Chapter 34
Mila
Mila gazed out the window of their Niri home, sunlight dancing across the crystalline spires of the city. Her datapad rested in her lap, filled with notes from her latest political science class. A year ago, she wouldn’t have dreamed this life was possible.
“Still studying?” Priscilla’s voice came from behind her. Her sister looked healthier than ever, her eyes bright with the freedom they now enjoyed.
“Just reviewing my speech for tomorrow’s council meeting,” Mila replied. “I can’t believe they’re going to listen to my proposal for interplanetary slave liberation laws.”
Priscilla settled beside her on the window seat. “Because you’re making them listen. You’ve got that fire in you.”
The front door opened, and Brivul’s massive form filled the doorway. His violet eyes found hers immediately, and warmth spread through her chest.
“How are my favorite humans today?” He crossed the room in one fluid motion, his blue scales catching the light.
“Your mate is working too hard again,” Priscilla teased, standing up. “I’m heading to my art class. Don’t let her skip lunch.”
After Priscilla left, Brivul coiled around Mila protectively. “She’s right. You’ve been at those notes all morning.”
“I need this to be perfect.” Mila leaned back against him, drawing strength from his presence. “The council needs to understand that what happened on Jorvla isn’t isolated. Countless others are still suffering.”
“And they will listen,” Brivul assured her, his jaw brushing her temple. “You’ve already helped pass three human rights bills in the past year. You’re making real change.”
Mila set aside her datapad, turning to face him. “Sometimes I still can’t believe this is real. Having a voice, being heard, being free to learn and fight for others.” She traced the scar on his jaw. “Being with you.”
“Believe it.” He caught her hand and kissed it. “Now, how about some lunch before you return to changing the galaxy?”
“Fine.” She laughed, letting him pull her to her feet.
She followed Brivul through their garden, the twin suns of Nirum casting dancing shadows through the crystalline arbor above. He guided her to their favorite spot beneath a shade tree, where a small table waited.
“Close your eyes,” Brivul said, his tail swishing with barely contained excitement.
Mila obliged, listening to the rustle of something being retrieved. The sound of a basket being set on the table made her smile.
“Okay, open them.”
Her breath caught at the sight of the vibrant oranges nestled in the woven basket. “You remembered.”
“Of course I did.” Brivul picked one up, his scales catching the sunlight. “That day when we were walking through those maintenance tunnels, when you told me you’d never tried them… I promised myself I’d change that someday.”
Warmth bloomed in her chest as she selected one of the oranges, its weight perfect in her palm. She slowly peeled it and took a bite. The sweet citrus taste exploded in her mouth. “Wow, that really is delicious,” Mila said, smiling widely.
She then touched Brivul’s arm. “Wait here.”
She hurried into their kitchen, retrieving the carefully wrapped package she’d hidden away. It had taken three attempts to get the recipe right, but the spicy-sweet aroma told her this batch was perfect.
When she returned, Brivul’s eyes widened at the familiar scent. “Is that…”
“Your mother’s spice bread recipe.” Mila set it before him, watching his expression soften. “You mentioned it that same day in those tunnels, how you missed it.”
Brivul’s usual commanding presence gentled as he unwrapped the loaf, and Mila caught the shimmer of moisture in his eyes before he blinked it away.
“It smells exactly like hers.” His voice was rough with emotion. He broke off a piece, savoring it. “Tastes like it, too. How did you…”
“I may have contacted your father for the recipe.” Mila grinned. “He was more than happy to share it with his son’s mate.”
Brivul pulled her close, pressing his forehead to hers. “You’re extraordinary. You know that?”
After their lunch in the garden, Mila grabbed her datapad and rushed through the crystalline halls of their home. “I’m late for Advanced Political Theory!”
“Have a good class,” Brivul called after her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
The university grounds buzzed with activity as students of all species hurried between classes. Mila still marveled at how natural it felt now, being among them as an equal. Her mind wandered during lectures, distracted by messages from Brivul about meeting him for dinner at the Crystal Spire—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
After her final class, she found him waiting outside in formal attire, his scales polished to a brilliant shine. Her heart skipped. Even after all this time, the sight of him still took her breath away.
“You look beautiful,” he said, helping her into a hover transport.
The restaurant sat atop the tallest crystal spire in the city. Through the transparent walls, the twin moons of Nirum painted everything in silver light. Their table overlooked the glittering expanse of the capital.
“This is incredible,” Mila whispered, taking in the view. “But what’s the occasion?”
Brivul smiled mysteriously. “Can’t I spoil my mate?”
They talked through dinner about her classes, his work with the military advisory board, and their shared dreams for the future. As they finished dessert, Brivul grew unusually quiet.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
He slithered from his chair and raised himself to his full height before her. “Mila, when I found you that day in the market, I had no idea you would change my entire world.” His voice roughened with emotion as he produced a ring of twisted gold and crystal. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife as well as my mate?”
Tears pricked at Mila’s eyes. This beautiful, brave man who had saved her, supported her, and loved her unconditionally—how could she give any answer but yes?
“Yes, of course I will,” she managed through happy tears.
The ring slid perfectly onto her finger, catching the moonlight. Brivul gathered her close, and the other diners burst into applause.
Mila’s heart fluttered as Brivul’s arms encircled her, his scales cool and smooth against her skin as he leaned down to kiss her. His lips met hers with tender reverence, and she melted into him. The applause from the other diners faded away until there was only this—only them. His scent wrapped around her, that unique mixture of leather and spice that had become her comfort.
“I love you,” she whispered when they finally parted. “Though I think you’ve made quite a scene, my warrior.”
Brivul chuckled. “Let them look. I want the whole galaxy to know you’re mine.”
“As if the mate bond wasn’t enough?” She raised an eyebrow, playing with the ring. The twisted gold felt perfect on her finger, as if it had always belonged there.
“That’s just for us.” He pressed his forehead to hers, a gesture that had become their own private sign of affection. “This is for everyone else. Though I must admit, I was worried you might say no.”
“After everything we’ve been through?” Mila whispered. “After you helped me find my voice, my freedom? You’re stuck with me, General.”
“Former general,” he corrected automatically, making her laugh.
“Always my general,” she countered, rising on her tiptoes to kiss him again. The ring caught the light once more, sending rainbow fractals dancing across his blue scales.
The hover transport glided through the crystalline streets of Nirum, its quiet hum matching the contentment in Mila’s heart. She kept stealing glances at the ring on her finger, watching how it caught the light of the twin moons. Beside her, Brivul’s scales reflected the city’s glow, making him look almost ethereal.
“You haven’t stopped smiling since we left,” he said.
“I can’t help it.” Mila leaned into his side, savoring his familiar warmth.
The transport settled outside their home, its crystal architecture catching the starlight. As they walked through their garden, the night-blooming flowers released their sweet perfume, as if celebrating with them.
“The universe has a strange way of working things out,” Mila mused, pausing to look up at the stars. “All those years of struggling, of protecting Priscilla, of trying to survive… they were leading me to you.”
Brivul pulled her close, his scales cool against her skin. “Then I suppose I should thank the universe for bringing me my perfect mate.”