REVOLUTION: A Rebel Among Monsters ✔

Forty••Bonding Time?

Valnia's mind was a blur of roaring recruits, glittering crystals, cheering Attendants, and smiling Monsters. And as she listened to the Eldians inform them they planned to forgive the hybrids and immerse them into the community, she smiled too. She acknowledged their decision to pardon the rebels, after they'd served a prison sentence and reeducated themselves in the ways of the world. They also decreed Melaynia wouldn't be imprisoned, but she would have to find some way to make up for her betrayals.

Once all soldiers returned to the Lair, Valnia spotted recruits she'd lost years ago. Ones she'd thought dead, but who had, in truth, become rebels. A part of her wanted to embrace them, cry tears of joy at their return; but still, guilt and anger boiled in her gut, so she merely waved and welcomed them home.

The Impians were locked up. The Eldians advised they needed their strength to restore the planet, but until then, the culprits would remain behind magical bars.

"As for the lot of you," said one of the Monsters, hands joined with its siblings, "rest. You deserve it. We've turned on a planet-wide signal for all inhabitants to join us, and the Ceremonial Center will be transformed to accommodate everyone. They should arrive within a day or two, so in the meantime... relax."

Valnia tugged her sister close. "Come. Let's hang out in my room, yeah?"

Melaynia agreed, and Wylan waved them off, promising to join them later.

The sisters prowled through the animated audience, in a hurry to isolate themselves. They navigated down the crowded corridors, and Valnia kicked her door open and exhaled once she closed it behind them.

Melaynia stopped in the middle, glancing at papers glued to the walls and notes pinned by the desk. "Sometimes... I forget how important you were here," she said, back turned so that Valnia couldn't see her expression. "And how long you've been down here, alive, while we... mourned you." She hurdled to the bed and dropped with a heavy sigh. Purple bags loitered beneath her bloodshot eyes.

Valnia frowned. "I'm sorry for what you and Mom and Dad had to go through. You know if I was able to warn you... I would have."

"I know. I get it now, I do." Melaynia scooched over to give Valnia room. "Before... I was an idiot. But I understand. You can't go around disobeying rules all the time... it'll get you in trouble." She winked and leaned into the cushions.

Valnia plopped beside her. "Do you think Mom and Dad will understand too? Because... they'll be here soon. Here. And... I haven't seen them in twelve years. What... do you think they'll say?" She fidgeted to get comfortable, her fingers fumbling with loose threads in her pillow.

Melaynia pondered her answer for a moment. "Well... they'll be relieved we're alive. Proud of our contribution. That we helped save the world. And... they'll cook up a massive dinner with all their usual weird ingredients, to spoil us." She chuckled. "Then they'll retire because they're tired and leave the farming business to you and Wylan. So you can... start a family of your own."

Valnia bit her lip; did her sister have any clue that wasn't what she wanted? "Mel, I—"

"—yeah, I know, you don't want it." Melaynia patted her hand, and Valnia stilled. "Your journal. I read it. You... wanted to run away. But... I heard you and Wylan earlier. You guys will drink the Impian blood, right? You should. Things are different, now. You may be eighteen in appearance, but... you're like, thirty now. You're old."

Valnia tapped her shoulder, but smirked.

She's right. We... do want children of our own.