ROTU: Chapter Fifty-Eight

Jalena joined Shamira at a window in one of Aeolus's large ships as the fleet reentered the Vejar Star System.

I can't even breathe when I think of seeing Anon again,Shamira said. There was a time when I believed I never would. It is as if your heart hopes for something that might break it in two in the same instant.

I know, Jalena said as she hugged Shamira from behind. She placed a chin on her shoulder. It was the same when I was waiting for Gyan to return fully. Then in the moment that it finally occurs, your heart seals back together all at once.

The two stood together as they watched their small planet come into view.

"Welcome home," said Kesól as he and Gyan joined the two. "We have not reported to headquarters that Gyan is alive and well, but from what they told us, Gyan's family will be waiting to greet you and Shamira."

Now, I'm getting nervous, Gyan said.

Jalena smiled. Your nán—

She may kill me.

Jalena chuckled lightly and laced her arm through his.

Everything felt as if it moved in slow motion the minute Fane's new Xita-9 touched down on the grounds near the Temple of Kya. Jalena and Shamira flew in separate directions as Jalena bolted straight into her father's outstretched arms once the ramp to the ship lowered and Shamira rushed to Anon.

Syam cradled Jalena's face and let his tears stream as she held his fierce gaze.

Eamonn and Sahdika took turns hugging Jalena as Syam reluctantly gave up his embrace on her. Miliani, Haji, and Lesiana joined in on the hugs as Sheldrían played nearby in the grass.

Jalena quickly wiped her eyes then grabbed Eamonn's hand and Sahdika's wrist to turn them to face the ship once more.

"What is it, dear?" Sahdika asked Jalena. She followed Jalena's stare.

Eamonn tightened his grip on Jalena's hand as Gyan appeared in the doorway of the ship.

"Hey, nán…dán," Gyan said softly as he walked slowly down the ramp.

The entire party went silent.

Sahdika shook her head and swallowed hard in disbelief as emotion rose within her. Her chest heaved as Gyan came closer. She rested a shaky hand on his face, her eyes widening as she saw the change in his eyes. "I can't believe it," she whispered. "I can't believe it is you."

"Believe it," he said quietly as his tears fell. He took a deep breath, and his voice cracked. "I didn't mean to hurt you, nán...dán."

Sahdika's face twisted as Gyan bent to wrap his arms around her. He held her in one arm as he reached out with his other to embrace his father, who was watching him with a widened, teary gaze. Eamonn's large arms embraced the two of them together as they had so many times before.

"Mili," Gyan said as his sister watched silently nearby with tears streaming down her face. He chuckled as he rested a hand on her protruding pregnant belly after she slowly walked to him. His breath caught as he released his parents and grabbed her into a tight hug. "I'm sorry," he whispered as she sobbed silently against him. "It was the only way."

"Hey, Gyan," Lesiana whispered as she and Haji approached, their tears joining the rest of the party.

Gyan took a deep breath and looked up with a bloodshot gaze. "Lesi," he whispered. He chuckled through his tears. "I wish I had more hands." He gathered all his family to him at once as best he could, holding Jalena's tearful gaze over the top of his mother's shoulder.