Page 22 of I Dated a Retired Hero

She quickly babbled. “Thank Dmitri. He asked me to clean up the radiation and look at what was in the middle of it. Just like a chocolate box.”

He let out a sob and pressed his face into her neck. He whispered thanks in all of the languages she had used.

Petrov said, “I can take him.”

She was busy soothing the man who’s wasted body was wrapped around hers. “You might have to take us both. He’s a stage four clinger.”

Petrov approached cautiously. “Midnight, are you ready?”

The man clinging to her nodded. Petrov wrapped his arms around them as far as he could, and the world turned to green mist.

Litha was standing in a lab with the man wrapped around her with his mouth against her neck. Petrov was talking to the man named Midnight, and he slowly raised his head and looked around him.

“I am home?”

The oldest man in a lab coat smiled. “Yes, General. You are home.”

“Dr. Voslov!” The voice rumbled through Litha in uncomfortable ways. She tried to pry herself away, but she was stuck.

Midnight held her tight as he stood and looked at the surrounding men. “I am really home? This isn’t a dream?”

Litha smirked against his chest and stomped on his foot. His attention snapped down to her, and she looked up. “You can have this discussion without me. And have something to eat. You are scrawny.”

He stared down at her. “I thought they brought you to me to entice me out.”

“No. I had to neutralize the radiation and crack your cell. Job done. I have been promised a party. Gotta go.” She tried to pull away, but he held on.

She looked up at him. “Look, clothes give a lot more coverage than I do. You are with your people; you will be great with some food and a bath.”

Petrov said, “Dmitri is on his honeymoon but will be here shortly.”

Midnight blinked. “Crowd got married? Who was dumb enough to fall for him?”

Nelith’s voice sounded amused. “The Blade of Uradda. Don’t worry, I have atoned to your government.”

Midnight paused, and his grip relaxed. Litha stepped away, and Dmitri rushed in to hug what was obviously his friend.

Dmitri had tears in his eyes as he hugged his friend, and Litha smiled at Nelith. “Sorry to interrupt your honeymoon.”

“The Crowd doesn’t like all that sunshine anyway. It’s more fun to cuddle under covers.” Nelith paused. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. If Petrov is willing, I will have my fun dinner at the village and then head home.”

Petrov was startled into motion. “Yes, of course. I am just stunned. He’s been missing for twelve years.”

Petrov wrapped his arms around her, and they disappeared in a puff of green. She could have sworn she heard a shout, but they disappeared.

* * * *

Nelith watched theman shout in panic, “No!”

Dmitri held him. “It’s fine. We only borrowed her to open what turned out to be your prison. She lives in Aksalla.”

The man growled. “Nephew, who is she?”

“Litha. She’s a textile designer and a retired hero.”

Nelith approached slowly. “She’s also a nova class active.”

---