Page 115 of Stars in Nova

He laughed, a rumbling chortle, spinning them more stories suitable for their age.

‘He’s a natural with children,’ Samira observed.

Kisan nodded with a huff. ‘That’s because, under all his badass ink, rebellious unholy man mask is a man who cares. Kids can sense a pure soul. He’s one of the purest I know.’

Samira glanced at the Sarabaite for a long time, then linked her arm with her lover’s and led him deeper inside her home.

They passed a sleeping alcove hidden by a curved rock face.

‘This my pad?’ Kisan asked.

Samira shook her head. ‘Soldier, you’re with me in my chamber. Sax sleeps in the alcove.’

Kisan’s lips curled as she ushered him to her private quarters.

Shutting the door, they fell on the bed, kissing long and hard until her aunt shouted that dinner was ready.

They broke apart with soft laughs. ‘Later, commander,’ Kisan growled, patting Samira’s ass as she led him to the dining table.

Where the family gathered for a boisterous meal.

The table was laden with simple but hearty fare—fresh fish, roasted root vegetables, and a savory stew that filled the air with its rich aroma.

The room was alive with conversation and laughter, the children’s voices rising above the clatter of utensils and the occasional burst of incredulity.

Sax ate his fill, his narrowed silver eyes darting around the room as if he couldn’t quite relax.

Finally, when his plate was clean, he pushed back his chair with a grunt. ‘Good food.Sante. I’m gonna take a walk.’

‘You just got here,’ Samira said, her tone teasing.

‘And you’ve loved ones to catch up with,’ the Sarabaite grunted.

He nodded toward Kisan with a smirk. ‘He can entertain you. I, for one, am keen to explore the natural wonder of Thalassi.’

Before she could respond, he opened the door to the intimate home and disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps fading into the labyrinth.

Leaving the group to settle into the warmth of family.

Samira led her man through her chamber, the soft glow of bioluminescent moss casting shifting patterns on the stone walls.

Her fingers brushed over a hidden latch, and with a click, a section of the rock slid away to reveal a narrow staircase spiraling downward.

‘Follow me,’ she whispered, her voice inviting.

He served her an arched brow as he followed.

The air grew cooler as they descended.

The steps opened into a small grotto where an underground pool gleamed in the natural illumination of luminescent algae.

The water glowed, casting ripples of blue and green across the jagged stone ceiling.

‘Does this lead to the lake?’ the Rider murmured, his bass rumble echoing against the cavern walls.

Samira nodded, stepping into the pool, its coolness enveloping her as they waded deeper.

Her dark hair shimmered under the light as she turned to him, her expression tender. ‘Tonight, this is just ours.’

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