Page 90 of Third

THEY CURLEDtogether in the captain’s chair, bare skin wrapped in one of the ship’s soft black blankets. The stars stretched endlessly beyond the viewport, silent witnesses to what they’d survived. Her head rested on his chest, the steady beat of his heart still supporting her more than gravity ever could.

Anya let herself breathe.

Every inhale was a miracle. Every exhale was gratitude.

Her fingers curled loosely over his ribs, rising and falling with each breath they shared. Not synced by a bracelet, but by choice. By love. By something infinite.

Tor’Vek’s hand threaded through her hair, slowly, gently. He didn’t speak for a longtime.

When he finally did, his voice was a quiet rumble against her ear. “Where shall we go?”

Anya smiled, lips brushing his skin. Her chest swelled with so much emotion it hurt—joy, disbelief, alove so big it barely fit inside herbody.

“Earth,” she whispered. “I want to find my sister. Even if it’s just to say goodbye.”She shifted, lifting her head enough to meet his eyes. “And we need apples. Seeds. Insurance, in case your Final Flight ever tries to come back.”

His lips twitched—almost a smile. He traced a thumb down her cheek, reverent. “Then we go to Earth.”

Anya settled against him again, holding him tightly as the stars blurred aroundthem.

They were alive.

They werefree.

And for the first time in what felt like forever—she had everything she needed.

Love.Hope.

Him.

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