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I took Kian’s hands in mine. His skin was rough and callused from years of hard work, so different from my own.
“I know in the beginning you worried I would leave someday, return to the stars,” I said. “But I promise you - Surlon is my home. Our child will be born here, under these same stars that guided your people for generations.”
Kian’s ice-blue eyes glistened with emotion. He pressed his forehead to mine.
“All I want is to raise our family together, in this village,” I told him earnestly. “I am Surlon now as much as any woman born here.”
Kian kissed me tenderly. “You have no idea how happy those words make me,” he murmured.
He placed a gentle hand on my belly. “Our child will be the first Surlon with the blood of two worlds. A bridge between peoples.”
I smiled and laid my head on Kian’s shoulder. We sat quietly again for a time, contemplating the future for our family.
After a while, I broke the silence once more. “The comm device is yours now, as sheriff,” I told Kian. “If the village ever needs to contact off-world traders or send emergency signals, you can use it.”
Kian nodded thoughtfully. “Let us hope such need never arises. But it comforts me to know the option is there.”
I stifled a yawn, the lateness of the hour catching up with me. Kian noticed immediately.
“Come, my love,” he said. “It’s time you and our little one got some rest.”
He helped me to my feet. Side by side, with his arm supporting me, we made our way back to our house. My heart was full of joy and peace.
Chapter 18
Kate
I woke with a start, feeling the baby’s strong kicks against my swollen belly. Sleep had become difficult these last few weeks as the little one grew more active. I smiled and rubbed my stomach gently, marveling at the new life inside me.
Another series of thumps prompted me to rise. I knew I wouldn’t be falling back asleep anytime soon. As I dressed, I felt drawn outside, an inexplicable urge pulling me towards the valley where the Surlons bred their prized siroccos.
The village was silent and still in the moons’ dim light as I made my way quietly past the dwellings. I left a note for Kian in case he woke and found me gone. Ever since we married, he worried if I wandered off alone, especially now that I carried his child. His protectiveness could be endearing, if also stifling at times.
But tonight, something summoned me onwards. I walked steadily, one hand on my rounded belly, anticipation building within. I yearned to see the wild siroccos in their native valley, though I wasn’t sure why.
After hiking down a winding trail, I reached the valley floor. In the silvery darkness, I spotted the siroccos - two dozen or more - their sleek forms faintly outlined as they grazed. My heart quickened. I inched closer, compelled by an instinct I didn’t understand.
Suddenly, the herd’s heads lifted in unison, their eyes flashing as they sensed my presence. I froze. The lead stallion released a fierce whinny, pawing the earth in warning. I knew they could trample me without hesitation.
Yet as we stared at one another, I felt oddly calm. I reached out slowly, opening my mind. To my shock, I connected to the stallion’s consciousness. I could sense his curiosity, pride, and wariness as he evaluated me. Our psychic link grew stronger by the second. I projected reassurance and friendship into his thoughts.
Miraculously, the stallion quieted. He took a step towards me, then another, his dark eyes locked with mine. The mares and foals followed his lead, their collective energy resonating through our psychic bond. I trembled, awestruck by this mystical communion occurring between us.
With infinite care, I lifted a hand and placed it on the stallion’s muscular neck. He remained still, fully accepting my touch. I stroked his sleek coat, marveling at its texture. My connection to the entire herd deepened further, until I could perceive each sirocco’s unique spirit.
Some primal intuition guided me as I walked among the herd, communing wordlessly with these wild creatures. As if recognizing that kinship, the mares and foals nuzzled against me gently. Their acceptance filled me with joy.
I sensed the siroccos’ collective consciousness held ancestral memories stretching back through the mists of time. As I opened my mind to their psychic wisdom, visions flashed...Surlon’s twin suns blazing above barren canyons...verdant forests and grassy plains...sirocco herds thundering across the land...the Surlon people hunting and gathering beneath the stars...
The onrush of images left me breathless. I saw how the Surlons and siroccos evolved together on this rugged planet, both intelligent species influencing the other’s destiny. This profound history resonated within my adopted home.
As my hand rested on my belly, our unborn daughter’s consciousness touched mine, her presence new yet familiar. I perceived her lifeforce - innocent, curious and untamed as the siroccos surrounding me. Through the psychic link, the foals seemed to recognize the baby’s kindred spirit. I wept at the beauty of it.
I wasn’t sure if the psychic force would fade when I gave birth because it became obvious to me that the power came from my unborn daughter. But at the moment, I just enjoyed my connection with the land and animals of my new home.
The siroccos watched me with dark, knowing eyes as I stepped back. Their energy still resonated within me, linking us all together in spirit. Turning, I saw Kian standing at the valley’s edge, his face pale with shock. He must have followed me here.
“Kate?” he whispered. “How did you...?”
