Epilogue Jade

EPILOGUE: JADE

ONE WEEK LATER.

The Terrans gather around the community firepit, their expressions curious. It's shortly before the evening meal, so lots of Rakuis are also milling around to watch my experiment, which seems more like the Rakuium version of the ancient Earth show called The Bachelor .

Zeleck has draped one of the serving tables with a clean piece of leather and stands beside me as I place one of the stones on it.

"Alright, ladies. As you know, Zeleck and I went on a quest to find Rakuium. These stones have the power to protect and communicate with the person they choose. Today, we're going to let the Rakuium decide which of you they want to bond with."

I catch Jillian's eye, and she gives me an encouraging nod, her own Rakuium ring glinting on her finger.

"Here's how it's going to work," I continue. "Each of you will come forward and pick up the piece of Rakuium. If it connects with you, it should glow. If it doesn't, put it down and let the next person try. Once all the stones have chosen, Zeleck will turn them into pendants like the one I'm wearing. Let's get started."

One by one, the women come forward to pick up the stone. When Emily steps up, the moment her fingers touch it, the Rakuium begins to glow.

"It chose me," Emily whispers, her voice filled with wonder. "I can feel it."

Cheers erupt from the gathered women. Emily's dedication to nursing Stromm back to health has not gone unnoticed, and seeing her chosen by the Rakuium feels like a validation of her efforts.

I smile, happy for my friend, and give her a hug. "Congratulations, Emily. You deserve this."

Emily takes her stone, and I place another piece on the leather. This time, the Rakuium chooses right away. The first woman to pick up the stone is Kenzie. When she does, its glow flares to life.

"Trauhn," she calls out. "This one chose me."

Laughter fill the air as Trauhn rushes over, sweeps Kenzie off her feet, and rubs her pregnant belly. It's a sweet moment.

"The Rakuium knows what it's doing," I say, squeezing Kenzie's hand since I can't hug her while her mate is holding her. "It will keep you and your little one safe."

The next piece of Rakuium chooses…Charlotte. "Well, well, well," she says, holding up the glowing stone for all to see. "Looks like the Rakuium has excellent taste."

"Must be a dud," Jillian mutters under her breath.

I don't blame Jillian for being snarky, since Charlotte tried to stir up shit between her and Remmel. But most of the women offer genuine smiles and congratulations. At least until Charlotte prances around the firepit, flaunting her newly acquired Rakuium like she's a princess.

I share a look with Zeleck that says WTF. "Congratulations, Charlotte. The Rakuium chose you for a reason. Use its protection wisely."

Charlotte barely acknowledges me, so I put the next piece on the leather. It's the second-to-last one. The remaining women line up, coming forward one-by-one.

The Rakuium chooses Faith, a much more deserving recipient than Charlotte, at least in my opinion. Faith is learning to become a healer by working with Yola.

When the Rakuium begins to glow, Faith gasps, smiling with joy. "It's like it knows me!"

I give her a hug. "I'm sure it does. And the Rakuium knows our healer-in-training needs extra protection. Congratulations, Faith."

There's only one piece of Rakuium remaining, and I place it on the leather. "Last one."

Lexi is the lucky winner. "No way!" she exclaims, holding up the glowing Rakuium. "I can't believe it chose me!"

"Perhaps it will help you gauge how much spice to use when seasoning the gryzen," Rykana calls out. There's no malice in her teasing tone, and everybody laughs.

It's no secret that Lexi uses a heavy hand with the spices. And her experimental dishes have become a running joke among the tribe and the Terrans.

I give her a hug. "Congratulations, Lexi. The Rakuium must have sensed your unique talents and potential."

Zeleck chuckles. "Perhaps that piece of Rakuium has a taste for adventure."

Lexi laughs, taking the good-natured ribbing in stride. "Hey, if the Rakuium believes in me, then I must be doing something right!"

I clear my throat and address the group. "Thank you all for playing along today. I know there wasn't enough Rakuium for everyone, but Zeleck and I will go on another quest soon—"

My wrap-up speech is cut short when my own piece of Rakuium begins to glow. Zeleck, who is even more attuned to its energy than I am, lifts it from my chest, holds it in his fist, and smiles.

"Jay-duh, look at the box on your wrist."

Tears pool in my eyes when I realize my TEASE is buzzing. I tap the screen and scroll through the new messages, knowing what they'll say even before I read them.

IMPREGNATION: SUCCESSFUL

TERRAN-ALIEN CONCEPTION: COMPLETE

FATHER SPECIES: RAKUI

ESTIMATED GESTATIONAL PERIOD: SIX TERRAN MONTHS

"We're going to have a baby," I finally manage to say. "WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!"

"It's about damn time!" Jillian calls out.

Then, everyone around us cheers, and Zeleck picks me up and twirls me around. When I'm dizzy, he puts me down and kisses me. "You have made me the happiest of males."

"I'm not happy that Earth is being ravaged by a virus, or that I'm being used as a test subject by the government. But maybe they are blessings in disguise. Without them, I never would have met you. And I love you, Zeleck."

"And I love you, Jay-duh. Forevermore."