Chapter 23
Pugly's stomach rumbled as he watched Zana tend to the fire, prepping it for their evening meal. His ears twitched at every crackle of the burning wood. Days had passed since he bid Midori and Cael farewell on their mission to infiltrate the slave compound and free the enslaved Zebran females.
The ineffable one's brilliant smile replayed in his mind. How he missed basking in her radiant presence and earning her adoring pets. He'd even come to miss Cael's exasperated huffs, eye rolls, and grumpy stares. An uneasy guilt gnawed at Pugly for not accompanying them.
When the Zebrans returned from the battle without them, Pugly had been inconsolable. In fact, this was the first day he'd awoken without nightmares and weeping. One of the Zebran warriors confessed to leaving them behind. Thoughts of the traitor made Pugly's hair stand on end. He'd wanted to stomp the man to a bloody pulp or gore him to bits with his tusks. Instead, Zephryn merely cast the man from the tribe, forbidding him to return. A far too lenient punishment, in Pugly's opinion.
When Zephryn and the warriors later returned to the compound to free his mistress, they learned the horrible news—Cael and Midori had left Equus. Pugly didn't even know where they were. They were up there, somewhere among the stars. Did they even realize they had left without him? Did they remember him at all?
Pugly sniffed, and a fat tear rolled down his shaggy snout.
"There, there, Pugly," Zana said, patting his head. "It will be all right. Don't lose faith."
Zana had been a great comfort and his constant companion since the beauteous one left him behind. He couldn't imagine how hard these days would have been without her caring for him.
"Don't cry," she said. "Your friends are resourceful and faithful. They will find their way back to you. I know it."
Pugly whimpered, unconvinced. Zana smiled kindly, sinking her fingers into his fur and reassuringly stroking him as she resumed poking the fire. For now, all he could do was wait and hope she spoke the truth. He would make it up to Midori and Cael when they returned, vowing to be braver next time, a better protector. Whenever that would be.
Pugly's ears perked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. His snout twitched, recognizing the familiar scent—Zephryn returning from scouting the area. The large Zebran man's black-and-white striped face was grim as he entered the camp causing Pugly's stomach to knot with dread.
"Father, what news?" Zana asked, rising to greet him.
Zephryn sighed, removing his pack and weapons. "Another tribe attacked the slavers' compound last night."
Gossip of the slave compound had become a daily occurrence. Contrary to the tribe's hopes after rescuing the women, the slavers had not given up their ways. Instead, they doubled down on their efforts. More and more slaves were brought in from other worlds, and other Zebran tribes were also facing raids stealing their women away. Pugly had overheard Zephryn and the tribespeople debating moving farther into the jungle and away from the city.
"What happened?" Zana pressed, her brow furrowed with concern.
"The entire compound lies in ruins," Zephryn stated grimly. "A neighboring Zebran tribe attacked, released all the prisoners, and burnt the compound to the ground."
"That's good news, isn't it?"
Zana's fingers stopped moving through Pugly's fur, and he lifted his head.
Zephryn nodded. "It is. It is. But something troubles me. There have been rumors of a human female working with the tribe."
Pugly stopped breathing. Could it be true?
"I do not think it is Midori, friend. The description is of a smaller human, her skin not nearly as dark as your mistress's. But, perhaps they knew each other. Maybe she knows where to find the Earthan woman and her Zyranthian mate."
Pugly's heart thundered in his chest. Could it be possible? It was a longshot, but if they could find this woman, perhaps she might know something leading back to the illustrious one.
"I will let you know if I hear more." Zephryn scratched the pig dog's head and gave him a sad smile before returning to his hut.
Pugly paced restlessly, his hooves leaving imprints in the soft earth. The valley stretched out before him, serene yet impossibly vast without Midori's presence to fill it. How many sunsets had he witnessed alone, wondering if she would ever return as promised?
A faint whir of engines in the distance made Pugly's ears perk up. The sound was foreign here at the edge of the jungle. Pugly froze, his snout twitching as he scanned the horizon. A glint of reflected sunlight caught his eye—a metallic speck growing larger by the second. His heart raced with hope, trepidation, and fear.
The object resolved into an unmistakable green spacecraft descending toward the valley floor. Pugly's mouth fell open, gaping in disbelief as the ship's engines flared, slowing its descent. It hovered above the clearing before touching down, sending up a billowing cloud of dust.
Pugly squinted against the particulate storm, straining to make out any sign of movement. There—the ship's ramp was extending downward, a silhouetted figure emerging into the dusty haze. His breath caught in his throat as the swirling debris parted, revealing a very familiar face.
"Pugly!" Midori called out, waving to him with her free hand.
Pugly's legs propelled him forward, a bounding furry mass of tears, snorts, and squeals. He bounded toward Midori in a furry gallop, a delirious grin spreading across his snout.
Midori ran to meet him, her arms open wide. Pugly launched himself at her, nearly bowling the woman over as he collided against her torso with unbridled enthusiasm. Burying his snout against the crook of her neck, he drank in her warmth, her essence, the indescribable joy of having her returned.
"Oh Pugly, I missed you!" Midori laughed, her arms tight around his rotund body. She peppered his cheeks with kisses, unmindful of the drool slobbering from his jowls.
Words failed Pugly in his moment of rapturous reunion. His heart swelled, overflowing with sheer elation at having the sun returned to him. Endearments bubbled up, too numerous and muddled to articulate in a coherent stream. Instead, he settled for nuzzling deeper into her embrace, basking in the euphoria of Midori's warmth and scent. His eyes slid shut in contentment as she showered him with affection, drinking in every precious second. The rest of the universe could wait. In that moment, Pugly needed nothing more.
Midori's eyes shone with pure joy as she held Pugly close, his plump body squirming in her embrace. "You have no idea how much I missed you, Pugly," she murmured, nuzzling her cheek against his furry head.
Cael's deep chuckle drew her attention as he approached, his silver eyes crinkling fondly at the scene. "I see someone is thrilled for your return."
A fresh peal of laughter bubbled up from Midori as Pugly twisted in her arms, showering her face with sloppy licks of unbridled glee. "And I couldn't be happier to see him!"
Pugly's tail battered Midori's legs with frantic swipes, his entire body seeming to vibrate with ecstatic energy.
"Speaking of which . . .” Cael began, drawing closer to lay an arm across Midori's shoulders. She leaned into his solid warmth, cherishing his closeness. "We have an offer for you, noble Pugly."
The furry creature stilled, ears perking up as he met Cael's gaze.
"On my home planet of Zyranth, in the royal palace, you would want for nothing," Cael explained, his words ringing with sincerity. "A life of comfort and plenty, with the full resources of the kingdom at your beck and call. You would be honored as a treasured companion, free to remain ever at Midori's side."
Pugly's eyes widened, stunned by the unexpected proposition. Midori gave him an affectionate squeeze.
"Say you'll come with us, sweet Pugly. I can't bear the thought of parting from you again after everything we went through."
For a prolonged moment, Pugly was silent and still save for the rise and fall of his barrel-shaped body. At last Pugly met her eyes, his own shining with profound emotion. "I would follow you anywhere, radiant one," came his decisive reply.
Pulling Pugly into a fresh embrace, she rained kisses over his furry cheeks as joyful tears pricked her eyes. "Then it's settled! You're one of us now, Pugly—the newest, most cherished member of the royal family!"
Midori's heart was so full, it felt like it might burst with joy. Not only was she glad to see Pugly, but the Zebrans were so overjoyed to see her and Cael safely returned, a feast was thrown in their honor. Zana and Pugly never left her side the entire evening.
News of the slave compound's destruction was quickly shared, as was gossip of another human woman seen in the city.
"Valentina! I'm sure that's her." Midori squeezed Cael's hand. "Maybe she knows something about my sister."
"We'll inquire in the city, see if we can track her whereabouts."
Cael left the feast to speak with his men aboard the slimship. Soon it was on its way to Mlima City, where his men would investigate the rumors of the human female.
Tears welled in Midori's eyes as the ship disappeared over the horizon, leaving Midori and Cael in the village's care for the night.
April, where are you? I promise I won't stop looking until you're found.
Zephryn approached them, his striped face solemn. "Welcome back, friends. I am glad to see you safe and well."
Midori smiled at the Zebran leader. "Thank you, Zephryn. It's good to be back." She glanced around at the gathered tribe members, their faces a mix of relief and curiosity. "Where's Jessa? I noticed his scowling face was missing from the feast."
Zephryn's expression darkened. "Jessa has been banished from the tribe. His actions in betraying you to the slavers were unforgivable."
Midori nodded. "I understand. It must have been a difficult decision."
"It was," Zephryn acknowledged. "But the safety and unity of the tribe must come first. We cannot tolerate such treachery among our own."
Midori felt a pang of sympathy for Jessa as the chief informed them of his banishment. Despite his actions against them, she could understand the desperation which drove him. Her eyes found Cael's, seeing the same mixture of emotions reflected there.
Cael stepped forward, addressing the chief. "Jessa acted out of love, however misguided. If I were in his shoes, I might have done the same."
His words carried weight, and Midori saw the chief's eyes soften slightly.
"If you would allow it, I wish to extend mercy. He should be given a chance to atone."
The chief stroked his chin, seeming to mull over Cael's request. At last, he gave a single nod. "Very well. Warriors shall be sent to find Jessa and bring him before us." He turned his steely gaze to Cael. "You are most generous to offer forgiveness after his transgressions against you both."
A surge of pride and admiration for Cael filled Midori's heart. His capacity for compassion, even in the face of betrayal, was remarkable. She reached out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as the chief excused himself.
Cael returned her reassuring grasp. "I couldn't bear having his suffering on my conscience, not when I know the anguish of potentially losing you."
His earnest words struck a chord within her, and Midori's throat tightened with emotion. "You are a good man, King Cael ó'Gormáin."
Unfamiliar constellations twinkled in the obsidian sky as Midori nestled closer to Cael. On this side of the galaxy, she didn't know a single one, but being held in Cael's arms, it didn't matter. The surrounding valley was dark save for pockets of firelight from campfires, while the sounds of night creatures and Pugly's gentle snores created a soothing ambiance. She felt utterly at peace lying there with Cael, the steady rise and fall of his chest and the warmth of his body a comforting presence.
Turning her head, she studied the striking angles of Cael's profile, marveling at how fate had brought them together against all odds. Just a few weeks ago, she had been a frightened abductee, yet now she had found unexpected solace and companionship in this remarkable man. Despite their differences, she felt a profound connection to him, which defied easy explanation.
As if sensing her scrutiny, Cael's luminous silver eyes met hers, softening with unmistakable affection. "What troubles you, my sweet Midori?" His deep voice caressed her name in his musical alien accent.
She shook her head, a small smile playing across her lips. "No troubles. Only gratitude for you coming into my life." Midori traced the intricate black-blue patterns adorning his chest, wondering at the stories they told. "You've shown such kindness and bravery. I'm in awe of you, Cael."
Cael's hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin. "And you have shown incredible strength and courage in the face of every hardship." His expression grew solemn, vulnerable. "I fear what may have become of me had our paths not crossed. You give me purpose, Midori."
Touched by his candor, Midori leaned in to bestow a lingering kiss upon his full lips. She lost herself in the glide of their tongues, the mingling of their breaths, and the exquisite rightness of being in Cael's arms beneath the alien sky.
When at last they parted, she whispered, "I'm the luckiest girl in the galaxy." Her heart felt deliriously full. All fear and uncertainty were finally chased away.
A playful smile tugged at Cael's mouth, along with a teasing glint in his eyes. "The luckiest girl? Even after being kidnapped, blown out of a ship, chased by a vyrmm, and all the rest?"
"Yes, because you were there with me through it all." Midori traced the line of his jaw. "Having you by my side made every hardship bearable. So, in that sense, I suppose you are my lucky charm."
She felt herself being drawn in by the molten heat smoldering in Cael's silver eyes. Midori's breathing hitched when Cael's embrace tightened, pulling their bodies flush against one another. He captured her lips with his own in a fiery caress, making her head spin.
When they finally parted, chests heaving, Midori held Cael's burning gaze as she stood and took a step backward toward the secluded hut. A coy smile curved her lips as she tugged on his hands, beckoning him to follow.
"Come," she murmured. "I'd say it's time for you to get lucky too, wouldn't you agree?"
Midori's dark eyes sparkled with unmistakable invitation. Her full lips curved into a sultry smile as she turned and sauntered through the hut's entrance. She glanced over her shoulder, holding Cael's burning gaze for a heated moment before disappearing inside, leaving the entryway open behind her in a clear, tempting welcome for him to follow.
And he did.
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