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I felt the ship slow, then halt, indicating our arrival.
I gently nudged Violet, her soft eyelids fluttering open to meet my gaze.
“We’re here,” I whispered, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Before we could fully stir, the sheet covering our compartment was yanked away, revealing Selix, his eyes gleaming with an emotion I couldn’t quite place.
Was it pride?
Relief?
Regardless, his appearance was a welcome sight.
“You’ve made it to the Central Hub,” he announced with a hint of a smile.
His hands extended, helping Violet and me out of our cramped refuge.
Our limbs were stiff due to the long journey, but the anticipation of the unknown buoyed our spirits.
Selix handed over a pouch filled with gleaming credits. “It’s enough to take you anywhere in the galaxy and set you up for a little while,” he said, his gaze intense. “Choose wisely, and start fresh. No one here knows of Ikmal or its dark dealings. You’re free.”
His words were like a balm, a reassurance that our escape was real.
It wasn’t just a fleeting dream, but a tangible reality.
Violet’s grip on my arm tightened, her eyes reflecting the gratitude I felt.
“Thank you,” I began, but Selix raised a hand to stop me.
“That’s not necessary. Just promise me you’ll cherish your freedom and each other,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “The universe is vast, and opportunities are endless. Make the most of it.”
With a final nod, Selix turned on his heels and disappeared back into the ship, leaving us at the threshold of our new beginning.
* * *
The Central Hub was a maelstrom of activity, an overwhelming kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and creatures.
Everywhere I looked, there were beings from every corner of the galaxy, some humanoid, some not.
From the towering Gellexians with their iridescent blue scales to the diminutive, floating Aeriads, this place was a testament to the galaxy’s vast diversity.
As a torrent of bustling aliens streamed around us, I felt a tightness grip my chest, a mix of exhilaration and anxiety.
The weight of our escape, our journey, the battles I had fought, all rushed back in a tidal wave of emotion.
But Violet, sensing my unease, pressed herself closer, her presence anchoring me amidst the chaos.
Drawing her into a tight embrace, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the moment.
We had made it.
The specter of Ikmal, of our past, was behind us, and the vast expanse of the universe beckoned.
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Violet whispered, her voice tinged with wonder. “We’re free.”
The sheer enormity of that realization made my heart race.
There was no going back.
