Page 84 of Honor Bound

La’Rue raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a rare smile. “You’re not as bad as I thought, Roan. Still a little intense for my taste, but I’ve seen worse leaders. Just don’t screw it up.”

Roan smirked. “I’ll do my best to keep disappointing you.”

They shared a brief laugh, the tension breaking as they turned back toward the starship. Sergi and La’Rue helped them prepare the ship for departure, running through preflight checks and ensuring the systems were operational.

When everything was ready, Sergi stepped back, his usual bravado dimmed by the weight of the moment. “We’ll meet up with Crock. La’Rue believes he can help the rebellion,” he said, his voice steady. “Josh, Cassa, and Hutu will keep you informed of what the next plan of attack is. It would be better to strike now before your uncle can do any more harm. I hope this Dorane will help us. You’ll let us know, yes?”

Roan nodded, his eyes meeting Sergi’s. “I will. If we’re going to win this, we’ll need every ally we can get. Before we head to Cryon II, I’m taking Julia to Plateau. I need to see Ro-my grandmother. We’ll see you all soon. Stay safe.”

La’Rue saluted with two fingers. “Safe as we can be in this business.”

Sergi’s grin widened. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Roan raised an eyebrow. “That leaves us with very few limitations.”

Laughter followed them into the starship as the hatch sealed behind them. Moments later, the engines hummed to life, and the ship rose into the frozen air, leaving the icy moon of Tesla Terra behind.

Inside the cockpit, Roan sat beside Julia, his hands steady on the controls as the ship made the jump into hyperspace. He glanced at her, his eyes softening.

“To Plateau,” he said, his voice low.

“To Plateau,” Julia whispered, her fingers curling around his.

The stars beckoned before them, endless and filled with possibilities.

* * *

Three days later, the starship glided silently through the warm skies of Plateau, the twin suns bathing the world below in golden light. Julia leaned forward in her seat, watching as the floating islands rose into view. The beauty of them stole her breath, just as they had the first time she’d seen them. Islands of emerald and crystal, suspended in the air like nature’s defiance against gravity, drifting lazily over the shimmering ocean below.

Her eyes widened as they neared the largest island. The reconstruction was already well underway—bridges repaired, homes rebuilt, and the sky humming with activity as Plateauan soldiers monitored the sky on the moth-like creatures. She could see flashes of light from below, the tips of the power crystals used by the soldiers protecting the islands glowing like tiny stars scattered across the floating world.

A new statue stood proudly in the center of the main square—Calstar, Roan’s grandfather, his expression fierce yet kind, gazing into the distance as if daring the future to challenge his people again. He stood beside the statues of Cassa’s father and little brother, the trio forming a solemn yet hopeful reminder of sacrifice and resilience.

Roan’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “My mother’s people are healing,” he said softly, his eyes reflecting the same light as the sky. “They’re stronger now. Just as we are.”

They landed gently on one of the smaller islands near the main city. Roanna was waiting for them, her elegant figure standing tall despite the weight of recent events. She smiled as they descended the ramp.

“Welcome home, Roan,” Roanna said, her voice rich with warmth. Her gaze lingered on him, knowing and steady. “Your father is dead.”

Roan’s jaw tightened for a moment, but then he nodded. “He is.”

Roanna placed her hands gently on his shoulders. “It is a release. His death does not define you, Roan. Let go of the burden of his mistakes. You are your own man.”

For the first time in as long as Julia could remember, she saw Roan truly relax. Some invisible weight seemed to lift from his shoulders. He exhaled slowly, and when he looked at Roanna again, his eyes held something new—peace, and perhaps even hope.

The afternoon passed in a blur of conversation, laughter, and stories shared with Roanna. By the time the suns had dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in dusky purples and pinks, Roan and Julia climbed back into the starship and made their way to his grandfather’s garden island.

It was bittersweet, the garden both familiar and changed. New growth curled along the paths, fresh blossoms weaving among ancient roots and stones. Life continued. The air smelled of salt and flowers, and the soft sound of waves lapping against the cliffs whispered of renewal.

They walked in silence, hand in hand, pausing at the statue of his mother. Julia swallowed hard as she placed a small cluster of wildflowers at the base. Roan did the same, his fingers lingering against the stone for a moment.

“For you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. His hand found Julia’s, gripping it tightly.

They stood there for several minutes, wrapped in quiet reflection. The only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant cry of seabirds. A symbol of what had been lost—but also of what had been found.

When they finally turned to leave, the sky was dark, but the garden began to glow softly around them, the flowers emitting a soft luminescent light, casting the garden in a dreamlike radiance.

Julia stopped, her breath catching in her throat. She turned to Roan, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I haven’t felt peace like this in years,” she whispered. “Not since my father…” Her voice broke softly, but she held his gaze. “But here… with you… I feel like I’ve found it again.”

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