Two Hunters, from different worlds.

EPILOGUE

While Vor and I were taking our time with the day, as usual on his home planet, many hunters suddenly began to gather at the landing zone of the spaceships so we went too.

We have been here for months now, and we've already returned to Earth once. I wanted to tidy up my old apartment, removing the scattered clues and newspaper clippings. I also needed a change of clothes-and, of course, my favorite alcohol.

The city, no longer under Revon's control, is slowly recovering. It was clear that scoundrel had climbed high enough to hold positions of great influence. We always knew that people here were suffering, trapped in a slow decay. But now, with a new governor and a competent police chief, they have a chance at a better life-more opportunities, greater security.

I sipped my coffee on the balcony of my now-abandoned apartment, watching the city slowly regain its colors and the vibrant sounds of the night.

When Vor returned, we stood side by side, silent, taking in the view. The skyline, once shrouded in fear, now seemed brighter.

Before leaving, I called Race to check in on him. His words filled my heart with joy-he's climbing the ranks in the police force, and Roy is steadily rebuilding his life. To top it all off, they've become good friends.

As I stood at the entrance of the spaceship, I said my silent goodbyes to the life I once knew. I was ready to return to what I now call home-our temporary home. My real family still waits for me on Earth, but for now, I want Vor and his clan to grow accustomed to my presence.

Fortunately, the old king of this clan has long since passed, and in his place, leadership has fallen to a venerable Yautja huntress. Strangely enough, Vor's father seems to get along well with her. There's an understanding between them that I find oddly reassuring.

As for the rest of the clan-well, to my surprise, there are no looks of disdain, no whispers of disgust. Instead, I am met with curiosity, and perhaps even a measure of respect. I never expected this.

---

One day, as Vor and I moved through our usual routines on his home planet, a sudden commotion caught our attention. Hunters were gathering at the spaceship landing zone, their murmurs filled with anticipation.

The ship that arrived was unlike the others-larger, better equipped. Whoever commanded it was no ordinary hunter. An elite, perhaps. Maybe someone even higher in rank.

As the hatch opened, my breath caught in my throat.

Standing beside a towering Yautja with deep, dark skin was Argentea.

For a moment, I couldn't believe my eyes. She was here. She was alive.

Her long, wavy platinum hair shimmered under the artificial lights, and her regal attire only emphasized her presence. But what struck me the most was the look in her eyes-calm, radiant, and in love.

The crowd erupted into roars of praise, celebrating the return of victorious hunters. Yet I stood frozen, watching her, unable to move.

Then, as if waking from a trance, I pushed forward through the gathered warriors, shoving past bodies until finally, she saw me.

Our eyes met.

And then I ran.

"ARGENTEA!"

I barely managed to shout her name before throwing myself at her, wrapping her in the tightest embrace, tears spilling freely.

"You're finally here, Reya!" she cried, her voice trembling. We held each other as if afraid to let go, laughter and tears mixing as our foreheads pressed together.

In that moment, the world around us faded.

"We have so much to talk about, my dear," she murmured gently, wiping my tears away.

"I'm sorry," I choked out. "I never saved you. I never even looked for you-"

"There is nothing to apologize for," she interrupted firmly. "The past remains in our memories, but now we have another chance. No one can take this from us."

Her voice carried the warmth of a mother soothing her child, and I let myself sink into that comfort.

Then, in a playful whisper, I asked, "So... is he the one?"

A small smile played on her lips. "Yes. His name is Arok. He is my mate, for life."

We shared a knowing look, and for the first time in a long while, everything felt right.

---

Somewhere in space...

"Do not fear the hunt. Do not fear death. The strongest will survive. The weakest will fall to our eternal prey-the Kiande Amedha."

The towering figure stood before his gathered warriors, eyes gleaming with pride. From his throne, he looked upon them with a steady gaze and spoke again:

"You may be young, but your moment of glory has come. If you wish to be marked, to be deemed worthy, you must face your first hunt. Slay the prey. Take your trophy. Honor the fallen."

A wave of anticipation surged through the warriors, their roars echoing through the halls as they prepared for the sacred rite of passage.

The hunt was about to begin.