Chapter 19

As Taryn slowly woke up, she heard the soft melody of music drifting into the room. The curtains were drawn shut, but the morning light peeked through, casting a warm glow over the space. She took a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere and the comfortable bed at Losax’s home. The scent of food wafted through the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation.

After their intimate rendezvous on the space cruise ship, Losax had invited her back to his place where they shared another amazing first-time experience in his bed. While it wasn’t the first time she’d been to his place, it was the first time she spent the night. The one thing she could say about the Synthari was while they were not wasteful, they believed in luxury.

Realizing that it was already late morning, Taryn reluctantly rolled out of bed. It took her a moment to adjust to the time difference, as she had been staying up late every night since arriving here. But it was worth it when she woke up next to Losax.

She smiled as she went through her usual morning routine before using Losax’s wardrobe machine to create an outfit for herself. Then she headed to the kitchen where she found him tinkering with the food dispenser. He turned to her with a warm smile as she walked in.

“Good morning,” he greeted. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Taryn returned his smile, feeling content and happy in his presence. “Good morning,” she replied. “It smells delicious.”

“I made some dishes for breakfast and lunch, both inspired by Earth and Naar cuisine,” he said, gesturing towards the table filled with various dishes. “Although I’m not sure if I got them exactly right.”

But Taryn could tell that he put a lot of effort into preparing this meal for her. The table was set neatly with care, and the cozy atmosphere made her feel at home.

“Please, have a seat,” Losax said, pulling out a chair for her. “The food is ready.”

Taryn sat down gratefully, taking in the beautiful spread before them. As they ate together, they chatted about their plans for the day and shared lighthearted stories that made them both laugh.

She was impressed by Losax’s ability to use the food dispenser to make Earth dishes. The flavors were spot on, and she found herself savoring each bite. His company made the meal even more enjoyable.

After they finished eating, Losax cleared the table and then turned to Taryn with a thoughtful expression. “I have something for you,” he said, with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Her curiosity was piqued as she watched him retrieve a small, elegant box from a nearby shelf. He held it out to her, his gaze warm and earnest.

Taryn carefully opened the box and gasped when she saw what was inside. It was a stunning bracelet adorned with charms representing different constellations. She was captivated by its beauty and felt speechless with wonder.

“It’s beautiful,” she finally managed to say, her eyes wide with awe.

Losax smiled, his expression sincere. “I’m glad you like it,” he replied. “Each charm represents a constellation. This one is Lunaria and Naar is located here.” He pointed to the first charm. “And this one is Phataris, a neighboring constellation.”

He continued to explain each charm and its significance until he came to the last one which caught Taryn’s attention immediately. It was the Milky Way, her home galaxy.

“And this is the third and final gift I wanted to give you,” Losax said, meeting her gaze again. “If you accept it, it means you agree to be my Noctis.”

Taryn’s translator didn’t immediately register the word, so she repeated it. “Noctis?”

“It’s a term from my native language,” Losax explained with a smile. “It means someone who holds an important place in one’s life, a cherished and trusted companion.”

Taryn’s heart swelled with happiness as she looked at Losax. Without hesitation, she replied, “I accept.”

His smile widened, a sense of relief and joy evident in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “You honor me greatly by accepting my claim.”

Losax carefully clasped the delicate bracelet around Taryn’s wrist, the charms glinting in the morning light. Each charm represented a different aspect of his culture and their bond.

Once the bracelet was in place, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was filled with emotion and the promise of a future together. As they parted, Taryn felt her heart swell with affection for Losax, knowing she had made the right choice.

“Let’s go sit in the gathering room,” he suggested.

He took her hand and led her to a comfortable couch in the sitting area, where they sat down together. With his arm around her, Losax began to share stories about each charm on the bracelet and its significance in his culture. Taryn listened intently, tracing the intricate designs with her fingers and gaining a deeper understanding of his world.

“This charm,” Losax said, pointing to one of the symbols on the bracelet, “represents a constellation that holds great significance to my people. It’s known as the Guiding Star, and it’s a source of inspiration and strength for us. It is the equivalent of your North star.”

Taryn traced the charm with her fingers, taking in his words. “It’s beautiful.”

As they talked and laughed, Taryn felt a strong sense of closeness to Losax, grateful for the intimacy of their shared moment. Eventually, they decided to take a walk outside and enjoy the beauty of Naar before the Aura—the sun—set.

Hand in hand, they strolled through the vibrant gardens surrounding Losax’s home, admiring the colorful flora. Taryn felt excited about what the day held for them as she walked beside her life partner.

Taryn breathed in the crisp air, her eyes scanning the towering trees and majestic peaks that surrounded her. She felt a sense of awe and gratitude at the world she now called home, knowing that every day would bring new adventures and opportunities for growth.

As they strolled along the winding path, Taryn’s heart swelled with contentment and peace. She was certain that she had made the right decision by accepting Losax’s final gift. Excitement bubbled within her as she imagined all the possibilities for their future together.