Page 135 of Stars in Nova

Thalassi was alive with energy.

Lit torches and lanterns cast warm, flickering patterns across the underground city.

The central cavern thrummed with cheers and chants as the victorious fighters returned.

The applause thundered louder as the former captives entered, their weary faces lighting up at the sight of their people.

The freed prisoners, some still bandaged and weak, were guided to tables laden with food, drinks, and garlands of flowers.

Children danced in circles, their laughter carrying through the atmosphere, while the adults embraced and lifted glasses in jubilant toasts.

The music swelled, with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Vaelorian flutes mingling with the rhythmic pounding of drums made from hollowed lake wood.

Arms reached out to clasp shoulders, pull them into embraces, and press grateful palms to theirs.

Samira rushed through the melee, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

From the heart of the throng, Liora and Malik darted forward.

Their faces were streaked with tears, but their eyes sparkled as they flung themselves at Samira.

She dropped to her knees, catching them in a fierce embrace. Her laughter broke through the knot of emotions in her throat.

‘Mum!’ Liora cried, her tiny fists clutching at Samira’s arms. ‘I missed you!’

‘You’re here,’ Malik added, his voice trembling as he buried his face in her shoulder.

Samira kissed the tops of their heads, her limbs wrapping around them as if she might shield them from every hardship. ‘I’m here, my loves. I’m here.’

Nearby, Misandra stood with her hands crossed over her chest, her lips twitching into a rare smile.

When Samira gazed her way, she nodded, her demeanor soft.

‘You did it,’ Misandra stated with a shaky breath.

Samira rose, pulling her children with her, and met her aunt’s gaze. ‘We did,’ she murmured.

Tables were dragged out and laden with bowls of steaming stew, platters of roasted lake fish, and baskets of root vegetables.

Jugs of fermented algae brew were passed around, their sharp, tangy aroma mingling with the warm, smoky scents of the feast.

She tagged Kisan, who was leaning against a pillar. Her eyes were on her with an intensity that made her heart fly.

Fokk, he was handsome.

She gave him a small wave, and he raised his chin back, smirking with the promise of bliss later.

Twas bliss already,she thought, amid the laughter and the music as the Vaelorii celebrated and healed.

Long after the revelry had wound down and the city fell into a hushed stillness, Samira and Kisan returned to her chambers.

The children were asleep, and so was her aunt.

Fingers on her lips, she led Kisan to the pool under her chambers.

Sighing, he shed his clothes, setting it aside, and joined her at the water’s edge. Samira turned to him, her gaze soft but intense.

‘Come in,’ she said, her voice a whisper that carried in the quiet.

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