Epilogue

Zerien

U nit leaders swiftly proceeded to assign cleaning duties to everyone, starting by looking for any remaining wounded among our people in need of assistance, and handling the deceased from both sides.

Despite our best efforts, the Draylian vessels all escaped. Their technology was far too advanced for ours. Unfortunately, the Sarenian rebel prisoners didn't yield much more than what we already knew. A mere handful of Draylians actually came to Sarenia. Only they piloted their vessels, and they made sure not to share any technology either with them or the Guldans.

So many of the questions we still had remained unanswered. Why did so few of them come to Sarenia? Could their population still be very low—which would make sense considering everyone believed them to be extinct? Did their people think this battle wasn't worth it enough to put a large number of troops on the line? Had Dread gone rogue?

The only thing they could say for sure was that Dread was the sole mimic among them. But that didn't tell us how many more Draylian possessed that ability, and whether they were currently using it to manipulate, assassinate, or derail the destiny of the other species in their crosshairs.

Naturally, we shared all the information we gathered with our allies. The main concern for me was the fact that Dread had somehow been in direct contact with the Great General—the young Vahl Praghan—and his siblings, Zharina and Rhadames. Each of them had been blessed with some of the greatest psionic powers in the known galaxy. Based on my own experience, Dread needed to have absorbed some of their DNA in order to take on their appearance and use their powers. That monster never should have been allowed to come this close to them.

Now that his plot to assassinate my mate failed, the Ancestors only knew what new desperate plan he would pursue in order to shift Fate in his favor. I just hoped the Veredians and Xelixians would keep their young Titans safe. The future of the galaxy depended on it.

In the end, we sustained far less casualties than I feared. But that remained far too many. Most of the rebels died during the battle. The rest, we interrogated then executed. Their level of cooperation played a large role in how atrocious or merciful their death was.

Thankfully, the residents of the Sanctuary all made it out unscathed. The rebels had kept them locked inside the dormitories. We also found the true Lindel, safe and sound. For weeks, he'd been kept in stasis while Dread impersonated him.

In many ways, it saddened me that things turned out the way they did. For all their terrorism, the rebels truly wanted to avoid as much as possible causing any Sarenian deaths. The depth of the hatred they bore the Korletheans blinded them and turned them into monsters. Under different circumstances, I didn't doubt most of them would have been upstanding citizens. The most heart wrenching part of it all was that they died as traitors while genuinely believing they were being patriotic.

The damage to the palace was extensive. With my coronation and wedding only a week away, full repairs would be impossible. We contemplated postponing both events to a later date but decided against it in the end. Beyond the fact that it would make things more complicated for the countless heads of State and high-ranking officials who already confirmed their presence to this original date, not holding these celebrations as planned felt like a defeat, like the rebels still won.

Therefore, the entire population pitched in with an energy and determination that filled my heart with pride and love for my people. It didn't hurt that they now totally adored their future Queen. In more ways than one, ensuring the success of the event was their gift to her, a love letter expressing their happiness at claiming her as theirs.

Those efforts were significantly accelerated by the early arrival of the Veredians. As soon as we informed them of what transpired here, Admiral Lee—the military leader of the Tuureans, the Veredian elite army—hopped on a battlecruiser with an entire team of kinetics to lend a hand. As she would be attending regardless as one of the officials for their people, her presence here had already been expected. She came earlier in a gesture of solidarity.

I stared in awe as Lee—the short version of her real name Aleina—her adopted daughter Lenora, and two other Veredians were putting their kinetic powers on full display. With a mere touch, they could mold, fuse, and transform any inert material to their will. In minutes, entire sections of stone walls appeared to melt into putty before stretching and shifting into its appropriate form and position. They couldn't create new matter with that power, only reshape existing ones.

"Amazing, are they not," her husband, First Officer Ghan Delphin asked, his voice dripping with pride as he gazed with affection at his wife and child.

Like the Braxian Queen Mercy—who also happened to be Lee's half-sister—Lenora was a Guldan-Veredian hybrid who they rescued during a mission. They later adopted her before having a biological son of their own. In a perfect twist of fate, Lenora turned out to possess the same kinetic abilities as Lee.

"Absolutely phenomenal," I said in all sincerity. "I can never thank all of you enough for this. Even should we not get everything completed in time, the most important areas will be as good as new."

Ghan snorted. "You don't know my mate if you think she will not see to it that everything is done. But there's no need to thank me. That's what allies do. And, in more ways than one, you have already become a part of our extended family."

I smiled with gratitude, still reeling at the unlikeliness of the friendships and bonds we formed with so many powerful species with such different cultures. It was proof that the only thing that divided us was not our differences, but our willingness to respect and be kind to each other.

My eyes flicked to Gavin Aldriss, who was approaching the kinetic females with a tray of cool drinks. He referred to them as Aunt Lee and Uncle Ghan. They had no direct blood link. But as Gavin was unofficially betrothed to Zharina—Lee's niece—it totally made sense. And with Gavin being my mate's nephew, that indeed made me part of their extended family.

"You didn't bring your niece for him," I said in a slightly chastising tone.

Ghan snorted and looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. "Khel isn't letting his sixteen-year-old daughter travel this far without him, and especially not to go meet some boy."

Although I could hear the teasing in his voice, I couldn't help but frown and feel slightly offended on his behalf.

"Gavin is not a boy. His love for Zhara is real. I understand all too well the pain and ache of waiting endlessly for a reunion that never seems to come," I said in a cooler voice.

Not offended in the least, Ghan tilted his head and gave me a mysterious look. In many ways, he might have qualified as a Braxian hybrid. He was as tall, muscular, and broad shouldered as Anton—Gavin's sire. If not for his silver-gray skin and the chevron-shaped ridges of his forehead marking him as a Xelixian, he could have fooled anyone.

"I do not doubt it, Zerien. But Siona was worth the wait, just like Zhara is," he replied in a reasonable voice. "If they are meant to be, Fate will bring them together in due time."

"They are meant to be together," I said forcefully, unsure why I was taking this so personally. "I've seen both their souls. They are soulmates. Waiting six years nearly wrecked me. He's been waiting for the past thirteen years!"

"He has," Ghan acknowledged. "So two more won't kill him."

"Says you," I retorted, annoyed. "Gavin is a good man."

"I know," he replied with a taunting glimmer in his eyes.

"You're going to make his life a real nightmare, aren't you?" I said with sudden understanding.

A wave of pity for Gavin swelled through me upon seeing the almost malicious grin that stretched Ghan's lips.

"Of course, we are," he replied as if it was self-evident. "Both her fathers, three brothers, and I will expect him to prove his worth before he can get our girl."

Before I could answer, my com beeped. One glance at it had my heart leaping in my chest.

"Apologies, I must go," I said hastily. "Thesala is about to examine Siona."

"Of course, my friend. Go be with your mate," he said in a warm tone.

It took every shred of my willpower not to break into a run. Although Siona appeared to have fully recovered from the assassination attempt, I shamelessly insisted on having one of the Veredian healers confirm that there were indeed no traces of the poison lingering in her system. I also wanted to make sure that she hadn't sustained any hidden damage that could later manifest itself in a far more lethal fashion or trigger serious side effects when we least expected it.

I entered the Infirmary to find my mate in an animated conversation with the Veredian healer. Tall, slender, with a stunning face like every female of her species, Thesala was one of their top healers—although none could rival Maheva, Lee's mother, or Zhara. She had the standard brown skin of her people, with long dark hair to the small of her back. Her short skirt and sleeveless top exposed the dark spots that adorn the sides of her neck, legs, and arms. The patterns differed according to which of the three breeds they belonged to, whether a Warrior like Lee and Mercy, a Nurturer like Thesala, or a Scholar.

Sitting at the edge of an examination table, her hands resting on each side of her body, Siona was casually rocking her legs back and forth in a carefree fashion that had all tension bleeding out of me.

"There he is," Thesala said in a warm and friendly voice.

"Sorry for making you wait," I said sheepishly as I joined my mate.

Standing next to the table, I slipped my arm around her waist in a possessive and protective way.

"We didn't wait," Siona replied teasingly. "Thesala did her hand thing and boom, done!"

"Oh?!" I asked, casting an inquisitive look at the healer.

"She's right," Thesala replied with a slight air of guilt. "I just wanted to have a quick peek while waiting for you, but it turns out there really wasn't much for me to do."

"I take that as good news," I replied, relief audible in my voice.

She nodded. "Even excellent news. Siona has a fantastic constitution. I did find some tiny traces of toxin and removed them. But even without my intervention, she would have naturally eliminated it over the next few days or weeks. She's in perfect health, and there will not be any side effects or risk of recurring issues."

"Thank you! I can be a little overprotective, but I'm glad to have it confirmed," I said.

She waved a dismissive hand. "There's no need to apologize. A loving mate should be concerned for the welfare of his beloved."

Thesala opened her mouth to say something else, paused, then glanced inquisitively at my mate.

"What is it?" I asked, worry rearing its head again.

"Relax, silly male," Siona said well rubbing her palm on my chest in a soothing fashion. "There's another excellent news."

She grabbed my hand and pressed it on her stomach with a glowing smile. My throat constricted as an emotion too powerful to put into words filled my heart to bursting.

"It's confirmed?" I asked in a shaky voice.

Siona nodded before peering at Thesala. I glanced at the healer.

"It's too early for blood tests to scientifically confirm her pregnancy, but I clearly saw the fetus when I touched her. Although I cannot guarantee it, I'm pretty certain it's a boy," Thesala replied with confidence.

I blinked rapidly to stem the tears pricking my eyes. Granted I hoped for a son to ensure the continuation of the line. But I would just as happily welcome a daughter, the embodiment of the endless love I bore my soulmate.

"Are you…?"

"Yes," Siona replied with conviction when my voice trailed off. "I couldn't be happier. I want this and everything else with you."

"My Siona… I love you," I whispered before claiming her lips in a tender kiss.

Lost in my mate, I barely heard the healer making a discreet exit.

SIONA

S tanding in my room with my mother fussing over me and my six-year-old baby sister Ameka, perched at the edge of my bed looking on, I admired my reflection in the mirror. I looked stunning in the white bustier with golden embroidery and luxurious gems. A short white skirt hugged my body with long front and back golden panels, giving the illusion of a long skirt with high and wide slits on the sides. As additional accessories, spiraling golden arm bracelets adorned my upper arms, and gold rings clasped my black horns.

I turned this way and that, loving how regal I looked in an outfit that blended the aesthetics of my Guldan heritage as well as the fashion of my new people.

"Are you happy?" Mother asked in a soft voice while fixing a rebellious lock of my hair.

"Extremely!" I said in all sincerity.

The emotion on my mother's face messed with me.

"I so desperately dreamt for you to find with your mate the same happiness I found with my Krygor. Protecting you has been my greatest purpose," Mother said, caressing my cheek as she studied my features.

"I have, thanks to you," I said, my throat constricted before waving at the room. "All of this, everything I have and became I owe to you. In the face of impossible odds, you never stopped fighting for us… for me. The sacrifices you were willing to make to protect me never cease to amaze me. You made me strong, taught me what courage and determination look like, and to never give up. You showed me that I deserve respect, justice, and that so long as I keep fighting, everything is possible. You're my freaking heroine!"

Seeing my mother blink rapidly to stem tears had my own welling in my eyes.

"No crying!" my mother chastised me to try and hide how deeply my words moved her. "No messy faces allowed on your wedding and coronation day. I didn't raise a crybaby."

Ameka giggled behind us while making an adorable face at me. As a hybrid, she was the perfect mix of my mother and her Braxian sire, Krygor. At six years old, she was taller and bigger than the average Guldan female. She could easily pass off for a ten-year-old. Nevertheless, she had a more delicate bone structure than a pureblood Braxian female, a narrower version of their flatter noses, and the same black horns and emerald eyes as my mother. She was a beauty that would undoubtedly leave a trail of pining males in her wake.

"It's my wedding. And as the future Queen, I'll cry if I want to," I said in a bratty tone before hugging my mother.

She chuckled as she returned my embrace. A knock on the door interrupted the tender moment. I bid the newcomer enter and was surprised to see Kaelin walk in carrying what looked like a very long wedding train. I gave her an inquisitive look as she slowly unfolded it next to me.

"I didn't realize Sarenians had trains for their brides," I said with surprise.

"It is a Covenant Veil," Kaelin gently corrected while showing me part of the sheer fabric. "You see these little pockets? It is so that people can place a gem inside it. Each gem is a pledge of loyalty, support, and friendship. It's a blood oath."

"A blood oath?!" I echoed, stunned.

She nodded. "There is a literal drop of blood inside each gem. Breaking that oath would make that person a pariah unless they've officially severed the bond for grievous reasons," Kaelin explained. "They are not exclusive to the bride, but to an Emperor and his Queen. People are not obligated to make that pledge. It's a choice freely made, which is what makes it so powerful."

"That's really nice," I said, impressed but also suddenly feeling quite self-conscious.

What if nobody wants to give me their gem?

Judging by the length of the train, it could easily take on hundreds of them. How humiliating if I only got a handful from my Queen's Guard and close friends?

"Here, let me put it on you," Kaelin said, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "I think it would look lovely hooked on your horns. Our females often do that. But we can also set it on your shoulders."

"My horns," I replied without hesitation. "Let's stick to Sarenian traditions."

Her air of approval warmed me from the inside out. And she was right, the way the tips of my horns recurved made them the perfect hook for the veil.

To my surprise, she'd no sooner finished putting it on me than my mother and sister each produced a little gem, the same emerald color as their eyes, and placed it in the sheer pockets closest to my horns. Kaelin actually picked up my sister to help her reach it.

"You knew!" I whispered to my mother, speechless.

She smiled and kissed my cheek.

My throat constricted further when Kaelin put Ameka back down on her feet and then placed a gem of her own in my veil. She cupped my face with both hands then pressed a tender kiss on my forehead.

"Come. Let's get you married, Sister," Kaelin said.

Blinking my tears away furiously, I started walking towards the exit of my dwelling, my mother and Kaelin holding my veil behind me. As soon as we stepped out into the Greeting Hall, Jastira, Deliah, Eldrin, and Alred each placed their own gems in it, imitated by the rest of my Queen's Guard. To my surprise Jastira and Deliah joined my mother and Kaelin in holding my train. The reason for it soon became evident.

During the march to the throne room, countless people gathered in the multiple small alcoves along the large corridors—all of them nobles and high-ranking officials, including members of both our Councils, the Senate, and even the staff—gave me one of their gems. Without the women carrying my veil, its weight would have quickly become challenging.

But I didn't care.

Too many joyous emotions were threatening to overwhelm me. As we crossed the large Gathering Hall leading to the imposing doors of the throne room, Alred strutted like a peacock in front of me as the massive crowd gathered on each side cheered me on. With my sudden increase in popularity, so had his status as Commander of the Queen's Guard. Many of the Imperial Guards had expressed a not-so-subtle interest in joining their ranks. To say it flattered my ego would be quite an understatement.

On the other side of the Gathering Hall, through the western entrance, Zerien and his royal escort were approaching. He took my breath away. Like me, he was dressed in white and gold, the short skirt of his ruvyn hiding nothing of his muscular legs. Instead of the usual single sash crossing his chest, it was this time crossing both sides. The narrow strips of the luxurious white fabric embroidered in gold hid nothing of his chiseled abs and well-defined pectorals.

But it was the look of adoration on his face as our gazes locked that wrecked me.

We met in the middle. According to protocol, he should have merely placed his left hand, palm facing down, next to me so that I could rest my hand on the back of his. Then he would have led me inside the throne room with the Commander of our respective guards opening the march. But all of that flew right out of our minds. Zerien took both my hands in his and leaned forward to claim my lips in a kiss that expressed the depth of his love for me, which I returned in kind.

I could have stayed there forever, but the cheers of the crowd forced us out of this precious moment. He didn't speak, neither did I. Words were unnecessary. We turned towards the large ornate doors of the throne room, which parted before us.

A massive aisle led to the dais upon which Nemrox awaited us, standing in front of the two thrones that would soon be ours. The second one had been added for me as my father-in-law never married or chose a Queen of his own.

Seeing so many heads of States and rulers of some of the most powerful planets in the galaxy should have intimidated me. Who in a million years would have ever thought that I, Siona Siddik, the cast out daughter of a Guldan slaver, would ever have become the Queen of the most wonderful and powerful Emperor of Sarenia? Who would have thought that I would be part of the greatest intergalactic alliance set on saving the way of life and freedoms of countless worlds?

As one, the guests rose from their seats. To my left, my father with his sons and clansmen, Gavin, Magnar Keran, and Ravik began beating their chests with their fists while emitting the honorific Braxian war chant, similar to the one they performed on the day of Keran's coronation and wedding to Dawn. She was standing next to him and Mercy, watching us affectionately. I'd only gotten to know Dawn for the last six months, but it had sufficed for me to know she was the perfect Queen for a wonderful Magnar.

Next to them, my brother Tevek and his Veredian wife Ashara stood with our Veredian and Xelixian allies.

Under the light of the Goddess and the supporting gazes of my friends and family, I marched hand in hand with my soulmate, unbroken, undaunted, and confident in the endless love that united us.

THE END