Page 118 of Stars in Nova

‘Maybe,’ Kisan said, lips quirking. ‘But I thought monks were all about forbearance.’

Sax shot him a look. ‘Patience is for prayers. This? This is engineering hell.’

Sharin, working nearby, laughed. ‘Perhaps you’re just not as competent as you think.’

Sax turned to her, his grin turning flirtatious. ‘Careful, Miss Engineer or I’ll make you regret you questioned my competency.’

Between their hours in the armory, Kisan and Samira carved outmoments of joy amid the chaos.

Days were filled with shared meals, laughter with the children, and quiet walks along Thalassi’s bioluminescent lake.

One night, as she stood at the kitchen counter, slicing a bundle of wild seaweed for dinner, Kisan walked by, his shoulder brushing hers.

She didn’t even have time to protest before he delivered a playful swat to her behind.

‘Seriously?’ she asked, turning to glare at him, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward.

‘Just keeping you on your toes,’ he said with a smirk, grabbing a piece of fruit from a plate and biting into it.

She shook her head, muttering something about him being insufferable, but her cheeks held the slightest blush.

He took over the meat platter prep, and soon, the aroma of sizzling protein and fresh bread filled the air as Kisan moved around the kitchen.

He had skills, flipping flatbreads with one hand while frying a delicious protein steak with the other.

Samira leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. ‘I assumed all you knew to whip up were eggs.’

He paused, giving her a smirk. ‘Says the woman I whipped into ecstasy all night,’ he murmured, his eyes flashing with amusement.

‘Kisan!’ she admonished, face flushing as she glanced at her children and aunt at the nearby dining table. ‘Stop it.’

‘Nada,because you like it,’ he rasped, handing her a spoon. ‘Now savor this and tell me if it’s good enough for your picky palate.’

When they put the kids to sleep later, Samira leaned against the doorway.

Eyes on her loved ones as the Rider stored away their books and gave them each a kiss.

They were falling hard for him,fokk, she was too.

Bleary eyes closed as Kisan turned off the light.

He crossed the room in two strides, cupping her face.

His lips touched hers, slow and deliberate, memorizing the moment.

She slid her caresses up his arms as he pulled her closer. When they broke apart, her forehead rested against his, her breathing unsteady.

‘Come with me,’ she murmured.

‘I’ll follow wherever you lead,’ he growled with conviction.

With a smile, she led him to the hidden pool beneath her chamber, where they found paradise in unbidden passion.

Kisan found himself falling hard.

He marveled at Samira’s strength, unwavering dedication to her people, and ability to find moments of softness despite her responsibilities.

He felt something shift within him each time they lay together—a quiet hope he hadn’t allowed in years.

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