Lirien's POV
Only five days.
The thought kept repeating in my head as I sat on Vael's bed, staring out at the stars through the big window. Five more days and the Stellar Dominion would reach Earth.
My heart felt two different things at the same time, super excited and really scared.
I was excited because I wouldn't have to hide in this room or pretend to be a maintenance worker anymore. I could finally breathe fresh air that wasn't recycled. I could walk freely without looking over my shoulder every second.
But I was also scared.
Where would I go once we landed? I had no money, no real ID, and no place to stay. I didn't want to become a burden to Vael. He had already risked so much for me. I couldn't ask him for even more.
The door opened and Vael walked in. He looked tired from his long shift on the bridge, but his face softened the moment he saw me.
"Hey," he said gently, closing the door behind him. "You've been quiet lately."
