Page 56 of Aries

The comm crackles: “Docking sequence initiated. Welcome home.”

Home. The word carries new weight now, encompassing not just the ships that carry us through space, but the man beside me, the crew who chose to be our family, and the future we’re building one choice at a time.

As theGalaxy Warriorcomes into view through the transport’s viewport, I feel a surge of pure joy. We’re not returning as the same people who left months ago. We’re returning as partners, as mates, as two souls who found their way back to each other against impossible odds.

“Ready?” Aries asks as we prepare to dock.

“With you?” I smile up at him, this man who’s become my anchor, my passion, my home. “I’m ready for anything.”

The docking bay doors open, revealing familiar faces wreathed in smiles. My heart swells as I see our crew—our family—waiting to welcome us home.

“They’re back!” Anya’s elated shout echoes through the bay as she rushes forward, Captain Zar-Rynn close behind her. Within moments, we’re surrounded—Dr. Drayke scanning us for injuries, Petra bouncing on her toes with excitement, Shadow’s mechanical eye whirring as it adjusts to take us in.

“You’re both alive!” Petra launches herself at me, nearly knocking me off balance. “I was going crazy waiting for news! I know it was a long, grueling time for you, but waiting with no word for months wasn’t easy for any of us.”

Only then do they notice our linked hands. Shadow’s human eye widens, a slow grin spreading across his scarred face. “Well, that’s certainly an interesting development.”

“Come on, big guy,” Petra playfully punches his massive shoulder. “Like we all haven’t been hoping for this for years?”

Before we can respond, Spark zooms out from behind us, trailing excited sparkles as it performs elaborate spirals around the gathered crew. Their reactions range from Shadow reaching instinctively for his weapon to Petra, gasping in pure delight.

“What in the name of all the gods is that?” Dax demands, his voice deep as he watches Spark create intertwining light patterns in the air.

“This is Spark,” I explain, unable to keep the fondness from my voice. “A companion creature… gifted to us during the trials.”

“It’s adorable!” Petra extends her hand cautiously toward theshimmerling, who immediately nuzzles her palm with gentle warmth.

“Its species is also sentient, highly intelligent, and by the look of it, completely besotted with these two,” Captain Zar-Rynn observes as he approaches, his golden eyes missing nothing—our clasped hands, the wooden flame earrings, the way Aries positions himself protectively at my side even though we’re among friends.

“Captain,” I acknowledge with a respectful nod, though I don’t release Aries’ hand.

“The charges are officially dropped?” he asks, his tone careful but hopeful. “That’s what their comm said, but I want to see the official papers.”

“Complete redemption under Sanctorii law,” Aries confirms, his voice steady with quiet pride. “The death sentence has been commuted. I’m free.”

Captain Zar-Rynn smiles. It took me months for that fang-filled grin not to terrify me.

“That calls for a celebration,” Captain Zar-Rynn declares. “Captain Beast and theDevil’s Playgroundcrew should be arriving within the hour.”

As if summoned by his words, Captain Beast’s booming voice echoes through the bay: “Starting the party without us?”

Captain Beast’s massive form fills the doorway, his emerald skin and golden nose rings gleaming. Behind him filters theDevil’s Playgroundcrew—Aerie with her short blonde hair and efficient stride, along with her adoring mate, Maximus. Vartan, with his distinctive gold and red coloring, strides in with Lyra next to him, looking as badass as ever.

But before anyone can respond, a commanding voice cuts through the celebratory noise: “Captain, your crew hierarchy lacks proper ceremonial protocols. In civilized space, rank is displayed through—”

“Prince Pompous, I swear by all the gods, if you mention your dead empire one more time…” Captain Beast’s growl carries a warning that makes everyone turn.

A tall figure with metallic silver skin and moving tattoos steps into view, his liquid starlight eyes surveying the gathering with obvious disdain. “I merely suggest thatformal introductions would be more appropriate than this… chaos.” The male waves a dismissive hand.

Captain Beast turns to us with obvious exasperation. “You two had trials?We’vehad trials. Twolunarsof non-stop royal etiquette lessons.” He jerks his thumb toward the silver-skinned male. “We rescued him and some others shortly after we left you on Sanctorii. Meet our rescued Aethonian prince who thinks he’s here to civilize us barbarians.”

The prince’s gold veins pulse brighter with irritation. “I am Prince Zorath of the Aethonian Empire, and I merely seek to restore proper orderto—”

“See what I mean?” Captain Beast cuts him off. “Hope you enjoyed your romantic getaway because we’ve been playing babysitter to Captain Ancient History here.”

The tension breaks as crew members from both ships laugh, and I feel some of the stress from our trials finally lifting. We’re home, among family; even difficult passengers are manageable compared to what we’ve just survived.

Zorath’s mouth pops open with obvious affront at being dismissed, but before he can launch into another lecture, Captain Beast claps him on the shoulder hard enough to make the prince stagger.

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