Remorse

You bring the news to the captain, and he agrees that setting a course for the rebel base is the best plan. You tell him to have the other prisoners interviewed when they awaken, and given the same treatment as Malar. Afterwards, you return to your cabin and slump down on your bed, head in hands. Immediately, Ferra is beside you.

“What is wrong? What’s bothering you?”

You sigh. “Ferra…we did something bad today. Those people we killed, they were simply desperate, starving people who had been victimized by tyrants.”

Ferra nods. “They were. But do you think they would have let us live if we had simply thrown down our weapons? We had no way of knowing.”

Alex sits beside you on the other side, resting a hand on your leg. “She is right, my bondmate. You heard the man, they were desperate, and believed you to be an enemy. Do not dwell on this.”

You shake your head. “Today was the first time I’ve taken a life. Until I killed that man, this was all just a grand adventure.”

Ferra nods. “I understand. But Kali told me something. An adventure isn’t riding around, having fun and games. An adventure is mud, and blood, and fear. An adventure is something you do when you have no other choice. And today, you had an adventure.”

Alex gives your thigh a squeeze. “You had to do what you did. The regret just means that you’re a good person. The day you kill without remorse is the day your soul died.”

You look back and forth between the two redheads, their glowing eyes fixed on you. With a chuckle, you smile. “How are you two so wise?”

Alex shrugs. “I spent a long time trapped in an engine, being used as fuel. I had a lot of time to think.

Ferra gives you her small smile. “And I was taught by goddesses. And I serve you…my love.”

Alex nods. “And now, so do I.”

You put your arms around both girls, pulling them into a hug. Ferra snuggles against you, while Alex giggles. After a moment, the efreet whispers in your ear. “You know, we never got to celebrate our bond…”

She glances at Ferra. “Would you mind if I had him? I want to show him my…gratitude.”

Ferra nods. “I will stay out of the way.”

Alex giggles again, locking eyes with you.