27. Ariana

CHAPTER 27

ARIANA

T he night sky is a canopy of stars as Valen leads me to a secluded spot away from the estate. The air is cool, carrying the scent of earth and distant blooms. It’s peaceful here, far from the chaos and uncertainty that often surrounds us.

He stops by a small clearing, where the grass is soft underfoot. “I wanted us to have some time away,” he says, his voice softer than usual. “Just you and me.”

I nod, feeling a strange mixture of anticipation and calm. “It’s beautiful here,” I say, looking up at the stars twinkling above us.

Valen takes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “There’s something I need to tell you, Ariana,” he begins, his green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. “Something I’ve been holding back.”

I swallow hard, sensing the gravity in his tone. “What is it?”

He takes a deep breath. “You and I... we’re fated mates.”

“Fated mates?” The term feels foreign on my tongue.

“For kilgari, it means we’re destined to be together,” he explains, his gaze unwavering. “It’s written in the stars. Not everyone finds their mate, but when we do... it’s undeniable.”

I process his words slowly. “You’ve known this since...?”

“Since that first touch at the party,” he admits. “I felt it immediately. It's like a full body shock I'd never felt before. I knew immediately.”

“But why didn’t you tell me before?” My voice wavers between curiosity and something akin to hurt.

“I was afraid you’d think I was manipulating you,” he says quietly, his thumb brushing against my knuckles in a soothing motion.

I look into his eyes and see sincerity there. Not the calculating gaze of someone trying to control me but a genuine concern for my feelings. “Valen...” My voice softens. “You really respect me that much?”

He nods. “More than you know. I wanted you to see me for who I am, not just what fate says we should be.”

The realization hits me with surprising clarity. Unlike Kevin, who used every means to control and dominate me, Valen has shown respect and understanding from the beginning. This revelation isn’t about control; it’s about connection.

“Valen,” I whisper, stepping closer to him. “Whether fate or otherwise... I know we’re meant to be.”

His arms wrap around me gently but firmly, pulling me into a tender embrace under the stars. There’s no need for more words; the unspoken bond between us says everything.

We stand there for what feels like eternity, wrapped in each other’s presence and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Finally, Valen pulls back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes again. "Thank you for trusting me," he says softly.

"Thank you for being worth trusting," I reply with a small smile.

And as we stand there under the vast expanse of stars, I know that whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them together—fated mates or not.

Valen’s eyes lock onto mine, a blend of intensity and vulnerability that sends shivers down my spine. “Ariana,” he begins, his voice firm but tender, “I want you by my side forever. Will you be my mate?”

My heart skips a beat. His words hang in the air, heavy with meaning. This is it—the moment I’ve been dreaming of since our first dinner together. I feel elated, my chest swelling with a joy I can barely contain. “Yes, Valen,” I reply, my voice trembling with emotion. “I’d be honored to be your mate.”

A rare smile breaks across his usually stoic face, and he pulls me into a tight embrace. “You’ve made me the happiest kilgari alive,” he murmurs into my hair.

As we pull apart, he takes both my hands in his.

“I want to make our union public,” he says. “We should have a mating ceremony.”

I tilt my head, curiosity piqued. “Is that like a human wedding?”

“Sort of,” he replies, his lips quirking into a half-smile. “It’s steeped in old religious customs, but these days couples usually make it their own.”

I nod slowly, trying to imagine what that would look like for us. “So, what kind of customs are we talking about?”

He looks thoughtful for a moment. “There’s an exchange of vows under the stars—symbolizing our connection to the cosmos and each other. We also exchange tokens, something meaningful to both of us.”

“That sounds beautiful,” I say, envisioning the ceremony under a sky full of stars much like tonight’s.

Valen squeezes my hands gently. “We can incorporate human traditions too if you’d like. It’s about making it special for us.”

“I’d love that,” I reply, my heart warming at the thought of blending our worlds together. "I've always wanted to wear a white dress like my mom. And carry a bouquet."

“Good,” he says with a nod. “Then let’s start planning.” He looks at me with such intensity that it feels like the whole universe is centered around this moment.

We talk late into the night, discussing details and dreams for our future ceremony. Valen shares more about kilgari traditions while I describe human weddings—how they can be grand or intimate, traditional or modern.

“What about music?” I ask suddenly. “Do kilgari have special songs for these ceremonies?”

He chuckles softly. “Music isn’t typically part of the ritual, but we can add it if you’d like.”

I smile at his willingness to adapt and include parts of my culture in our celebration. It feels like another layer of connection between us.

By the time we finally decide to head back inside, I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment and anticipation for our future together. As we walk hand-in-hand back to the estate, I know that whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them together—forever united as mates under the stars.

The morning light filters through the large windows of Valen’s study, casting a warm glow on the room's polished surfaces. He stands behind his desk, a holographic display flickering with charts and graphs.

“Ariana,” he calls, his voice carrying a blend of authority and warmth. “Join me.”

I step into the study, my curiosity piqued. “What’s this about?”

“I want you to be more involved in my business,” he says, motioning for me to sit next to him. “Today, we’re discussing the local mining industry and how it benefits Armstrong’s economy.”

I settle into the chair beside him, feeling both honored and nervous. “Alright, I’m listening.”

He points to a section of the holographic display. “Armstrong’s mines are rich with minerals crucial for interplanetary trade. They drive our economy, creating jobs and encouraging commerce with other planets.”

“Sounds important,” I say, trying to absorb the information.

“It is.” He nods. “But it’s not without challenges. The war left many mines in disrepair. Rebuilding them requires investment and strategic planning.” He glances at me, his green eyes sharp yet inviting. “Which brings me to this.”

He taps on another section of the display, revealing his investment portfolio.

“These are my current investments,” he explains. “Each one carefully chosen to maximize returns while supporting Armstrong’s recovery.”

I lean closer, studying the intricate details. “This is... impressive.”

“It’s more than just numbers,” he says softly. “It’s about rebuilding a future for this planet.” He turns to face me fully. “And I want you to be part of that future.”

“Me?” I ask, my voice a mix of surprise and disbelief.

“Yes, you.” He reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a small data pad, handing it to me. “I’ve allocated some funds for you to invest as you see fit.”

My eyes widen as I take the data pad from him. “Valen... I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll give it a try,” he replies with a faint smile. “Trust your instincts.”

I look down at the data pad, feeling the weight of his trust in me. An idea sparks in my mind—something close to my heart.

“There’s a bakery in town,” I begin hesitantly. “They’ve been struggling but have plans to expand their business.”

Valen raises an eyebrow. “A bakery?”

“Yes,” I say more confidently now. “They make the best pastries I’ve ever tasted. And they employ locals who need work.” I meet his gaze, determination filling my voice. “I want to invest in them.”

He studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. “Then that’s where your investment will go.”

“Really?” The relief and excitement in my voice are unmistakable.

“Yes,” he confirms with a nod. “Your instincts are good, Ariana.” He pauses, then adds with a hint of mischief in his tone, "And if they make such great pastries, maybe they can cater our mating ceremony."

I laugh softly, feeling lighter than I have in days. "Deal."

“There’s one more thing,” he says, his voice dropping an octave.

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? What could possibly top investing in a bakery?”

He leans back, folding his arms across his broad chest. “I want you to take over overseeing the estate’s staff.”

My mouth drops open slightly. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he replies, his expression unwavering. “You know the job better than I do by now. No more maid work for you. You’ve shown leadership, empathy, and efficiency in ways that have impressed everyone—including me.”

A warmth spreads through my chest at his words. “Valen, I... I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll accept,” he says simply.

His confidence in me is almost overwhelming. I nod slowly. “Alright. I’ll do it.”

Valen’s smile widens, and he reaches out to squeeze my hand gently. “Good.”

For the first time since coming to this estate, I feel like we’re truly equals—partners in every sense of the word.

The future suddenly seems much brighter with him in it.