The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Now that the cyper had taken effect, Castor stood strong and proud at Teri's side. Roman remained stoic, his arms folded across his chest. Teri took a steadying breath and turned to assess Castor. His color was much better now that he'd been healed; she no longer feared that he would lose his footing if a wind came sweeping through the sector. Drake leaned against the wall with his arm slung around Taylor's waist. She had refused to leave Drake's side despite Teri's warnings that this would be a dangerous mission. Taylor was a liability…then again, Teri had a very similar liability.

"Is there a plan?" Sophia's soft voice broke through the silence as she gazed between Julia, Eric, and Lukas. "The Suvek withstood a bomb blast and the fight on top of the school. It won't be easy to destroy…"

"It's not about destroying the Suvek," Castor replied softly, "At least not right now. We need to lure Vega out of hiding. Once she's been put to rest, her followers will no longer have anyone to lead them. Those that have not been caught yet by the SEU will either try to step up—which will draw attention—or they will abandon their cause and move on with their lives. Either way, they will be neutralized."

Teri could feel the hot gazes on her and her cheeks flushed. "I know that she's my mother…" Her voice was tight with rage, "But she tried to kill me and my husband twice. I'm not letting her get a third crack at it." Teri's head was still sore and it would take some time for that gash to heal. "Vega wants the Suvek detonated and will stop at nothing to see it accomplished. She doesn't have the Iksen key, so she'll have one of her lackeys run by sector medical to try and pry it off Castor. When they find he's not there they are going to come to our pod…"

Roman nodded, "How do we let Vega know that the Suvek is intact without tipping her off?" He stayed very close to Emery who had remained quiet. Losing Grayson had been a terrible wakeup call that this mission could easily lead to her death.

"That's where all of you come in," Castor gazed between them, "There is nothing more powerful than word of mouth. Rumors spread quickly in the sector and Vega must have at least a couple spies left." Pressing a soft kiss to Teri's lips, he brushed a strand of her dark hair from her shoulder, "Once the seeds have been planted, we convene here to celebrate my restoration as Iksen. Our human guests will be too much of a temptation for Vega to ignore. She knows this is her last chance. We will capture her and ensure she cannot harm another soul."

Tasks were doled out as soon as all had agreed upon the plan. Sophia, Drake and Roman would spread the rumors while Lukas, Emery, and Julia volunteered to help prepare for the celebration. Drake had been adamant that Taylor especially be kept away from the danger and she had been relegated to resting in Roman's pod so Maia could keep an eye on her. Last, but not least, Teri and Castor were obligated to meet with the Hwatab…neither of them was looking forward to it.

Teri did her best not to focus on the unpleasantness to come. She showered and fixed her hair in a traditional coif that would hopefully make her appear more the Iksen's wife and the daughter of the Trag leader. She hesitated when Castor moved behind her, his arms slipping around her waist. The changes to her body were imperceptible and yet, her breath hitched.

"Are you alright?" Castor's eyebrows furrowed worriedly. "I have not known you to remain so quiet." He dropped a tender kiss to the curve of her shoulder. "Are you having second thoughts? It is not too late to simply have your mother sent to the crate," He soothed.

"Until she's dead, this will never end…" Teri rested her head against Castor's shoulder. "I'm just…" She didn't like keeping her pregnancy a secret from him; she didn't want to keep anything from her husband. If she told him now, he'd be overprotective and she'd be forced to sit on the sidelines while he risked his life to end Vega's. Teri knew her mother better than anyone; Castor needed her by his side if they had any chance of making it out of this alive. Teri forced a smile. "We did not seek the Hwatab's blessing for our union. I am not looking forward to the ruling."

"I am Iksen, I do not need permission from anyone. You will not be punished." Castor soothed. "Marrying you was the best decision I've made in my life." Stroking her cheek gently, he kissed her tenderly, "I love you, Teri. No matter what happens, I will protect you. This is my solemn promise to you." Teri pressed tighter against his chest and he smiled. For the longest time, neither of them moved…but time was of the essence. He changed into his finest garb and stopped to admire her. "You truly look like a queen."

Fingers sliding over the ring that Castor had given her, she took comfort in his love. It was the only thing she was truly sure of. As they stepped out into the sector, Teri was shocked at the sea of Atrians who had come out to support them. Castor's hand pressed to the small of her back and Teri felt strong again. She was unused to being in the spotlight and was glad for that gentle, comforting touch. The outpouring of support was overwhelming as they moved through the street toward where the tribunal had gathered. Flowers floated down from the tops of the pods, falling over them.

The Hwatab had two delegates from each tribe. Representation was a vital part of making fair and informed decisions. The Iksen was nothing without a council that supported him. As Teri and Castor approached, the sea parted to admit them into the antechamber. Eight drawn faces stared back at them, pursed lips and creased brows silently judging them.

Castor subconsciously stood taller as Aelius addressed the group. The grey, wizened man was part of the Swamad tribe; as the eldest member of the Hwatab he was given the appropriate respect and allowed to begin the proceedings. "I am sure you know why you have been called here, Castor. Since you have assumed your place as Iksen, there has been untold violence and bloodshed. You have lied to us and, as a result, have lost our trust." Aelius's mouth curved into a small frown. "I make the recommendation that you should be removed immediately." With that, he took his seat.

Teri swallowed hard, her stomach roiling. Aelius was well respected and there were many who would vote with him simply because he was the eldest. Murmurs among the council members were obvious but Teri couldn't make out what they were saying. She looked to Fausta, the Vwasak delegate, when she stood.

Fausta wasted no time. "Lives are always lost in times of war." She admonished. "Castor has been met with resistance. We know that Vega was undermining him at every turn. Instead of sitting back and allowing her to run rampant, he has accomplished in one year what Nox has tried to do for a decade…disband the Trags." Fausta narrowed her eyes. "We have seen the Iksen Castor is in times of war: a fierce, crafty warrior who will stop at nothing to protect his people from a threat. Of course there are things that could have been done better but the end result is the same. The end always justifies the means." She turned to face the council. "I make the recommendation that we allow Castor to show what kind of leader he will be in times of peace."

"This is hardly about Castor's deeds alone," Stratus piped up. "Can we overlook the fact that he has taken Vega's daughter as his wife? How do we know the girl is not simply biding her time until she can use his power to continue her mother's work?"

Kayre scoffed. "If we are to be judged by the deeds of our parents, you would not be sitting at this table!" Arguing broke out, half in English, half in Sondiv, until the entire room echoed with shouts. They had descended into just the type of juvenile bickering the Hwatab was created to avoid.

With one thunderous clap of his hands, Castor silenced them all. "As the accused, I have the right to defend myself." He did not let his uncertainty shine through. "However, I choose not to." Castor's lips curled into a smile. "You are not wrong, Aelius. I have made mistakes and under my short rule, there has been death and destruction the likes of which we haven't seen since the great Atrian war." Castor bowed his head. "I have done everything in my power to protect my people including lying and making grenades." Gazing lovingly at Teri, he paused. "Through all of it, I have been supported by my loving wife. Vega may have sired her but they are different as two people could be. It was Teri who helped stop the Suvek from being detonated while I was poisoned. She collected the herbs and mixed them to save me." His fingers grazed her cheek, "Without this woman, I would not be in front of you now. Countless more, human and Atrian alike, would have perished. We would not be on the verge of achieving integration."

Teri watched Castor with awe. This man she loved was stronger, braver, and smarter than any she'd ever met. She considered speaking out and letting each of the members know how important it was that Castor remained as Iksen. But there was nothing she could possibly say that Castor hadn't illustrated in his words and actions in his time as their leader. She simply bowed her head respectfully when they were asked to wait while the Hwatab made their decision.

"Are you alright?" Castor asked softly. "You are quiet."

"I felt it was important to show you are in control." Teri slid her fingers along the collar of his shirt. "There are many who still believe I should be subservient to my husband."

Castor shook his head. "If anyone is subservient it is I to you." He kissed her sweetly, his fingers brushing away a wayward curl from her cheek. Grinning eagerly, he laughed. "Having you at my side makes me strong, Teri. Whatever the outcome of today, we will bear it together."

Aelius stepped forward, "We have made a decision." He announced.

Teri's stomach churned. The Hwatab coming to a decision so quickly was either a very good or a very bad sign. She curled her hand around Castor's and held her breath. It was always the duty of the Zwahan representative to read any ruling. They'd heard almost nothing from Qasim today, which was highly unusual; he was boisterous and liberal with giving his opinion.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his face an unreadable mask. "We have heard the opinions of those gathered here and looked at the evidence presented with a careful eye. It is the opinion of the Hwatab that actions taken during war are not admissible in this council. Make no mistake, Castor, we will be watching you very carefully…but you will remain Iksen and fulfill your duties to our people."

With that, the Hwatab stood and exited the room to spread the word to the people. Relief unlike she'd ever known filled Teri and she threw her arms around Castor, kissing him sweetly. The cheers from outside were proof of the love of their people. "Come," Castor pressed. "There is much to be done. Today we bring peace to our people for good."

Stepping out as Iksen and wife, Teri and Castor were met with goodwill and eagerness. Castor invited their people to join him for a celebration feast, putting the next segment of the plan into motion.

Across the sector, Emery and Julia were finishing up the last of the decorations while Lukas worked on a playlist for the party. Now that the rumors had been spread, Roman and Drake arranged the transport of the Suvek to draw Vega out. Castor and Teri arrived, both looking tenser than they were before they met with the Hwatab.

Maia was immediately concerned and threaded her arm around Teri's shoulders. "Sit." She ordered. Immediately Maia set about filling a large glass with water; she pressed it into Teri's hands. "You are pushing yourself too hard," Maia chastised. "I promised to keep your pregnancy a secret, but I cannot abide you risking your life and the life of your child."

Teri took a long drink, the coolness of the water settling her stomach almost instantly. She hadn't been keeping up with drinking all the water she needed to in order to stay hydrated. Teri would be the first to admit that catching and killing Vega had taken precedence over everything else. Still, she couldn't very well admit that to Maia. "I'm fine."

"When was the last time you ate?" Maia folded her arms. When Teri didn't respond, she scoffed. "You are not invincible, Teri. You are quite early on in your pregnancy and there is much that can go wrong." Maia rested a hand on Teri's shoulder. "I am not telling you this to scare you. I worry that the stress will be too much to you. You have to slow down."

"Vega is the greatest threat to my child. Until she's dead, I cannot rest. It all ends today and then I will do exactly as you say, Maia." Maia looked unconvinced but she nodded nonetheless. Teri sipped her water dutifully and ate several of the goodies Maia offered. Castor was greeting his constituents, accepting their favors and gifts, shaking hands, and laughing diplomatically at mediocre jokes. Teri was in awe. Castor had not always been a man of the people, choosing instead to remain silent and brooding in the shadows. Teri had watched him transform into the Iksen she'd always known he could be.

Castor's eyes caught Teri's from across the room and he was instantly calm. She was his rock, his port in the storm. Even though Teri was not directly at his side, he could still feel her strength. To put it simply, she made him better…and tonight, he would make sure she knew that. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the line of well-wishers began to dissipate.

Roman sidled up beside Teri, his arms crossed over his chest. "It's time. The Suvek is ready to be moved. Vega won't be far behind." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

Teri faced him head on, "Don't you start on me, too. This was my idea, Roman. I don't know why everyone here seems to think I'm so fragile. I am a warrior, in case you've forgotten! It's my fault the Suvek was even built and it's my responsibility to end it once and for all!"

Drake gave the signal, catching Castor's eye subtly as they slipped out the back. Teri and Roman walked in time slightly faster than the others. The battleground had been set up far away from the marketplace, along the border where the Crate was kept. The silence that hung between them was not uncomfortable; instead, it was a testament to how focused they were.

Darkness descended over the sector and the wind picked up. Teri shivered, wrapping her arms around herself against the chill. Castor remained nearby but they each had their own location. Roman and Drake were positioned on either side of the roof, Castor stayed closest to the front while Teri had been positioned just behind the building. It wasn't the best position for getting a piece of the action, but Teri hadn't protested. After all, Maia was right…she had more than herself to think about.

"Did you really think this would work?" Vega's voice dripped with venom. "I expected better of you, Teri."

A cold sweat broke out over every inch of Teri's body. She turned to find Vega standing just inches away from her, holding a blade. Teeth set on edge, Teri faced her head on. "A year ago, that might've crushed me. I have wanted nothing in my life more than to make you happy and for you to acknowledge me as a daughter. Castor opened my eyes to what love really means." She reached and pulled her dagger from its sheath. "Before I kill you, there are a few things I'd like to say…"

Vega opened her mouth but Teri was faster. The dagger she held in her left hand was a distraction from the throwing stars in her right. Unleashing them one by one, the hot steel cut through Vega's shoulder, thigh, and abdomen. A silent cry of pain passed Vega's lips as she unceremoniously fell to her knees. Those wounds alone wouldn't kill her…but Teri knew that too. "I take no pleasure in this, I want you to know that. If you left me any other choice, I'd let them send you the Crate."

Teri stalked closer, circling Vega as she bled. "You'd live there, surely. Soon enough you'd come up with a plan to finish what you started here. I can't have that." Her fingers curled around the hilt of her dagger, feeling the cool metal against her hand. "You see, I have more at stake now than ever before. My child deserves to grow up in a world where he or she can be whatever they want, in the sector or out in the world. I want my baby to know they are loved, whatever path they take. I won't allow you to rob my son or daughter of that legacy."

Although it took significant effort, Vega tipped her chin up and stared Teri down. "This is what you want?" Breathing was difficult with metal lodged in her intestines and Vega's voice was breathy and light. "I thought you would want more from life than breeding."

"I am more than you'll ever be." Teri remained calm and collected. "I have my education, my husband, and the respect of my people. A child will only add to my life." Her palm slid over her belly and she smiled. "I realize having me was the biggest mistake you've ever made. Let me be the one to correct it." Circumventing Vega's body as it twisted in pain, Teri brought the dagger to her mother's throat…but she couldn't do it. As badly as Teri wanted Vega dead…the woman was still her mother. There were no warm memories, only regrets. Before she could stop them, tears burned in her eyes and shimmered in vibrant blue as they sluiced down her cheeks.

A soft hand pressing against her shoulder tore Teri out of the moment. She faced Castor, her lips trembling as she buried her face against his shoulder. For a moment, he simply held her, murmuring Sondiv words of love into her ear. Castor took the blade from her gingerly, holding her closer against him as he brought it to Vega's throat. With one small incision to her jugular vein, she bled out within seconds and fell, silent and peaceful.

Castor didn't give a second thought to the corpse at his feet. Roman and Drake would properly dispose of the body. He had more important matters to attend to… Holding Teri close, he wound the back way to their pod. Castor said nothing when she went directly into the shower to wash the day off her. Instead, he made tea and pastries Maia insisted on bringing by. He now understood why. When Teri returned, she was wrapped tightly in a robe and her dark hair was braided and piled atop her head to keep it off her shoulders. Castor settled across from her, his expression serious. "Why did you not tell me, Teri?"

Wrapping her hands around the warm teacup, Teri sighed. "I knew you would never allow me to go after Vega…maybe I shouldn't have." She glanced up at him. "I had to see it through. It's my fault, Castor."

"None of this is your fault, Teri." Castor replied sternly. "You made a bad decision. I have made tens of thousands in my life and many more to come. Perhaps the only thing I've ever done right is marrying you…" His voice tightened and he paused. "How long have you known?"

Teri chewed her bottom lip. "Maia came to tell me when we were being discharged from medical. It's still very early and I…I was going to tell you tonight. I swear that to you." There was a panic that clawed at her from deep inside that she just couldn't shake.

"I'm not angry at you, Teri," Castor soothed. "I could not fathom it." Leaning in, he captured her lips sweetly. "I never thought I would have a wife, let alone a child. It was something I had never dared to let myself want…" There were tears in his eyes as he grasped her hand. "We have accomplished everything we set out to do. And we will do so much more." There would be more discussion later but it had been so long since they'd had a moment to themselves. Drawing Teri against him, Castor ushered her to their bed and climbed in beside her.

Snuggling tightly against Castor, Teri rested her head against his chest. In that moment she realized she was no longer conflicted or frightened. There was nothing but quiet and calm. It was the happiest moment she'd ever had so far. Teri pressed a chaste kiss to Castor's lips. "I love you," She murmured.

"I love you, Teri," Castor echoed without hesitation.

The two of them fell into a deep sleep. The world turned but neither Castor nor Teri were perturbed by it. There was nothing now but peace in the sector, freedom of the Atrians, and the bright future that stretched before them. As morning broke, Teri rolled over and a smile spread over her face. Today was the first day of the rest of her life and she couldn't wait to spend every minute of it with Castor.


It's been a long time since I updated this fic and it's almost done. I am working hard on finishing up some of my old projects so I can get some new ones started! Please read and review! The epilogue will posted (hopefully) this weekend. In the meantime, you can find some of my work here but I'm also a published author on Kindle Worlds. Check out my profile for details!

-Marina