Chapter Ten

Chapter 10

SOFIA BUZZED WITH ANXIETY, every nerve on edge as she paced the back room of Evelyn’s Odyssey Art Space .

It was opening night at her first exhibition, and unbridled joy melded with the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, threatening to spill its contents. Braax placed his hands on her shoulders, grounding her, his warm touch bringing the same comfort it always did.

“Relax, my love. You have worked so hard the past few months, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

She gave him a nervous smile as he tucked a stray lock behind her ear, and stood on her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss on the end of his snout.

“Thank you, love. I just hope everything goes well,” she said.

“It will. Your work speaks for itself.”

She had worked hard, finishing her Catharsis series with no time to spare. Seeing her paintings on the walls of the gallery for the first time had made her cry, Braax holding her as she sobbed into his arms. She’d put everything into the artworks, all the pain and agony melting away as black and red slashes transformed into purple and pink swirls. If the viewer followed the correct path, they could join her on her journey from misery to ecstasy.

He took her hand, giving it a tight squeeze.

“Are you ready?”

She nodded, taking a deep breath as he escorted her out of the back room. When Evelyn announced her as the exhibition’s artist, the packed gallery clapped and she beamed proudly. She glanced over at Braax and he smiled down at her, a look full of love and affection.

The night had been beautiful, perfect, Sofia mingling with the crowd as they asked her questions about her work and congratulated her on the exhibition. She was comfortable explaining her paintings, even if the people didn’t understand, even if the subject matter was difficult.

Catharsis was her reality, one that was no less valid than anyone else’s.

Even Braax’s family had come for the show, his mother perfectly polite as she offered her congratulations. Apparently, she chose her son over any more talk of offspring, and for that, Sofia was grateful. He deserved his family’s support, just as much as he deserved her love.

Pride welled in her heart as the guests trickled out, Evelyn giving her a tight hug.

“This is only the beginning,” she whispered, and Sofia felt the truth of the words.

The beginning of the rest of her life.

Sofia walked hand in hand with Braax, their home visible in the distance after a long stroll through the park. It was a beautiful day, the suns casting dual shadows as they ambled amongst tall trees and flowering bushes.

The laughter of Hileth children had bubbled through the serene park, a tiny pinch tugging at her heart. She knew it would always be there, a part of her wondering what life could have been like if she were able to have kids.

Joy overshadowed that pinch of despair, the wonders of Olara 8 reminding her that life was worth living fully, no matter what terrible things may happen.

Ten months with Braax had melted away years of anxiety, her days spent working in her studio—preparing for a new exhibition—and her nights spent tangled in bed with her husband. Sofia’s paintings lined the walls of their home, swirls of pink and lavender and lemon yellow complementing the simple, gray walls.

He had taken her all over the planet, from the deserts of Braatuud, to the Great Soceas Ocean. The world was brimming with beautiful sights to be seen, exhilarating experiences to be had.

Still, there was something about being in her home with her husband that warmed her heart most of all.

As Braax shut the door behind them, Sofia turned on her heel, pushing him against the cool metal. He laughed, clawed hands grasping her waist as a devious smile curled her lips. She reached up, brushing her fingers ever so softly across his dark purple horns, but it was enough to make his eyes roll back in his head.

“My beautiful wife, you tease me so,” he groaned, and she could already feel his cock unsheathing as she pressed against him.

“Who said I’m teasing?” she asked with a smile, gripping the horns and jerking his face down to meet her lips.

The kiss was euphoric, just as each one was, Braax’s smoky scent filling her with warmth. This was where she belonged, in her home, in her husband’s arms.

Sofia smiled as he pulled away, bringing his fanged mouth to her ear.

“I need you to run, little human. Now .”

Pure ecstasy washed over her, her mischievous grin mirroring Braax’s as he released her from his grip. She turned and made her way to the back door, waiting to run until she reached the fresh air.