Epilogue

Planet Xaxos, capital city of Kajal

One year later

Snowflakes twirled outside the shop window. I flipped the sign to Closed and drew the curtain shut, the bell above the door giving one last merry chime before the day’s business was officially over.

The shop smelled of books, the Christmas tree candle I lit, and a faint trace of cinnamon tea, my favorite blend that Thadron had grown to enjoy. I smiled as I glanced around at the shelves, packed with books waiting for curious hands and hungry minds. My own novel, the mystery I’d poured my heart into, had its place on the front display. A few copies remained. Every new shipment barely made it to the shelves before being snapped up. My dream, once a far-off wish, was now a reality.

The bell above the door chimed again, even though it shouldn’t have. I turned to see Thadron leaning against the doorway, his hair dusted with snow, eyes full of mischief and warmth.

“You’re late,” I teased. “Long day at the embassy?” I referred to his new duty as Glaciarian ambassador abroad, a role he created in order for us to be together for most of the year. Soon, we’d be returning to his planet for a few weeks to take part in the winter festivities again. I was excited.

“I got distracted.” He held up a small paper bag. “The tea shop down the street had a new blend. Something with apples and cloves. I figured it might pair well with your endless To Be Read pile on the nightstand.”

I laughed and walked over to him, taking the bag and inhaling its fragrant warmth. “You’re spoiling me now.”

His mouth curled into that slow smile I loved. “I think it’s fair trade. You spoil me with warm blankets and firelight.”

“Oh, is that all it takes?” I raised an eyebrow. “I thought you would prefer the cold of Glaciara.”

He chuckled, the sound low and soft. “A year ago, maybe.” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a murmur. “But now, I’ve discovered warm blankets have their advantages. Especially when you’re under them with me.”

Heat pooled in my cheeks. “Is that so?”

He didn’t answer with words. Instead, he took my hand, pulling me gently toward the back of the shop where the fire crackled in the hearth. The golden glow reflected off his glacier-blue eyes, softening the sharp edges that had once kept the world at bay. We settled on the couch, his arm wrapping around me as I tucked my feet beneath the woolen blanket.

The quiet filled in the spaces between heartbeats. Outside, the snow continued to fall, but here, in our sanctuary, the world was warm and still.

“You know,” I said, my fingers tracing a line along his jaw, “you’ve really taken to the heat.”

He caught my hand, brushing his lips against my palm. “I could get used to this kind of heat for a very long time.”