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"Right." She looked into his piercing blue eyes. "For the duration of the cruise."
He nodded. "That's all we can have."
Frankie wasn't sure of that, but Dagor wasn't ready to hear that perhaps they could have more.
Cupping his cheek, she forced a smile. "Whatever happens, I want you to know that what we have is real, even if it can only last nine more days. For me, it's not just about the physical attraction or the novelty of being with a god. I feel a connection to you. We are good together."
Dagor took a deep breath, "Frankie, I..."
She placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. "It's okay," she whispered, "you don't need to say anything."
Sometimes, it was better to leave things unsaid and let Fate or circumstances pave the road ahead.
Frankie turned her gaze back to the ocean, the rhythmic lapping of waves against the ship's hull providing a comforting backdrop to the words they had just exchanged.
The moon's silvery glow made the waters shimmer, and it occurred to her that the beauty of the night seemed to encapsulate the fleeting nature of their relationship.
Dagor's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. "In my world, time has a different meaning. Decades and centuries pass differently for us. But these moments with you are real."
She smiled wistfully. "For humans, every moment is precious. We learn to treasure the time we have because it's limited."
"It might not be for you. You can become immortal."
"Maybe I can, and maybe I cannot." She turned around and leaned her back against the railing. "I don't even know if I want to be immortal."
The truth was that she didn't believe she was indeed a Dormant, and convincing herself that she wasn't sure that she wanted to become immortal was easier than discovering that she could not.
Dagor looked at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?"
"Meeting me, knowing that our time has an expiration date."
Frankie sighed. "Life is full of chance encounters and fleeting moments that can change the course of our lives. I don't regret meeting you even if the ten days of this cruise are all we will have. I'll cherish this time with you forever, but I won't lie by saying that it doesn't make me a little sad that something so wonderful has to end. I would have liked to see where it could lead."
Dagor pulled her close, dipped his head, and rested his forehead against hers. "The future is uncertain, and the present is all that matters. We will make each minute of each day count."
She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I just wish we had more time."
Dagor kissed the top of her head. "Time is a construct, Frankie. What matters is how we spend it. And I intend to spend every moment I have with you, making memories that will last me an eternity."
She pulled back slightly. "Promise me something?"
"Anything."
"When this cruise ends, and we go our separate ways, you won't forget me."
Dagor cupped her face, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had escaped the corner of her eye. "I could never forget you, Frankie. You've left a permanent impression on my heart."
She chuckled. "A good one, I hope."
"The best."
Ani
As the giant red sun of Anumati cast its dimming radiance upon the city, Queen Ani's hovercraft glided smoothly toward the Temple of the Supreme Oracle. The sprawling capital, constantly buzzing with life and energy, seemed to quieten as people raised their heads to follow the royal craft on its unscheduled journey.
It was not her usual once-a-month visit to the temple. People must be wondering why she was making the journey today. Still, Ani had made unexpected visits to the Supreme before, so it was not entirely out of character.
