Page 43 of Selected By the Dragon Alien

The celebration that followed the bondmating ceremony transformed the fortress courtyard into a festival of joy and unity. Hecron warriors, their voices deep and resonant, began an ancient love song that seemed to make the metal slabs of the fortress vibrate. The melody, though unfamiliar to the Terians, touched something deep within their souls, speaking of eternal love and unbreakable bonds.

Turi watched in amazement as her people, who had once been too beaten down to even consider celebration, joined hands with the Hecrons in a spiraling dance. Her mother was there, moving with a grace she’d never shown before, learning the steps to a traditional harvest dance from a young Hecron female. Even her father had shed his usual stern demeanor, laughingas he attempted to follow a Hecron warrior’s lead in their traditional stomping dance.

“I never thought I’d see this,” Ellion said, his wing curved protectively around Turi as they watched the festivities. “These people, together like this.”

“Me either,” Turi replied, leaning into his embrace. “But it’s a beautiful thing. We have so far to go, but this is a wonderful step.”

Ara came up to them. She’d formed herself into a Terian shape with a dress. She was accepted, now that the Terians had learned that the Skrac weren’t the angry spirits of the dead, but a species that lived peacefully on the other side of the mountain range. “Ellion, Turi,” she said. “This gathering is amazing. I swear the fortress is singing along with those drunk Hecrons.”

Turi laughed. “They know how to celebrate, that’s for sure.”

“When the fortress is ready for space travel,” he said, his gaze moving to the gleaming hull of the ancient starship, and back to Ara. “We can begin exploring options for those who wish to leave. That includes you, Ara. You are welcome to travel with us.”

“Ah.” Ara’s form frayed at the edges. “I am not one to travel off-world. This is my home, but thank you. I will stay here and teach the Terians of their old ways and help get them back to the people they once were.”

Turi leaned over and hugged Ara. It was a strange sensation. The Skrac was both shadow and form, but the affection they shared for each other was all real.

Ara danced away, wagging a finger toward Ellion. “I told you she was a keeper.”

“She never said that,” Ellion murmured as they walked on. The celebration continued around them as Fortu approached, her hand linked with Yuric’s. The Hecronmasarlooked almost gentle as he gazed down at his mate. “We’ve receivedtransmissions from other planets,” Fortu announced, her eyes bright with excitement. “News of our victory over the Axis has spread. Other penal colonies are beginning to question their captors.”

“Good,” Ellion said firmly. “The Axis’ power was built on lies and fear. Once people know the truth, that power begins to crumble.”

Just then, a small group ofcibratsscurried through the courtyard, their tiny paws laden with flower petals that had fallen from the decorations. The sight made Turi laugh, remembering how it all began with her simple act of mercy toward these creatures.

“Come,” Yuric said, gesturing to the center of the courtyard where the dancing continued. “This is your celebration. You should join in.”

Ellion swept Turi into his arms, his wings creating a private space around them as they moved to the music. “What do you say, my love? Shall we adjourn to our room or stay here and watch the Terians slowly get drunk on Hecron ale?”

Turi smiled up at him, her heart full of love and possibility. “Let’s dance for a little longer.” She pressed closer to him, breathing in his familiar scent. “And slip away when no one’s looking.”

“I like how you think,” Ellion said, pulling his mate close to his chest. After centuries of service to the Axis, he finally understood what the word “home” meant. Home wasn’t just the fortress or the settlements or even the planet itself. Home was here, in Turi’s arms, surrounded by people who had learned to trust and love.

As they danced, the music shifted to a slower rhythm. The Hecron singers began a ballad about two stars that crossed the galaxy to find each other.

“How fitting,” Turi murmured against Ellion’s chest. “We crossed boundaries of species, station, and the Axis themselves to be together.”

Ellion’s wings tightened around her. “And I’d do it all again,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “A thousand times over.”

Turi and Ellion moved among their people, accepting congratulations and sharing in the joy of their unified community. Lanterns cast a warm glow over the courtyard as Purrik set and the sky darkened. The fortress’s newly repaired systems hummed quietly in the background. The celebration continued well into the night, but Turi and Ellion slipped away to their quarters. Somewhere out there, Ellion’s brothers were waiting to be found, and Turi’s abducted friends were waiting to be freed.

But for now, in this moment, everything was perfect. The TeriansandHecrons danced together under the stars, their shadows merging in the lantern light, and high above, where the Axis’ communications array once cast its dark shadow, the stars shone bright and clear, promising a future full of possibility and hope.

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