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“Throughout the ages, across galaxies, across dimensions,” he began, pausing to find the right words, “we’ve met. We’ve fallen in love. We’ve faced challenges. We’ve been torn apart, only to find each other once more.”
The enormity of his words were not lost on me.
My skin prickled with goosebumps, his words igniting memories that felt foreign and familiar all at once.
“That’s...” I struggled, “it’s so surreal. But how is it that you remember everything, while I’m in the dark?”
Thillak sighed, a sound filled with the weight of centuries. “I’ve often asked myself the same thing. Every time we meet, the universe seems to test our bond in unique ways. I believe something happened in our last life, something that makes our reunion more challenging this time around.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to dredge up any memories from the depths of my subconscious.
The sounds of distant machinery and the soft murmur of Thillak’s breathing painted an almost serene ambiance that battled the turmoil of thoughts racing in my mind.
I inhaled deeply, the cool air filling my lungs, and then I asked, “If we’re meant to be, why this challenge? And if we’re to uncover my memories, what do we do now?”
Thillak’s face turned serious, and the warmth I felt earlier was replaced by a sudden cold realization. “For us to fully unlock your memories, we need to be free from this place.”
“And how do we do that?” I questioned, my voice laced with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
A small, sad smile played on his lips. “To truly be free, I must die.”
I jolted back in shock. “What? No! There has to be another way. You can’t just—”
“Calm down, Isla,” Thillak interrupted, gently placing a hand on my shoulder, making me acutely aware of the warmth of his touch against the cool fabric of my clothing. “It’s not as literal as you think. In the criminal world, sometimes, the only escape is to fake one’s death. By doing so, I’ll be free from the shackles of my past and the enemies that want me caged. And we can start anew, together.”
The realization flooded my senses.
I could smell the heady mix of hope and apprehension in the air, hear the soft assurances Thillak whispered in my ear, and feel the strength and determination in his embrace.
For a long moment, we just sat there, soaking in the gravity of the decision ahead.
And as I nestled closer to Thillak, I realized that even though my memories were yet to resurface, my heart seemed to recognize him.
Perhaps that was the true essence of being fated mates.
7
THILLAK
The plan was simple in design, yet intricate in execution.
To the world outside, I’d be gone, a specter of the past.
But the looming question echoed within me:
Who would take my place?
As I stood near the window of my quarters, the incandescent lights of Ikmal painted the horizon with their glow.
I was reminded of the world I once ruled, and the sacrifices needed to protect it.
Cayggod was my trusted lieutenant and had been by my side through the thick and thin of the empire’s affairs.
The mere thought of handing everything to him was tempting.
But as the saying goes, heavy is the head that wears the crown.
I couldn’t, in good conscience, let him bear the brunt of the chaos that would surely ensue.
