Klaren and Nor stood waiting in the shadows of the satellite. Klaren nodded knowingly at Andi, as if she sensed that Andi did not trust her fully. As if she sensed that her daughter would have to pay for her crimes. As if she knew that she likely would, too, and was not afraid to face whatever that punishment may be.

“Griss,” Dex said. “It’s what every fine general would drink after a brutal war.”

Andi sighed, taking his hand in hers, squeezing tight. “I don’t have time for a drink, Dex. There’s work to be done.”

He kissed her lightly, smelling of gunpowder and lead. “Tomorrow, General.”

“Tomorrow?” Andi asked.

He nodded. “Come on, Androma. The galaxy can wait.”

She let him lead her away, one step at a time.

EPILOGUE

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER

Space was silent.

No sound could touch its depths, and even light had to fight to shine in the darkness. Some people, even if given the chance, would never leave their home worlds. Never explore the dramatic swirls of nebulas or witness the explosion of a dying star.

Life in space wasn’t for everyone, which was why it was perfect for Andi.

Once, she’d hidden within its dark clutches to shield herself from the past. But no longer would she fear her worst demons. She had fought the fight to win back her soul. And here, above the worlds that were scattered across the expanse, there was peace.

Now she was free.

Andi leaned into Dex, allowing his warmth to engulf her.

“What do you think happened to them?” he said into her hair. “Klaren and Nor?”

Once the satellite had been dismantled, they’d buried Valen, as Andi had guessed they would. A funeral no one attended.

But Andi had slipped into the back of Kalee’s garden, where it had been held, and whispered her goodbyes. It wasn’t truly forgiveness, but it was better to let go of the hatred. After all, Valen had died a hero in the end.

Klaren and Nor had been sent into exile for their crimes, with trackers installed beneath their skin to keep them in check. They hadn’t been heard from since, and Andi hadn’t been able to bring herself to personally keep tabs on them, leaving the task to Averia’s security team.

“I don’t know,” Andi said honestly. “But I doubt they’ll be coming back.”

Nor may have been fighting for the wrong side, but Andi truly believed it hadn’t been with malicious intent. She’d loved her people, and even after everything that had transpired, the new leaders of Mirabel had granted the Olen System clemency. Its inhabitants were allowed to dwell anywhere across the galaxy, as long as they didn’t return to Xen Ptera.

Not that any of them would willingly return to the barren rock that had brought them so much pain.