The King Elect council would make for the least frightening challenge Nox had faced this day. The deep concern in Rayne’s frown bothered him more than the judgment on the faces ahead of them. He kept his eyes forward, squeezing her hand reassuringly. There was nothing Nox wouldn’t do to deserve Rayne, and justice was the right course. Without it, the other Shadow would never accept him as her mate, and the last thing he wanted was to alienate her from the people who mattered most. To both of them.

Nox stood before the King Elects—Jack, Iuo, and Tumu joined their ranks. Xelan and Korac parted to the sides, Nox’s little brother on the left and the best soldier on the right. The arbiter and the ally.

Their heart raced, and it wasn’t Nox’s. He squeezed Rayne’s hand again to assure her, knowing it would do no good.

Prepared for retribution, Nox said, “I—”

F8 cut him off with a gesture.

Kombuchi, with his backward bent arms folded behind him, addressed Rayne. “War King, we are elated by your miraculous return. Praise, Elden.”

The others echoed, “Praise, Elden.”

Rayne nodded for them, but she moved closer to Nox, and he loved her for it.

As a member of a race with no mouths, Legir spoke to them telepathically. “We understand you led the Shadow against our greatest enemy and won this day. For all the days to come, we thank you.”

The elected Kings put their fist to their chests, Jack included, to praise Rayne—

No.

Nox swept a glance across the amphitheater, and people—survivors, fighters, and medics—everywhere put a fist to their chest. Pehton, Caedes—All of the Shadow. Even Tameka and Xelan. Pax beamed up at Rayne as he did the same. Korac actually knelt and bowed his head.

In solidarity, Nox and Rayne faced one another and returned the gesture, fists to their chests.

Tempest and F8 narrowed their eyes; 2Lip and X exchanged a look; Kombuchi clenched his jaw; Iuo and Tumu smiled; and Jack’s eyes shifted in and out of Atramentous.

With her eyes locked on Nox, Rayne said, “I wouldn’t be here without the Icarus you wish to condemn. Consider that in your judgments. He saved my life and yours.”

Tempest took a step out of the lineup, claiming the floor. “We will hold a proper council to hear his case and determine his fate. Until such time, Nox, we are taking you into the custody of the Concerted Empire of Iona Pax…”

Each of the Kings read Nox his rights while Korac ground his teeth and clenched his fist. Tears welled in Rayne’s eyes. Pax hid his face against his mother’s side. Sagan appeared ready to open an escape conduit.

But Nox looked at the sky. The fake projection of stars above twinkled in a sea of artificial constellations. All around him, the flora of the Palatial Grounds scented the air with the sweet fragrance of victory.

This was a good day.

Everyone had survived. Celindria found a peace Nox hoped she would continue to earn, much like himself. He got to see Pax bring down an army. Then there was baby Echo. She was the sweetest sight since the first time Rayne had smiled at Nox.

None of it was possible without Xelan. Gratitude flooded through Nox on the waves of familial tides. Not all hope was lost. They could still recover their relationship. Nox felt it when Xelan had shouldered him back to Ishkur.

So.

Even though Korac held Rayne back as F8 cinched Nox’s thick wrists into nacre chains he could easily break… This was a good day—

“—Into Rayne’s custody.” That was an odd sentence for Xelan to say.

Apparently, the elective council also thought it was odd as they exchanged bewildered or aghast glances.

Rayne froze in Korac’s grip beside Nox, and Nox still didn’t fully understand what was happening.

Xelan repeated, “Until the council reconvenes on the matter, I am placing Nox into War King’s custody.”

Nox’s mouth fell open.

Rayne stared at her guardian, and Korac released her as he, too, gaped. Sagan cupped a hand over her mouth, hiding the smile which sparkled in her eyes. Andrew’s brows were almost to his hairline. Although Kyle kept his composure for Nox’s foremother’s sake, censure rolled off him like heat on pavement. Tameka stepped up to Xelan’s side, supporting his decision.

The council repeated their earlier shocked expressions. Except this time, Jack looked away.

F8 blinked her heavy fan of lashes before asking, “These are your terms, Co-Emperor?”

Tameka slipped her hand into Xelan’s before adding, “And Kyle Roberts is to oversee the rehabilitation program until Nox completes it.”

Nox didn’t need to glance behind him to feel the Progeny’s censure transform into a wicked grin. Kyle said, “I would like input from the King Elects, but I think you’ll find the foundation rigorous and severe.”

“I like severe.” With his arms folded, Kombuchi looked unhappy.

But it was Jack who spoke up and floored Nox. “I agree to the Co-Emperors’ terms. Those in favor?”

Iuo, 2Lip, X, Tumu, Jack, and Dolor raised their hands, making six. F8, Kombuchi, Legir, and Tempest kept their hands down. Only four.

Nox swallowed as gratitude welled prematurely. It wasn’t done yet.

Before F8 could protest, Jack reminded her, “This is a temporary arrangement so we can better focus our energies on the empire’s recovery. Our people are more important than who will babysit a prisoner. And to prove I’m acting in the best interest of Iona Pax, I’ll recuse myself of the official trial and name another in my place.”

By the glitter in F8’s multi-faceted eyes, this seemed to satisfy her. “Agreed.” She faced Nox and flattened her lips into a tight line as she unshackled him.

Kombuchi singsonged, “Don’t go too far, Icarus.” If Xelan’s Verse was any indication, the Caprent male wanted to eat Nox.

Legir’s voice entered Nox’s head. “I consumed the Verses to understand the senseless need for my sons’ deaths. Do not assume this is over between us.”

The second Nox’s hands were free, Rayne sprung into his arms. The people in the stands cheered, much to the council’s bewilderment.

Pax asked, “Mommy, why are they cheering?”

“Because they came to see a show, and they got one.” Tameka gave Xelan an appreciative look, even while he tried to ignore Nox and Rayne’s embrace.

Sagan cooed into Echo’s bassinet, “See, Echo? This is what we call ‘getting your money’s worth.’”

Korac laughed.

Silence waved to the spectators, enjoying the moment.

Kyle beamed at Nox’s foremother, earning some of Nox’s respect.

Lucas and Andrew peered longingly at one another, ready to celebrate.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

F8 and Kombuchi sighed and walked away together, resuming their duties.

Legir, X, Tempest, and Dolor waved their farewells and followed.

2Lip glanced between Rayne and Nox before settling on Xelan. “They’ll come around.”

“I hope so.” Xelan saluted the Pil Dwarf. “Carry on rebuilding, sir.”

With a wave, 2Lip went off in his mechsuit to join the others.

Behind Nox, Miy groaned. “Can we go home now? Some of us have made plans way more fun than this drama.”

Yito and Puk chuckled while Twenty-One kissed the top of Miy’s orange and black feathers.

Nox separated from Rayne and turned to find Xelan’s eyes on him. Off to the side, Korac waited for whatever came next. Tameka looked expectant as well.

Where did they go from here?

Xelan announced, “Everyone go home. We’ve got weeks of community service ahead of us, and, Iuo, before you ask, plan whatever shindig you want to celebrate. We’ll all be there.”

Tension left Nox’s shoulders, and Rayne relaxed beside him. Her expression radiated gratitude for her mentor. Xelan’s eyes flicked to her and warmed.

Iuo chuckled. “Nothing can top the Generals’ wedding, but I can put something together. Anyone up to planning it with me? Come join me back at the Villa.”

“We are!” Para bounced, and Bones noticed with a smile. Her impish grin in the three Icarean brothers’ direction meant she either planned to embarrass them greatly or put them to work.

Karter echoed it as she said, “We know just the thing.”

Behind them, Chris mouthed, “I’m. Sorry.”

Nox suppressed a chuckle.

Conduits opened, and Sagan smiled. “Find your way home, peeps. Me and Korac are taking a long nap.”

Echo whistled her agreement.

Miy, Twenty-One, Yito, and Puk went first with waves and nods. “See you emotional masochists tomorrow—What?! They’re always so sappy. You know it’s true, T-1.”

Chris said, “Jack, you and I will talk tomorrow.” When Rayne’s brother nodded, Chris roped Bones and Iuo by their necks and dragged them to the Reipon conduit. “C’mon, you two. Hey, Iuo, can we talk about a film?”

Karter and Para laughed incredulously, but stayed behind.

Rayne left Nox’s side to hug her brother. Jack didn’t hesitate, but when he looked over Rayne’s shoulder at Nox, his eyes flashed Atramentous again. Jack whispered, “I’d like a chance to talk with you.”

Without hesitation, Rayne said, “Tomorrow. When we’ve all rested, you and I will sit down and talk this out.”

Ross and Bethany hugged Kyle before joining Jack at the conduit. “See everyone tomorrow.” The three waved and disappeared.

Devis, T.a.o., and Andrius approached Xelan. They each gave a respectful nod to Tameka and Pax. T.a.o. went first. “The wound is mending, but hard to heal. Where are we to be?”

Xelan peered down at Tameka, asking permission. Nox appreciated the respect between them. With her nod, Xelan said, “Come to the stronghold with us. We’ll put you to work tomorrow.”

“Oh, thank, Elden.” Devis sighed. “I was worried I might have to actually relax.”

Andrius chuckled and nudged his brother aside.

With Silence on his arm, Kyle knocked into Nox’s side on his way to a conduit. “Welp, Silence and I are off to strip out of these clothes and enjoy ourselves.”

Shameless.

Rayne glanced up at Nox, and he gave nothing away. If his foremother was happy, so was he.

Xelan hung his head and sighed.

Korac looked off, hiding a smirk.

Sagan didn’t bother to hide her snickering.

Silence’s discouraging look held no water, especially since she leaned in and whispered something which burned Kyle’s ears. He said, “Yes, ma’am,” with entirely too much enthusiasm.

They deserved each other.

“See you tomorrow.” Silence waved for them both as they disappeared for the night.

But not before Sagan closed the conduit on one last smug smirk from Kyle.

“That’s gotta sting,” Andrew mused as he dragged Lucas to a conduit. Beyond it was an impressive sight. Nox had never seen a zeppelin before. Andrew said, “We’ll be here tomorrow. Ah, screw it.” The young man grabbed Sagan and squeezed her. Then Tameka. And finally Rayne. “I love you, guys.”

All three girls said together, “We love you. See you tomorrow.”

The display moved Nox. This was not like the family he’d known, but with a glance over at Korac and Xelan, Nox wondered…

Lucas gave one final wave before their conduit closed behind them.

Pehton approached Sagan and Korac with Caedes on her arm. “You two know how to party.” Then she punched Korac on the bicep.

“Ow!” He faked the pain and rubbed the spot as if it were sore. Korac tried for some sympathy from Caedes. “Redheads, man.”

The bald Icarus chuckled and said, “Don’t look at me. I wasn’t the one egotistical enough to lead her on for three years.”

When Korac balked, Pehton laughed.

Sagan chafed her husband’s arm, but her words weren’t very consolatory. “He’s right, you know?”

Pehton said, “That was for keeping secrets. Don’t you ever do that to me again.”

“Here, here.” Tameka joined in and shot her husband an accusatory look. Then one at Rayne.

Rayne withered under it. She mouthed, “I’m. Sorry.”

Nox chuckled—

“You, too, big guy. I expect you to treat me with more respect than these two, because, unlike them, you should fear me.” Tameka’s ferocity was impressive, but the humorous twinkle in her eyes was more than unexpected.

There was that notion of family again…

“That brings us to this.” Karter stepped up with Para.

The smaller of the two said, “Savis would be so proud of you, boys.”

Nox forgot how to breathe. Xelan recoiled as if taken aback, and Korac let the mask slip enough to show his widened eyes.

Karter and Para opened their arms. The three Icarean males glanced at one another. The eye contact lasted longer between Nox and Xelan. They struck an accord for the sake of the moment, and all three rushed into their godparents’ waiting arms.

With her voice squeezed, Para said, “We know Savis wasn’t well, but more than anything, she loved the three of you.”

“She would dance this day in your names if she were here. Keep that in your spirits.” Karter held Nox so tight it left him breathless, but…

It was Nox’s first time holding Karter and Para, and it felt like home.

Tears sprung to his eyes, which he tried to hide when they pulled away. The double-take from Xelan told Nox he didn’t do an excellent job. Rayne came to his side immediately, and her sunny beach scent comforted him.

As they walked backward toward Iuo’s conduit, Karter pointed at Korac. “I want a rematch tomorrow.”

“You got it, mother.”

Mother.

Nox smiled.

Someone sniffled, and they all turned to Pehton, who squeezed out, “They did it. They finally sapped me.”

Caedes laughed outright as he led her to their conduit. “Come on, teeny. Let’s celebrate.”

Korac did not withhold his laughter. “Teeny?!! Oh, that’s spreading at the office, General Warden.”

Before their conduit closed, Pehton stuck her little black tongue out at them to Korac’s continued delight.

Sagan reflected, “I love her.”

“yeah,” Rayne sighed. “She’s pretty cool.”

Then there was six. Well. Six and two smalls.

Pax rubbed his eyes and yawned, “Mommy, I’m sleepy.”

She picked her son up and held him with a maternal glance at Xelan. “I think it’s time for all of us to go to bed.”

Echo whistled again, prompting Korac to turn and check on her. “Yeah. Us, too.” He shot Sagan a knowing smirk.

Nox felt that in his soul, but wouldn’t dare get caught looking at Rayne the same way around Xelan.

A quiet fell between them, and they took the moment to consider themselves. The three warrior Icari, and their three mighty Progeny women. Wars well-fought and won. There was a bright future ahead, and they were facing it together.

Sagan laughed. “It’s not like we won’t see each other tomorrow—We’d better see each other tomorrow.” She pointed an accusing finger at Rayne.

“Oh, they’ll be here tomorrow,” Xelan said while staring at Nox. “There’s work to be done.”

Nox nodded, accepting his fate.

Korac interrupted the staring contest. “Tomorrow then—”

“Wait!”

They looked up the amphitheater stairs to find Matt and Lucy rushing down them. There was no sign of the girl’s dress from earlier in the night, and she was wearing his button-down.

“Hey, sorry,” Lucy offered as they rushed up to meet their group. “Sagan, do you mind giving us a lift home—Thank you!”

Sagan opened it, turning purple to suppress her laughter.

The wayward couple took in the vibe and grinned. Matt said, “It was one helluva day.”

It was enough to make Xelan grin back. “It sure was. You two come back tomorrow. I have an assignment for you.”

Lucy’s eyes sparkled. “Can’t wait. See you then!”

They disappeared.

Tameka took Xelan by the hand, and he waved for Andrius, Devis, T.a.o., Aria, and Torch to follow. Nox had never seen the stronghold, but it must be massive to house so many people.

“Wait!”

Rayne left Nox’s side, and without needing words to communicate, Xelan opened up his arms. Rayne surged into them with a squeeze Nox was familiar with as it brought tears to Xelan’s eyes.

Against his chest, Rayne said, “I love you. This means so much to me.”

Xelan closed his eyes and soaked in the moment. “Why do you think I did it?” Softer, almost so softly Nox couldn’t hear, Xelan whispered, “Thank you.” He opened his eyes and peered at Nox.

It was an unfamiliar look, and Nox couldn’t quite place it. Wonder, consideration, and gratitude all mixed into one.

They separated and stared at each other one last time before returning to their partners.

Tameka called out, “Goodnight.”

Xelan gave a parting wave and a meaningful nod to Korac before the conduit closed behind them.

Without preamble, Rayne pulled Sagan in for a kiss. Nox and Korac let them have some privacy and faced one another.

Nox said, “The road ahead is long.”

Korac laughed. “Well, you’re lucky there’s a road at all.”

They both smiled a minute before the girls returned to their sides. Both of them had the same hunger in their eyes as they said, “Bedtime.”

Korac’s voice was full of anticipation. “Amos, I’ve been thinking all day about what I plan to do to you.”

Nox didn’t have the same practice with words, so he did the next best thing. He purred for Rayne.

The other couple laughed on their way through the conduit, a bright, cheerful sound. Korac admitted, “I didn’t even think you could do that. Good night, you two!”

Rayne and Nox stepped through theirs so Sagan could close it and waved goodbye.

Out in the forest, once again.

“I can’t believe it.” Rayne’s voice was filled with awe. “I can’t believe Xelan did this for us.”

Nox pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her hair. “I can never repay him, but I will try. Starting tomorrow, I will do everything I can to make amends.”

Rayne separated them enough to peer up at Nox. “That’s tomorrow. Until it comes, I want to spend every second showing you how much I love you.”

Nox kissed Rayne, eager for their future. Specifically, for the next nine hours.

Until tomorrow comes…