catch and scatter light across the moon's surface, creating a breathtaking display of color.

"It's beautiful," I breathed, feeling Zharrox's presence behind me.

"The sacred place of my people," he said softly, his tentacles wrapping around my waist. "I never thought I'd see it in person."

The separation anxiety was already building in my chest at the thought of the purification ritual. We'd been warned that mates must spend three days apart before the ceremony, cleansing both body and spirit. The priestesses had been very clear – no physical contact, no communication through our growing bond.

Grixxa appeared at my side, her ridges pulsing with gentle reassurance. "I'll take care of her, Captain," she promised. "The separation will be difficult, but it's necessary."

I turned in Zharrox's arms, pressing my forehead into his broad chest. "Three days," I whispered. "I can do this."

His crystalline eyes shone as bright as the mountains outside, filled with love and longing. "Three days, my little zixxit. Then we'll be together forever."

The landing was smooth, and soon we were being greeted by the Xailith priestesses. They wore flowing robes that seemed to capture and reflect the sparkling light surrounding us. Zalira, the eldest among them, stepped forward and led us down from the ship.

"Welcome to Rylixia," she said, her voice melodious and ancient. "The time has come to prepare for your union."

We were led in separate directions at the bottom of the ramp. Grixxa and Sara accompanied me to the women's purification chambers while Zharrox was led away by the male priests. The last glimpse I had of him was through the crystal archway, his ridges pulsing with love and reassurance.

The first day passed in a blur of ritual baths, meditation, and ancient ceremonies. The second day was filled with teachings about the sacred bond and its responsibilities. But it was during the third day that everything went wrong.

I was in the meditation garden with Sara, trying to focus on the cleansing exercises the priestesses had taught us but not having much luck with not thinking about Zharrox, when we heard the commotion. Shouts and the sound of energy weapons echoed through the crystal corridors.

"What's happening?" Sara asked, jumping to her feet.

Before I could respond, Manny burst into the garden, his face tight with tension. "We need to move, now! Jorixx – he's lost it.He's trying to destroy the temple's power core. Says it's the only way to stop the 'human infection' from spreading."

My heart stopped. "But that would–"

"Kill everyone here, yes," Manny confirmed grimly. "He's convinced we're some kind of threat to his people. The bond between you and Zharrox, between me and Grixxa – he sees it as a corruption that needs to be purged."

We ran through the crystal corridors, the sound of fighting growing louder. Ahead, I could see flashes of energy weapons reflecting off the walls. Then I heard it – Zharrox's voice, filled with pain and disbelief.

"Jor, stop this! These are our friends!"

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