Page 152 of Stars in Mist

So, when I see him, for a moment,

My voice goes,

My tongue freezes.

Fire,

Delicate fire in the flesh.

Blind, stunned, the sound

Of thunder, in my ears.

Shivering with sweat and cold

Tremors over the skin,

I turn the color of dead grass,

And I’m an inch from dying.

With love for you, Riv Sable.’

Overwhelmed with emotion, the Rider surged forward to capture her in his arms.

As she folded into his embrace, he leaned down. ‘Malaíka, your poem was a touching gesture I will never forget. I look forward to love waking me up every day.’

‘I am always an inch from dying around you, Sable. I was, and still am, in love with you, and no one will take my love away.’

‘Evermore for eternity.’

Epilogue

RIV

Six figures gathered on the surface of Eden II’s spaceport, all eyes anchored on the gigantic bird hovering beside the sprawling complex, dwarfing the extensive air base.

‘It’s as big as the Phantasm, with way more teeth and crazy tons of firepower,’ Kage Sable mused. ‘It’s quite the escort to Katánopolis.’

He, along with Riv, Élisa, Kainan, Harlow, and Killen, gazed at the suited crew preparing and refueling the behemoth for its long-planned flight to the other side of Pegasi.

Killen stared up at its sheer girth. ‘It’s the largest War Eagle in the fleet.’

‘But we need more,’ he continued. Given that a few were destroyed in our recent skirmish, our agreement for us to provide The Sable Group with lodestone in exchange for new ships like this one is crucial. It’ll be a welcome boon to the Katánians.’

‘We’ll do our best,’ Harlow nodded, her eyes shining at the prospect of recreating the massive ship. ‘You see to your Kingdom and to rebuilding your people.’

‘One thing, son,’ Riv said, stepping to Killen. ‘We’ve got a gift for you. You’re not obligated to accept it, but it might greatly help you.’

Killen cocked his head at his father. ‘Intriguing. Pray, share.’

‘Tis me,’ said a voice.

Strutting towards them was a creature of stunning beauty.

Its ebony skin had a flawless glow, and its dark hair fell to its shoulders, feathering against high cheekbones and accentuating its hazel, golden eyes. Its toned, lithe form was encased in a close-fitting suit. It wore high-heeled boots and strode with confidence, coming to a standstill before the Katánian King.

Killen nodded in approval. ‘Fascinating.’

---