Jace Strickland POV

  After Thriexa showed me the painting of her true form, I returned to my quarters, my mind still processing everything I had learned. The weight of the evening settled into my bones as I lay down, exhaustion creeping in despite the thoughts swirling in my head. Sleep came eventually, but it did not bring peace.

  The dream began subtly, shifting between blurred images and distant sounds. Then, suddenly, I was somewhere else—somewhere I had never been before.

  I found myself deep within a dense, endless forest, its towering trees stretching high into a golden-tinged sky. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming flora, and the sounds of unseen creatures echoed between the trunks. The terrain pulsed with life, shifting as though the forest itself was aware.

  A figure moved through the undergrowth with effortless grace—a feline-like creature with sleek, violet fur that rippled with hidden strength. I recognized her instantly. Thriexa. Not as she was now, but as she had once been. The same poised presence, the same piercing intelligence behind her eyes.

  She wasn’t alone. Beside her, Xilta walked in the same form, their movements synchronized as they traversed the terrain. I watched them from a distance, unseen, as they moved through a settlement that had grown seamlessly into the forest. The structures were not built, but shaped—massive roots intertwined to form dwellings, glowing blossoms providing soft illumination.

  Then, voices. A gathering of Eova, looking to Thriexa and Xilta for guidance. Thriexa stepped forward, her feline form poised but commanding, her voice resonating in a language I somehow understood. This was leadership, but not the kind bound by politics or tradition—this was survival. She was more than just a diplomat here. She was a protector, a guide, someone her people trusted with their future.

  I watched in awe as she and Xilta moved among them, offering reassurance, planning their next steps. This was not just a world they had visited—this was a world they had called home.

  Before I could process it further, the forest around me began to blur, and I felt myself being pulled away. The Jaret Eova’s presence flickered at the edges of my consciousness, and I heard a voice—not aloud, but in my thoughts.

  “Do you see her now?”

  The words echoed through me as the world around me shattered, and I jolted awake, breathless, my mind still tangled in the vision.

  It wasn’t just a dream.

  It was a memory.

  The morning air was crisp as I sat on the balcony overlooking the settlement, the distant waves crashing against the shore in a rhythmic lull. My mind was still tangled in the remnants of the dream—no, the memory—I had witnessed the night before.

  I could still see Thriexa, her feline-like form moving through the forest, her mother by her side. The way she led her people, the way they trusted her without hesitation—it wasn’t just a role she played; it was who she was. And now, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had glimpsed something I wasn’t meant to see.

  Henry sat beside me, both of us nursing cups of the Eova equivalent of coffee. It had a slightly floral taste, but it was strong enough to do the job.

  For a while, neither of us spoke. It wasn’t the kind of silence that begged to be filled—it was the kind that settled naturally between two people who understood the weight of what was happening.

  “What’s on your mind?” I finally asked, breaking the quiet.

  Henry glanced at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Everything. This place, these people… it’s all so much to take in.”

  I nodded, leaning back in my chair. “It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? I keep thinking about how different they are from us, and yet, there’s something… familiar about them.”

  “Exactly,” Henry said, his tone animated now. “Their technology, their abilities, their way of life—it’s all so advanced. But at their core, they’re just like us. They want safety, connection, a place to call home.”

  I smiled faintly. “It’s strange to think that we were sent here to interrogate them, and now we’re helping them prepare to meet our President.”

  Henry chuckled, shaking his head. “Never thought I’d be playing diplomat for an alien race. But honestly, I think we’re lucky to be here. We’re witnessing something historic.”

  I hesitated before speaking, my voice quieter. “Do you think they can trust us? Humanity, I mean. Do you think we’re ready for this?”

  Henry’s expression grew serious, and he took a moment to consider his answer. “I think trust is going to take time. There will be people who fear them, who see them as a threat just because they’re different. But there will also be those who see the potential for something incredible. It’s our job to help the latter outweigh the former.”

  “And what about you?” I asked. “Do you trust them?”

  He met my gaze, his eyes steady. “I do. They’ve been nothing but honest and open with us. If they wanted to harm us, they’ve had plenty of opportunities. But instead, they’re working tirelessly to build a bridge between our worlds. That says a lot about who they are.”

  I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. “I trust them too. And I think they trust us, or at least, they’re trying to.”

  Henry’s smile returned, softer this time. “Then we’re off to a good start.”

  I turned my gaze to the settlement below, watching as the Eova moved through their morning routines. For all the uncertainty ahead, there was also hope—hope that this was the beginning of something extraordinary.

  After a long pause, I stood, stretching slightly. “I’m going for a run along the beach. I need to think.”

  Henry nodded knowingly. “Don’t think too hard. You’ll ruin the view.”

  I smirked, shaking my head as I stepped away. The waves were calling, and I needed the space to clear my mind before the day ahead.

  Thriexa Aizih POV

  The morning light filtered softly through my window as I stirred awake, my mind already buzzing with the weight of the day ahead. Before I even sat up, a familiar voice echoed in my thoughts.

  Thriexa, Trenal’s voice came through our telepathic connection, steady and composed. A meeting with the President has been scheduled for this afternoon.

  I closed my eyes for a brief moment, letting the words settle. It was happening sooner than I expected, but there was no time for hesitation.

  Understood, I replied. Arrange a transport and gather those who will attend. I want Vorak Sculki, Vorak Algoks, Tophae, Tocci, and Siona with me for this meeting. We must present a united front.

  It will be done, Trenal assured me. And the humans?

  I will find them and ensure they are prepared.

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  With that, Trenal’s presence faded from my mind, and I pushed myself up from my bed. I had much to do before the meeting.

  After dressing, I stepped out of my quarters and made my way through the halls, searching for Henry first. It did not take long to find him—he was standing near the central corridor, watching the early morning bustle of Eova moving through the settlement.

  “Henry,” I greeted, drawing his attention.

  He turned, offering a nod. “Morning. Something tells me you’re looking for us.”

  “Yes,” I confirmed. “The meeting has been set. This afternoon, we will speak with your President. We leave soon. Where is Jace?”

  Henry gestured toward the shoreline. “He said he was going for a run along the ocean. Said he needed some air.”

  I exhaled slowly and nodded. “Thank you. I will find him.”

  Without another word, I turned toward the beach, the sound of distant waves pulling me forward. The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, casting soft golden hues across the water. The tide moved in a steady rhythm, lapping gently against the shore. Sand clung stubbornly to my heels with every step, making me regret my choice of footwear.

  “Heels and a sandy beach? Bold choice,” came a familiar voice from behind me.

  I turned, slightly startled, to find Jace standing a few feet away, shirtless and slightly out of breath. His toned physique caught the morning light, accentuating the definition of his muscles. A warmth rose to my cheeks before I quickly averted my gaze. I was used to seeing the Eova in minimal clothing—many of our nations traditionally wore little—but something about seeing Jace like this felt different. More intimate.

  “Did I just surprise the princess who can read intentions? I imagine you don’t get surprised often,” he teased, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

  I regained my composure, lifting my chin slightly. “Congratulations, you managed to achieve something that even the Divine Protector of the Seas of Vorthis couldn’t do.”

  He laughed, the sound light and genuine. “Who—Never mind. I’ll take that as a win. What brings you out here, Thriexa?”

  I inhaled the salty breeze, momentarily savoring the crisp morning air before responding. “Your President has agreed to meet with us this afternoon. We leave soon.”

  Jace’s expression shifted, his amusement giving way to something more serious. “A meeting with the President? That’s… big. What do you need from me?”

  I studied his face, noting the way his usual confidence was edged with a trace of anticipation. “We need to ensure everything goes smoothly. This is our chance to prove we are here in peace.”

  He nodded, his gaze unwavering. “I’ll be ready.”

  Jace hesitated for a moment before exhaling and deciding to tell me something. “Last night, I had a dream. But it wasn’t just a dream, was it?”

  Jace’s words caught me off guard. I turned to him, studying his expression carefully. “Tell me what you saw.”

  He ran a hand through his hair, clearly still unsettled. “It was a forest, but not like anything on Earth. The trees stretched high, glowing in the light, and the settlement—it was alive, part of the landscape itself. And you… you were different. You moved like something built for that world.”

  Recognition dawned immediately. Xelara. The world that had been my previous home.

  “Xelara,” I said softly. “That was my form on Xelara.”

  He swallowed, nodding. “Then I saw your mother. You were leading your people. It felt… real. Like I was standing there watching something that actually happened.”

  I felt my brows furrow slightly. “The Jaret have reached out to you already? That is unexpected. They are slow to warm up to other species.”

  His skepticism was apparent. “So this was their doing?”

  I nodded, exhaling slowly. “The Jaret thrive in the dreamscape. They often share memories or give us dreams to help us, although sometimes their visions make no sense until much later. If they have shown you something of my past, it means they believe you should see it.”

  Jace exhaled, still processing. “Great. Now I have aliens invading my dreams.”

  A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. “You will get used to it. Or, at the very least, learn to appreciate the insight they offer.”

  Jace was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon. I could feel his thoughts turning, lingering on what I had told him about the Jaret and their dream-weaving. He was trying to make sense of it all, trying to fit this new reality into the framework of the world he had always known.

  Then, just as I thought he might ask me another question, his expression shifted. The tension melted away, replaced by something lighter, something almost playful.

  Before I could react, Jace closed the distance between us in a few quick strides. Without warning, he scooped me up effortlessly into his arms.

  I gasped, my hands instinctively gripping his shoulders. “Jace! What are you—?”

  “Helping a princess with improper footwear,” he said with an infuriating grin. “You really thought I was going to let you suffer through walking in heels on the sand?”

  I huffed, attempting to maintain my composure, but the unexpected warmth of his skin against mine sent an unfamiliar flutter through me. “This is completely unnecessary. I can walk just fine.”

  “Uh-huh,” he said, unconvinced. “And yet, I seem to recall you regretting your choice of footwear just moments ago.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him, but the amusement in his gaze was infectious. “I do not need your assistance.”

  “Too bad, because you’re getting it anyway,” he quipped, carrying me effortlessly toward the settlement.

  Despite myself, I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “You are insufferable.”

  “And yet, here we are,” he shot back, his smirk widening.

  For the first time that morning, the weight of the meeting faded slightly, replaced by something lighter, something unexpected. And I found that, just for a moment, I didn’t mind.

  The journey to Washington, D.C., was unlike anything I had experienced before. The transport hummed steadily beneath us, carrying the delegation of Eova and the two human agents toward one of the most significant meetings in history. The weight of what lay ahead settled over us in silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts.

  Vorak Algoks and Vorak Sculki sat across from me, their expressions unreadable but their presence unwavering. Tophae was already analyzing everything he could about human infrastructure from the data available, while Tocci and Siona conversed in hushed tones, preparing for any social missteps we might encounter. Henry and Jace remained close, their roles shifting from investigators to something else—something that felt more like allies.

  When we arrived, the air in the capital was thick with tension. Though our transport was discreet, I could sense the undercurrent of unease from those who had been made aware of our presence. It did not matter. We had come for a purpose.

  And then I saw her.

  Xilta stood waiting for us at the secured location arranged for our delegation, her posture regal as ever. Her sharp violet eyes locked onto mine the moment I stepped forward, and I felt a quiet wave of emotion settle over me.

  “Thriexa,” she said, her voice as steady as I remembered. “You have done well.”

  I inclined my head respectfully. “Everything is in place. We are ready.”

  She studied me for a moment before nodding. “Then you will take the lead in this meeting. The humans must see the future of our people through you.”

  The weight of her words settled deep within me, pressing against my chest like a force I could not escape. This was more than diplomacy—it was the culmination of generations of survival, of wandering, of hoping that one day we would find a place to call home. I had trained my entire life for moments like this, but the reality of it was heavier than I had imagined. The eyes of my people, the expectations of my mother, the scrutiny of humanity itself—all of it rested upon me. I was not just representing the Eova; I was the Eova in this moment. This was history unfolding in real-time, and I was at its center, whether I was ready or not.

  I straightened my posture, meeting her gaze with unwavering resolve. “I will not fail, Aizih.”

  Xilta’s expression softened, just slightly. “I know you won’t.”

  We moved as a unit, our delegation walking in measured strides through the secured corridors of the White House. The weight of human scrutiny pressed down on us from every angle—armed guards stood at their posts, their eyes tracking our every movement. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, but we did not falter. I led the way, each step deliberate, each breath steady.

  Jace and Henry walked just ahead, their familiarity with this world acting as a bridge between us and the ones we had come to meet. Vorak Algoks and Vorak Sculki flanked my side, their presence like an unshakable pillar of strength. Tocci and Siona followed, their expressions composed, though I could feel the quiet undercurrent of their emotions. Tophae, ever the observer, absorbed every detail around him, no doubt already considering how human technology could be improved.

  At my other side, my mother, Xilta, walked with quiet dignity, her gaze steady and unreadable. Her presence was both reassuring and weighty, a reminder of the responsibility I carried. Though she had entrusted me with leading this meeting, her support remained unwavering. This was not just about me or the delegation—it was about all of us, and she would ensure that I never carried this alone.

  The large double doors before us loomed high, a barrier to what would be the most important negotiation of my existence. As they swung open, revealing the grand meeting room beyond, my breath caught just slightly in my throat.

  Seated at the far end of the room, waiting for us with a composed but unreadable expression, was the President of the United States.

  The weight of history settled onto my shoulders.

  The room was lined with advisors, their gazes sharp and calculating. Behind the President stood more guards, their hands resting near their weapons—not in immediate aggression, but in cautious readiness. This was not just a meeting; it was a test. A moment that would shape the future of the Eova on Earth.

  As we approached the long table at the center of the room, the President stood. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, everything else fell away.

  “Aizih Thriexa,” he greeted, his voice measured but firm. “Welcome.”