Page 39 of Seas the Day
The response came too quickly, too smoothly prepared. Navira felt Thalric’s body tense beside her, his Alpha instincts clearly picking up on the same evasiveness she’d noticed.
“This is important, Sylar. We’re finalizing battle plans against Graven.” Thalric’s voice carried an edge of frustration.
“I understand the importance, but I also have my daily border patrol duties. Can’t afford to skip those with Graven escalating his attacks.” Sylar’s expression remained professionally respectful, but something defiant lurked beneath the surface.
Border patrol.It sounded reasonable, even necessary. But the way he said it felt like an excuse.
Thalric’s jaw worked for a moment, clearly weighing the politics of pushing versus accepting the explanation. “That’s probably wise given the current threat level. I’ll brief you on our decisions tomorrow morning.”
“That works perfectly.” Sylar nodded once, sharp and efficient. “If you’ll excuse me, I should get started on those patrols.”
He turned and strode from the facility without another word, leaving an uncomfortable tension in his wake.
Navira watched him go, unease prickling along her spine. Something about the entire exchange felt wrong, but she couldn’t articulate exactly what.
Maybe it’s just wounded pride.
“Let’s get you back to the estate,” Thalric murmured, his arm tightening around her waist as he guided her toward the exit. “You need time to shower and relax before dinner with Kaelen. We’ll keep it private at the estate—more comfortable for strategic discussions.”
The vehicle ride passed in comfortable silence, Navira’s head tilted back against the seat as exhaustion from the intensive training finally caught up with her. Through the window, Nova Aurora’s landscape rolled past—purple forests bathed in the light of twin suns, the distant glimmer of the pink ocean that had become her sanctuary.
When did this place start feeling like home?
The question whispered through her mind as they soon pulled up to the estate, followed immediately by another, more dangerous thought.
When did leaving start feeling impossible?
“Go shower,” Thalric said softly. “Take your time. Kaelen won’t arrive for several hours.”
Navira nodded and headed inside toward her suite, her legs still slightly unsteady from the intensive pool work. But as she climbed the stairs, energy began returning—not physical energy, but something deeper. Purpose. Excitement. The intoxicating rush of knowing she mattered, that her skills were valued, that this powerful Alpha saw her as someone worthy of standing beside him.
Before long, the shower’s warm water cascaded over her tired muscles, washing away chlorine and doubt in equal measure. As she let the heat soak into her bones, her mind kept returning to that word.
Luna.
It rolled through her thoughts like a key turning in a lock, clicking into place with satisfying certainty. Not just Thalric’smate—though the incomplete bond still hung between them like unfinished business—but something more. A role. An identity. A destiny.
Everything in my life led me here. The swimming. The injury. The years of feeling lost. Even Jeremy’s betrayal. All of it was preparing me for this moment, this choice, this man.
She finally emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy towel, her skin flushed from heat and newfound certainty. The coral sundress she selected felt perfect—comfortable but elegant, appropriate for a strategic dinner but feminine enough to remind Thalric of everything they’d shared the night before.
As she stood before the mirror, adjusting the dress’s flowing lines, Navira caught her own reflection and barely recognized the woman looking back. This wasn’t the cautious, wounded coach who’d stepped through Gerri’s wormhole just days ago. This was someone alive, someone powerful, someone ready to claim the life she’d been meant for all along.
Why am I already thinking like I’m staying here permanently?
The question should have brought panic, should have reminded her of all the logical reasons this was temporary, impossible, too much too soon. Instead, her heart whispered back with devastating certainty.
You belong with him. You were meant to be Luna. Everything you’ve ever wanted is right here, waiting for you to be brave enough to take it.
TWENTY-SEVEN
THALRIC
Thalric paced the dining room, his gaze fixed on the dark expanse of ocean visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The twin moons cast silver pathways across the pink water, a scene that should have been peaceful but now felt like a prelude to violence.
Kaelen stood silently by the hearth, a glass of deep red Sidaii wine untouched in his hand. His Beta knew better than to interrupt Thalric’s brooding.
Sylar should be here.
