Page 25 of Aries

“I think someone’s ready for an adventure,” I laugh, watching ourshimmerlingdart between us.

“Can’t blame them. We’ve all been cooped up…” Aries breaks off as we step outside and get our first look at the sky.

Ribbons of light dance overhead—not the greens and blues of Earth’s northern lights, but impossible swirls of purpleand gold that paint the entire sky. As we watch, the colors shift and quake like they’re performing some cosmic dance.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, forgetting for a moment all the complex emotions between us.

“Look.” Aries points to where the light show reflects off a nearby pond, doubling the display. “The water acts like a mirror.”

Without discussing it, we make our way to the pond’s edge. The grass is soft beneath my feet, dotted with tiny flowers that glow in response to our movement. Each step leaves trails of bioluminescence.

“It’s like walking through starlight,” I marvel.

“Mmm.” Aries stops, lifts his chin, and talks a breath so deep his chest visibly expands. He’s beautiful in the moonlight, standing there like a statue, the undulating lights performing a little light show on the whorls of his horns.

I tamp down a moment of loss, thinking that I missed sharing the last five years with a man who I vilified. I’m learning day by day that he didn’t earn my disdain.

Spark must not catch my momentary melancholy because it seems beside itself with joy, zooming through the aurora’s reflection in the pond and emerging trailing ribbons of light that match the sky. Its enthusiasm is contagious.

“I didn’t know it could do that,” Aries says, watching our companion create its own miniature light show.

“I don’t think it knew either.”

Theshimmerling’s happiness is palpable as it discovers this new ability. “Look at him go!”

Spark continues its aerial dance, occasionally swooping close enough to shower us with harmless sparks that tingle pleasantly against my skin. The aurora’s light reflects on Aries’ bronze skin, making him seem to glow from within.When he smiles at our pet’s antics, something warm glows in my chest.

“Oh!” A cluster of peculiar creatures emerges from the grass—something between butterflies and hummingbirds, their wings trailing phosphorescent patterns in the air. They seem drawn to Spark’s display, joining in with their own aerial ballet.

“Star dancers,” Aries explains softly. “I’ve read about them. They only come out during auroras.”

Our attention is captured as one of the creatures hovers near his horns, apparently fascinated by their curves. Another investigates my hair, its tiny wings wafting breezes that carry the scent of night-blooming flowers.

“They’re not afraid of us at all,” I marvel as more emerge to join the dance.

“Why should they be?” His voice holds quiet wonder. “Look at them—they’re pure joy given form.”

Pure joy given form. Did he always have such a gift for words? What else have I yet to discover about this male who is now my mate?

Spark seems delighted with these new playmates, leading them in ever more elaborate patterns through the air. The combined spectacle of the aurora, star dancers, and our enthusiasticshimmerlingcreates something magical.

A cool breeze carries the scent of rain. Without thinking, I step closer to Aries for warmth. He tenses slightly, and I remember the rules—no contact outside of prescribed activities.

“Sorry,” I murmur, starting to move away.

“Don’t be.” His voice is rough. “I wish…”

The words hang unfinished between us, heavy with possibility as our gazes lock. So many words remain unsaid forlong moments, then we break the connection and look to the sky.

Spark seems to sense the moment’s weight. It creates a twirling spiral in the air between us, then pretends to be very interested in its reflection in the water when we both look its way.

“Subtle as always,” Aries says dryly, but there’s humor in his voice.

“It means well.” Watching ourshimmerlingplay with its new friends, I can’t help smiling. “All of them, really. The Committee, Spark, even these little dancers. They’re trying to show us something.”

“What’s that?”

“That beauty can exist alongside pain. That joy is still possible, even after…” I gesture vaguely, encompassing everything we’ve faced and still must face.

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