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“I can’t believe how much I’ve learned,” she said. “Thank you, Hayze. This is incredible.”
I smiled. “You’re welcome,” I said. “I’m glad I could help.”
We packed up our things and headed back to Arlet’s cabin. As we walked, I thought about how much Arlet had changed in such a short time. She was no longer the timid and insecure woman who had arrived in the Pacific Northwest a few weeks ago. She was now a confident and capable warrior, ready to fight for what she believed in.
I was proud of her, and I knew she was going to make a difference in the world.
“Stay for dinner? I know you need to patrol the area, but even a Talos needs to eat.” She smiled and grabbed my hand, tugging me inside.
“I can’t argue with that. We need food too.” Laughter filled the cabin as Arlet set about making dinner for us.
Within half an hour, a simple meal of pasta and vegetables. We ate at the small table, and I told her about my life as a Talos monster.
“I grew up on Thion J5, a planet with a harsh landscape and unforgiving weather. The people there are resilient, but life is hard. When war broke out, it forced to flee my home and seek refuge on Earth. Those who didn’t understand me imprisoned me, and it was only through the help of David Maddison that I could escape.”
I paused, my voice wavering with emotion. “David spent years trying to convince the higher-ups to move me to a habitable planet, but there aren’t any we know of.”
Arlet’s eyes filled with compassion as she listened to me. When I finished, she reached out and took my hand.
“Thank you for telling me your story,” she said. “It’s so sad, but it’s also inspiring. You’ve overcome so much in your life, and you’re still fighting for what you believe in. I admire that.”
I smiled. “Thank you,” I said. “It means a lot to me to hear that.”
We finished our meal, and then we sat by the fire, talking and laughing. A sense of peace and contentment that I had never known before blossomed. I was finally feeling like I belonged somewhere.
As the fire crackled and the shadows danced on the walls, I looked at Arlet and smiled. I knew I would do anything to protect her and to help her achieve her goals.
We were a team now, and we were unstoppable.
Later that night, I lay in bed thinking about Arlet. I could still feel the warmth of her hand in mine. I closed my eyes and imagined her lying next to me, her body warm and soft.
I let out a sigh and turned over, trying to sleep. But I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I wanted to be with her, to hold her in my arms.
I got out of bed and went to the window. I looked out at the dark forest, and I thought about how Arlet was out there somewhere, fighting for what she believed in.
I knew I had to be strong for her. I had to be there for her, no matter what.
I closed my eyes and concentrated, reaching out with my senses. Arlet’s energy flowed through her, strong and vibrant. She was safe, and she was waiting for me.
I smiled and opened my eyes. Everything was going to be okay.
I turned away from the window and went back to bed. I closed my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep, knowing that Arlet was out there somewhere, fighting for what she believed in.
And I was with her, every step of the way.
CHAPTER 14
Arlet
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as I stepped onto the small raised platform at the front of the town hall. A sea of faces, some hopeful, others etched with skepticism, turned toward me. Hayze’s reassuring presence at the back of the room anchored me.
“Good evening,” I began, my voice steady despite the tremor of nerves. “I’m here because I believe in this community—our forests, our wildlife, our health. We’ve uncovered evidence that directly implicates West Corp in illegal logging and water contamination.” Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
A man in a sharp suit stood up from his seat, his slicked-back hair and corporate badge catching the light. “Miss Rune, with all due respect,” he interjected smoothly, “West Corp has always complied with environmental regulations.”
I met his gaze, unwavering. “Compliance doesn’t involve dumping toxins into our river.” I clicked a button and a seriesof photos flashed on the screen behind me—barrels with West Corp’s logo seeping dark liquid into a stream.
“This is an outrage!” a woman in the front row shouted, her face flushed with anger. Others nodded in agreement.
