Epilogue Emily

EPILOGUE: EMILY

I stand at the edge of the village with a heavy heart. My Rakuium pendant dangles from my clenched fist, the leather rope coiled tightly around my fingers. I stare at black stone, a symbol of protection I no longer trust.

When Stromm was severely injured by the mercenaries sent to capture me and my friends, I was horrified. As soon as I laid eyes on his injured form, bloody and seemingly lifeless, I felt an inexplicable pull toward him.

Once the nasty mercenary business was over, I spent every waking minute by Stromm's bedside, tending to his wounds, feeding him, bathing him, and keeping him comfortable as he fought his way back from the brink of death.

As the days turned into weeks, Stromm grew stronger. Our connection grew stronger, too, and I found myself falling for the brave and resilient Rakui warrior. I thought we would one day be mates.

But now, as Stromm's recovery is nearly complete, he's started pushing me away. The tender moments and heartfelt conversations we shared have been replaced by cold distance and averted gazes. It's like the closer he gets to rejoining his duties as a hunter and warrior, the further away he drifts from me.

There's only one thing that's changed. I glance at the pendant in my hand. The piece of Rakuium attached to the leather rope chose me during Jade's screwed up version of the ancient Earth show, The Bachelor. It was supposed to protect, keep me safe on this dangerous planet. Instead, the Rakuium seems to be pushing Stromm away, like it's jealous of him or something.

You probably think I'm crazy, but what else can I blame? Once the Rakuium chose me, Stromm's behavior changed. Is it possible that the stone doesn't want us to be together? The thought sends a sharp pain through my chest, and I tighten my grip on the leather.

But I refuse to let this stupid, sentient rock dictate the course of my heart, of my future. Stromm and I have something special, something worth fighting for. And I won't let anyone or anything stand in the way of our happiness.

I know what I need to do.

Thank you for reading Zeleck. Stromm and Emily's story is next!