Page 93 of Grulen

“I’m proud my people have aided you.”

“There are still some factions that want us gone, but we’re not going anywhere.When I see the younglings free from their anxiety about being found and returned to slavery or killed, I can’t take that from them again.”

“No youngling should have to live in fear.”Grulen’s tail flicked.

“You are correct.”

“I’m curious about Ronan’s heritage.I’ve never seen a Svesti-Zuvgran hybrid before.”

“You probably never will again either.”Largon sighed.“Ronan’s father, Jorn, was a geneticist and my best friend.He rescued Saletta on Himita Prime during the Zuvgran invasion.There’s a long story there, but he wanted young with his mate and worked to find a way to make it happen.They had Ronan and his younger sister, Marris.Eventually, the Zuvgran caught up with Jorn and took everyone but Ronan, who was hidden in a safe room.”Largon’s eyes watered and his tail drooped.“I was able to rescue Ronan and care for him.It took me longer to find the others.Too long.By that time, the Zuvgran had experimented on Saletta and Marris with the virus they eventually used here.I arranged an escape, but they all died in great pain soon afterwards.I raised Ronan as my son.As far as I’m aware, all of Jorn’s research was destroyed before the Zuvgran captured the family.”

Grulen’s tail stilled, and his heart broke at Largon’s pain.

“I’m sorry.I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine, Grulen.Zuvgran cruelty is a common theme in our backgrounds.”

“What do you think will happen now that Emperor n’Tuli is dead?”

“We’re all waiting to see.I do not know much of the Commander who leads now or if he will be strong and crafty enough to retain power.”Largon frowned.“There are factions of Zuvgran who disagree with n’Tuli’s treatment of other species.Whether or not they’ll band together to make sweeping changes in the Empire only the Goddess knows.”

Tail swaying, Grulen looked at the younglings playing happily.

“I’d like to imagine a galaxy where cruelty no longer exists.”

“I’m not sure it will ever happen, but it is a worthy goal to strive towards.”Largon squeezed the Svesti’s shoulder.“Come, let us find the others and see if any cookies remain.”

Grulen chuckled.

“Lead the way.”

Chapter 26

Morganbuzzedwithexcitement.Phoenix House impressed her and the children—younglings—were adorable.Despite how difficult their lives started, they still found happiness and joy in small things.

Talos told her they needed teachers.With the wide age ranges and only him, he had to assign too many of them digital courses.He worried they weren’t receiving enough personal attention.While others taught them gardening or warrior training, their academic education was suffering.His dedication inspired her, especially once she learned that he only recently became a part of their contingent.If she wanted to work at Phoenix House, he believed Largon would hire her without question.

She knew King Sovex would allow her to remain on Costonia.He had offered the option before, so that wasn’t an issue.One of the reasons she’d chosen to go to a colony was there were no children on Costonia at the time.But now there were and according to Emmy, they expected more women and children to relocate to the planet from Earth once treaties were signed.

The only issue was Grulen.Without his memory, he would probably remain on the home world, but once it returned, he most likely would return to theInvictus.Lin said she thought the space cruiser would be making regular trips to Earth for the foreseeable future with short stays on Costonia in between.

Emmy suggested Morgan could travel on theInvictusand teach whatever children traveled or even lead the training for adults relocating to or visiting the planet.While the compromise would allow her to use her degree, she wasn’t sure she could make a real difference if she only taught a child for a month or two.Not like she could on the planet where she’d have time to form meaningful connections.

If things worked out with Grulen, then she would definitely consider it to stay together, but she was concerned it might not be enough for her now that she knew a better option was available to her.She didn’t know what to do with that.

Yanz and Kragen re-entered the woods once the flitter returned to the cabin.She and Grulen said their goodbyes to the visitors and making vague assurances to get together again at a later date.

“Are you hungry?”

She shook her head at Grulen’s question.

“Not really.I am thirsty, though.”

“Let’s get some beverages and sit outside.We can watch the sun set.”His hand rested at the small of her back as he escorted her to the kitchen.

“Okay.”She grabbed some water pouches from the cooling unit.“These work?”

“Yes, but I think I’m going to see what might be available for something stronger.”

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