She Asked If I’d 'Warm Her Up'—Now I’m Locked in an Alien Temple With a Bonding Ceremony Starting!
FutureXplorer
[{'start': '0.240', 'end': '5.920', 'text': 'Dusk settled over the high desert plain,\xa0\nthe last beams of a crimson sun flaring'}, {'start': '5.920', 'end': '12.720', 'text': 'across the horizon like embers from a dying\xa0\nfire. Axel Johansen—fifty-six years old,'}, {'start': '12.720', 'end': '18.320', 'text': 'lean from years of rugged living, and newly\xa0\nretired from the Frontier Transport Corps—shifted'}, {'start': '18.320', 'end': '22.880', 'text': 'his weight against his battered rucksack. He’d\xa0\ncome out here to the planet Rhessos on the'}, {'start': '22.880', 'end': '28.960', 'text': 'recommendation of an old friend who’d sworn these\xa0\nruins would “shatter your idea of what’s possible,'}, {'start': '28.960', 'end': '34.160', 'text': 'buddy.” Axel wasn’t sure how literal that\xa0\nfriend had intended. The wind picked up,'}, {'start': '34.160', 'end': '40.480', 'text': 'sending a swirl of fine silver-gray sand around\xa0\nhis boots. In the distance, shaped by the fading'}, {'start': '40.480', 'end': '46.080', 'text': 'light, the silhouettes of carved stone columns\xa0\nrose from the ground like a broken ribcage.'}, {'start': '46.080', 'end': '52.640', 'text': 'He’d expected a lonely trek, maybe a few photos\xa0\nof ancient temple inscriptions—something to keep'}, {'start': '52.640', 'end': '57.040', 'text': 'his mind off the slight limp in his right\xa0\nknee and the gnawing sense of aimlessness'}, {'start': '57.040', 'end': '62.880', 'text': 'since mustering out of the Corps. But, as the\xa0\nsun set entirely and the stars brightened in'}, {'start': '62.880', 'end': '68.080', 'text': 'the wide Rhessos sky, he realized these\xa0\nruins had a different plan for him. There'}, {'start': '68.080', 'end': '74.560', 'text': 'was a faint glow inside the temple ahead, and\xa0\na strange hush in the air that felt… inviting.'}, {'start': '74.560', 'end': '80.080', 'text': '“All right, old man,” Axel murmured, rubbing\xa0\nhis chin stubble. “Time to see if you can still'}, {'start': '80.080', 'end': '85.760', 'text': 'handle a little surprise.” He’d grown used to\xa0\nsurprising missions in his heyday—escorting'}, {'start': '85.760', 'end': '90.800', 'text': 'supply ships through uncharted wormholes,\xa0\nparlaying with suspicious colonists on'}, {'start': '90.800', 'end': '96.800', 'text': 'frontier worlds. But he had to admit, he had a\xa0\nspecial knack for stumbling onto the unexpected.'}, {'start': '96.800', 'end': '101.680', 'text': 'He stepped into what he guessed was the front\xa0\nantechamber, a tall corridor lined with stone'}, {'start': '101.680', 'end': '106.960', 'text': 'reliefs of slender, graceful figures. The\xa0\nair carried a faint tang that reminded'}, {'start': '106.960', 'end': '113.680', 'text': 'him of fresh cedar. Candles? Or maybe some\xa0\nalien equivalent. He couldn’t be sure in the'}, {'start': '113.680', 'end': '119.200', 'text': 'gloom. He flicked on his wrist lamp, caught the\xa0\nreflection of carved glyphs across the walls,'}, {'start': '119.200', 'end': '122.800', 'text': 'and noticed how they seemed to pulse\xa0\nwith a pale violet light of their own.'}, {'start': '122.800', 'end': '128.800', 'text': 'Just as he was about to approach those glyphs,\xa0\nfootsteps echoed behind him. Light footsteps,'}, {'start': '128.800', 'end': '134.960', 'text': 'quick, as though someone slender and agile\xa0\nwas bounding along. He froze. This place was'}, {'start': '134.960', 'end': '140.880', 'text': 'supposed to be deserted, or so said the tourist\xa0\npamphlet (which was clearly outdated). He turned'}, {'start': '140.880', 'end': '147.600', 'text': 'around, heart suddenly drumming in his chest,\xa0\nadrenaline washing away that stiff-knee feeling.'}, {'start': '147.600', 'end': '153.520', 'text': 'She arrived at a run—a woman whose skin caught\xa0\nthe starlight with a luminescent sheen. Tall,'}, {'start': '153.520', 'end': '158.080', 'text': 'though a few inches shorter than Axel,\xa0\nelegantly built. Her hair had the color'}, {'start': '158.080', 'end': '163.760', 'text': 'of polished obsidian with streaks of\xa0\nopal shimmering when she moved. She wore'}, {'start': '163.760', 'end': '168.960', 'text': 'something resembling a woven cloak that draped\xa0\naround her shoulders and cinched at her waist,'}, {'start': '168.960', 'end': '173.040', 'text': 'revealing arms marked with swirling\xa0\npatterns that might have been tattoos,'}, {'start': '173.040', 'end': '177.520', 'text': 'or maybe they were natural designs in\xa0\nher skin. She glanced over her shoulder,'}, {'start': '177.520', 'end': '183.600', 'text': 'then spotted Axel. Something in her golden\xa0\neyes flickered between relief and alarm.'}, {'start': '183.600', 'end': '190.240', 'text': '“Oh, thank— you’re here,” she said,\xa0\nbreathless. Her accent was melodious,'}, {'start': '190.240', 'end': '194.160', 'text': 'each word shaped as if English was\xa0\na second language she’d studied'}, {'start': '194.160', 'end': '198.880', 'text': 'for years but still pronounced with\xa0\ndelicate care. “You… can help me.”'}, {'start': '198.880', 'end': '204.880', 'text': '“Ma’am,” Axel answered, his voice gravelly\xa0\nfrom too many nights in dusty cargo holds'}, {'start': '204.880', 'end': '208.320', 'text': 'and the occasional cheap whiskey, “are you lost?”'}, {'start': '208.320', 'end': '212.000', 'text': 'Before she could respond, she seemed\xa0\nto notice the corridor around them.'}, {'start': '212.000', 'end': '217.360', 'text': 'The glyphs began to glow more intensely.\xa0\nA subtle tension bristled in the air.'}, {'start': '217.360', 'end': '221.920', 'text': 'She inhaled sharply, then stepped\xa0\nforward, drawing close enough for'}, {'start': '221.920', 'end': '228.000', 'text': 'him to notice a faint swirl of purple near her\xa0\ntemples, a sign of mild panic or excitement.'}, {'start': '228.000', 'end': '232.640', 'text': '“You hold warmth inside you—like\xa0\na small star. It’s in your aura,”'}, {'start': '232.640', 'end': '236.160', 'text': 'she whispered. “I can feel it, even from here.”'}, {'start': '236.160', 'end': '242.480', 'text': 'Axel blinked, caught off guard. “I… well, I\xa0\nrun a bit hot, I guess. Was in a war once—spent'}, {'start': '242.480', 'end': '248.400', 'text': 'too many nights sleeping next to engine thrusters.\xa0\nBut… I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”'}, {'start': '248.400', 'end': '253.840', 'text': 'She stared at him, eyes luminous.\xa0\nThen she said, “Will you warm me?”'}, {'start': '253.840', 'end': '254.960', 'text': '“Pardon?”'}, {'start': '254.960', 'end': '259.920', 'text': 'The woman pressed a trembling hand to her\xa0\ncloak, a gesture that revealed the upper'}, {'start': '259.920', 'end': '264.720', 'text': 'lines of her collarbone. She didn’t\xa0\nlook seductive so much as determined,'}, {'start': '264.720', 'end': '271.120', 'text': 'a person carrying a burden who’d run out of other\xa0\noptions. “I need your warmth. My body can’t hold'}, {'start': '271.120', 'end': '278.320', 'text': 'enough heat for the ritual unless someone… someone\xa0\nhelps. I wouldn’t ask you, but I have no choice.”'}, {'start': '278.320', 'end': '282.000', 'text': 'Still confused but concerned\xa0\nfor her obvious distress,'}, {'start': '282.000', 'end': '287.040', 'text': 'Axel gave a slow nod. “Listen,\xa0\nif you’re cold, we can find a—”'}, {'start': '287.040', 'end': '291.120', 'text': '“Yes,” she breathed, stepping\xa0\ncloser. “You’ll do it.”'}, {'start': '291.120', 'end': '294.880', 'text': 'He was about to ask for more details\xa0\nwhen the floor under them rumbled.'}, {'start': '294.880', 'end': '299.680', 'text': 'The glyphs on the walls flared bright.\xa0\nShe grabbed Axel’s arm with surprising'}, {'start': '299.680', 'end': '304.960', 'text': 'strength and pulled him forward. Her skin\xa0\nwas indeed cool to the touch. There was'}, {'start': '304.960', 'end': '309.520', 'text': 'no time to question further, though.\xa0\nShe tugged him into a side passage,'}, {'start': '309.520', 'end': '315.280', 'text': 'past two looming statues whose eyeless faces\xa0\nseemed to stare at them even as they hurried by.'}, {'start': '315.280', 'end': '320.320', 'text': 'They emerged into a circular chamber,\xa0\nringed with towering columns.'}, {'start': '320.320', 'end': '326.240', 'text': 'Candlelight flickered along the edges,\xa0\nthough Axel spotted no actual candles—only'}, {'start': '326.240', 'end': '331.920', 'text': 'small bowls that gave off a gently pulsing\xa0\nglow. The air was thick with sweet incense,'}, {'start': '331.920', 'end': '337.440', 'text': 'heavy enough that he caught the urge to cough,\xa0\nbut stifled it so as not to disturb the hush.'}, {'start': '337.440', 'end': '342.160', 'text': 'She clutched his arm, eyes wide and\xa0\ndesperate. “You said you’d warm me,”'}, {'start': '342.160', 'end': '345.120', 'text': 'she whispered. “Now the ritual has begun.”'}, {'start': '345.120', 'end': '350.960', 'text': 'Behind them, a stone door that had been\xa0\najar hummed, then sealed shut. Axel turned,'}, {'start': '350.960', 'end': '355.920', 'text': 'too late, realizing that it wouldn’t\xa0\nbudge if he tried. He was locked in.'}, {'start': '355.920', 'end': '359.280', 'text': 'He felt his heart pound. “Ritual? Miss, I—”'}, {'start': '359.280', 'end': '364.800', 'text': 'She let out a shaky exhale, pulling him further\xa0\ntoward the center of the chamber. “I’m called'}, {'start': '364.800', 'end': '370.400', 'text': 'Talia,” she said softly. “The blood of\xa0\nthe Sehenri runs in my veins, and so I'}, {'start': '370.400', 'end': '377.120', 'text': 'must complete the rite. But without a partner…\xa0\nor rather, a chosen consort… I cannot proceed.'}, {'start': '377.120', 'end': '383.280', 'text': 'And if the rite is not completed before dawn,\xa0\nthe temple will judge us both as unworthy.”'}, {'start': '383.280', 'end': '388.720', 'text': 'He took a second to parse her words.\xa0\n“Chosen consort… me? Listen, lady,'}, {'start': '388.720', 'end': '394.640', 'text': 'I’m just an old ex-pilot who got curious\xa0\nabout these ruins. I’m no chosen anything.”'}, {'start': '394.640', 'end': '399.600', 'text': 'She gave a small, almost sad smile.\xa0\n“You must be, or the temple would not'}, {'start': '399.600', 'end': '404.880', 'text': 'have brought us together.” A swirl of faint\xa0\npinkish light played across her hairline.'}, {'start': '404.880', 'end': '408.080', 'text': '“Your presence alone triggered the outer wards.”'}, {'start': '408.080', 'end': '412.960', 'text': 'Axel glanced around, noticing the subtle\xa0\nillusions playing in the corners of the'}, {'start': '412.960', 'end': '418.160', 'text': 'chamber—phantom shapes of robed figures\xa0\nchanting or praying, then fading when he'}, {'start': '418.160', 'end': '424.560', 'text': 'looked directly at them. “You sure it’s not just,\xa0\nI don’t know, the tectonic plates shifting?”'}, {'start': '424.560', 'end': '430.000', 'text': 'Talia blinked. “I’m sure.” She reached\xa0\nup to place a hand gently on his chest.'}, {'start': '430.000', 'end': '436.320', 'text': 'She was so close he could see flecks of violet\xa0\nin her golden eyes. “Your warmth… it’s the key'}, {'start': '436.320', 'end': '442.560', 'text': 'to my survival. If I remain un-bonded, my\xa0\nbody can’t sustain the transformation. I’d'}, {'start': '442.560', 'end': '447.760', 'text': 'perish once the sun rises. That’s how\xa0\nthe old Sehenri laws were written.”'}, {'start': '447.760', 'end': '452.960', 'text': 'Something in Axel’s chest tightened at her words.\xa0\nHe remembered that old gut sense from back in the'}, {'start': '452.960', 'end': '459.520', 'text': 'day, when you’d see a comrade pinned under debris\xa0\nand know you had to help—even if it made no sense.'}, {'start': '459.520', 'end': '466.080', 'text': '“Perish? That’s… that’s not on my watch,” he\xa0\nsaid. “But… what exactly are we supposed to do?”'}, {'start': '466.080', 'end': '472.160', 'text': 'Talia gestured toward the center of the chamber.\xa0\nA circle of glyphs shimmered on the floor,'}, {'start': '472.160', 'end': '478.560', 'text': 'each flickering with faint pulses of turquoise,\xa0\nlike a heartbeat. “We must stand together in that'}, {'start': '478.560', 'end': '485.440', 'text': 'circle. The vow I make is an ancient pledge—my\xa0\nlife becomes linked to my partner’s energy.'}, {'start': '485.440', 'end': '490.720', 'text': 'The partner’s job is to channel enough\xa0\nwarmth, enough life force, that I can'}, {'start': '490.720', 'end': '496.400', 'text': 'undergo the metamorphosis. Once complete,\xa0\nthe temple will open the portals again.”'}, {'start': '496.400', 'end': '499.280', 'text': 'Axel’s mind spun. “And if we fail?”'}, {'start': '499.280', 'end': '502.800', 'text': 'Her eyes slid away. “Then\xa0\nthese walls become a tomb.'}, {'start': '502.800', 'end': '506.640', 'text': 'The temple seals from within, and no one emerges.”'}, {'start': '506.640', 'end': '510.320', 'text': 'He tried to swallow the lump in his\xa0\nthroat. A part of him wanted to say,'}, {'start': '510.320', 'end': '516.400', 'text': 'Hell no, I’m not qualified. Another part\xa0\nrecalled that he was, for better or worse,'}, {'start': '516.400', 'end': '520.400', 'text': 'always the guy who volunteered for the\xa0\nimpossible mission, usually on a whim'}, {'start': '520.400', 'end': '527.440', 'text': 'of duty or stubbornness. And the sincerity\xa0\nin her voice—her vulnerability—gripped him.'}, {'start': '527.440', 'end': '531.520', 'text': 'He exhaled slowly. “I said\xa0\nI’d keep you warm, didn’t I?”'}, {'start': '531.520', 'end': '537.440', 'text': 'She nodded, relief flooding her expression.\xa0\nWithout another word, she led him by the hand'}, {'start': '537.440', 'end': '543.040', 'text': 'into the circle. As soon as both their feet\xa0\ntouched those glowing glyphs, he felt a gentle'}, {'start': '543.040', 'end': '549.680', 'text': 'hum in the soles of his boots, traveling up his\xa0\ncalves, into his spine. The hair on his arms rose,'}, {'start': '549.680', 'end': '555.920', 'text': 'and a gentle warmth spread into his center,\xa0\nlike tasting mulled wine on a winter night.'}, {'start': '555.920', 'end': '560.720', 'text': 'Talia closed her eyes. With one\xa0\nhand still entwined in Axel’s,'}, {'start': '560.720', 'end': '566.000', 'text': 'she raised her other hand to the sky as though\xa0\nshe could feel the presence of cosmic energies'}, {'start': '566.000', 'end': '572.240', 'text': 'above. Axel, uncertain, just stood, knees\xa0\nlocked, hoping the floor didn’t drop out.'}, {'start': '572.240', 'end': '577.840', 'text': 'The glow in the glyphs intensified, and\xa0\nthe sweet incense thickened. He caught'}, {'start': '577.840', 'end': '583.840', 'text': 'glimpses of swirling shapes in the corners\xa0\nagain—apparitions? Or illusions produced by'}, {'start': '583.840', 'end': '590.160', 'text': 'the temple’s ancient tech? Talia began to chant\xa0\nin a language he’d never heard. The syllables'}, {'start': '590.160', 'end': '597.920', 'text': 'rose and fell in a mesmerizing pattern, each note\xa0\nlaced with heartbreak and hope in equal measure.'}, {'start': '597.920', 'end': '604.000', 'text': 'Warmth radiated from Axel’s chest outward. He\xa0\ncould feel something intangible flow from him'}, {'start': '604.000', 'end': '609.680', 'text': 'into Talia’s hand. He realized with a shock\xa0\nthat the “heat” might be more than just a'}, {'start': '609.680', 'end': '616.160', 'text': 'metaphor—like the temple was literally siphoning\xa0\nlife essence from him. Panic flickered in him,'}, {'start': '616.160', 'end': '620.720', 'text': 'but he forced himself to stay calm. She\xa0\nneeded it. And when he looked at her face,'}, {'start': '620.720', 'end': '626.640', 'text': 'he saw color returning to her cheeks,\xa0\na vitality shining in her eyes.'}, {'start': '626.640', 'end': '631.840', 'text': 'Gradually, Talia’s chanting slowed. She\xa0\nlowered her raised arm, turning to face'}, {'start': '631.840', 'end': '637.840', 'text': 'him fully. “That’s… that’s it,” she breathed,\xa0\nthough her voice trembled with the aftershock'}, {'start': '637.840', 'end': '644.320', 'text': 'of powerful forces. “We’re halfway there.\xa0\nNow, we must seal it with a mutual vow.”'}, {'start': '644.320', 'end': '649.840', 'text': '“Mutual vow,” he echoed, feeling\xa0\nthe strangeness of it in his mouth.'}, {'start': '649.840', 'end': '657.520', 'text': 'She swallowed. “Yes. My vow is to share my gifts\xa0\nwith you—my connection to the Sehenri knowledge,'}, {'start': '657.520', 'end': '662.000', 'text': 'the deeper cycles of life.\xa0\nYour vow is to keep me safe,'}, {'start': '662.000', 'end': '667.760', 'text': 'even after we depart this temple. It’s a bond\xa0\nthat can’t be broken without… consequences.”'}, {'start': '667.760', 'end': '670.720', 'text': 'He raised his brow. “Consequences?”'}, {'start': '670.720', 'end': '676.480', 'text': 'A wry, almost apologetic tilt of her\xa0\nlips. “If we try to separate in betrayal,'}, {'start': '676.480', 'end': '682.480', 'text': 'the link turns inward, devouring both.\xa0\nThe Sehenri were a proud species once,'}, {'start': '682.480', 'end': '686.400', 'text': 'and they punished broken loyalty quite severely.”'}, {'start': '686.400', 'end': '692.960', 'text': 'Axel let out a low whistle. “So if I do\xa0\nthis and then vanish on you—like a dirtbag'}, {'start': '692.960', 'end': '697.840', 'text': 'skipping out on an old girlfriend—that’s\xa0\nbasically a mutual death sentence?”'}, {'start': '697.840', 'end': '699.760', 'text': 'She nodded. “Yes.”'}, {'start': '699.760', 'end': '705.600', 'text': 'He ran a hand across his short salt-and-pepper\xa0\nhair, then forced a half-smile. “I guess that'}, {'start': '705.600', 'end': '709.520', 'text': 'means if we do this, I should at\xa0\nleast buy you dinner after, right?”'}, {'start': '709.520', 'end': '716.880', 'text': 'Talia blinked, then a small, genuine laugh\xa0\nescaped her. It was a quiet, music-box laugh,'}, {'start': '716.880', 'end': '723.280', 'text': 'like she hadn’t indulged that feeling in a\xa0\nwhile. “I’d like that. Dinner. If we survive.”'}, {'start': '723.280', 'end': '728.400', 'text': 'That laugh and the gentle humor behind it\xa0\nlit a spark of camaraderie in his chest.'}, {'start': '728.400', 'end': '732.800', 'text': 'If he was going to be trapped in some cosmic\xa0\nmarriage scenario, at least his partner had'}, {'start': '732.800', 'end': '738.720', 'text': 'a sense of humor. He cleared his throat and\xa0\nglanced around. “So how do we seal this vow?”'}, {'start': '738.720', 'end': '743.920', 'text': 'She gestured to the circle again. “We\xa0\nspeak it, and the temple acknowledges it.”'}, {'start': '743.920', 'end': '749.360', 'text': 'He spread his stance, as if bracing\xa0\nfor a punch. “All right. Let’s do it.”'}, {'start': '749.360', 'end': '754.160', 'text': 'Talia turned so they faced each other.\xa0\nCandlelight—if that’s what those bowls'}, {'start': '754.160', 'end': '761.120', 'text': 'were—cast dancing gold patterns across her\xa0\ncheeks and her dark hair. She inhaled slowly,'}, {'start': '761.120', 'end': '768.640', 'text': 'then released her breath, her voice low: “I,\xa0\nTalia of the Sehenri line, vow to share my gifts,'}, {'start': '768.640', 'end': '773.920', 'text': 'my knowledge, my heart, that we may walk\xa0\nunited in spirit. I vow that the warmth'}, {'start': '773.920', 'end': '781.440', 'text': 'you give me I shall cherish. I vow loyalty, so\xa0\nthat together we become more than we are alone.”'}, {'start': '781.440', 'end': '786.320', 'text': 'The moment she finished, the glyphs\xa0\nshimmered. Axel swallowed hard. That'}, {'start': '786.320', 'end': '790.880', 'text': 'was about as poetic as anything\xa0\nhe’d heard, yet it felt sincere.'}, {'start': '790.880', 'end': '795.520', 'text': 'He stared into those luminous eyes and\xa0\nfound he couldn’t tear himself away.'}, {'start': '795.520', 'end': '801.120', 'text': 'He nodded and spoke, hoping he didn’t\xa0\nsound like a fool. “I, Axel Johansen,'}, {'start': '801.120', 'end': '807.440', 'text': 'vow to keep you safe, to stand by you, to…\xa0\nto respect this bond. I promise my warmth,'}, {'start': '807.440', 'end': '812.400', 'text': 'my help, my best self—because leaving\xa0\nyou to face this alone would be a'}, {'start': '812.400', 'end': '817.840', 'text': 'betrayal of who I am. I vow to see this\xa0\nthrough, no matter where it takes us.”'}, {'start': '817.840', 'end': '823.120', 'text': 'A flash like lightning snapped across\xa0\nhis vision. The circle’s glyphs flared'}, {'start': '823.120', 'end': '828.720', 'text': 'from turquoise to a bright, piercing white,\xa0\nflooding the entire chamber with brilliance.'}, {'start': '828.720', 'end': '833.440', 'text': 'The lines on the floor merged into one\xa0\nswirling pattern around their feet,'}, {'start': '833.440', 'end': '838.480', 'text': 'and the swirl rose up, wrapping\xa0\nthem in a vortex of glowing ribbons.'}, {'start': '838.480', 'end': '844.640', 'text': 'For a wild moment, Axel felt as if he were\xa0\nfloating in warm water—sensory illusions tugged'}, {'start': '844.640', 'end': '851.520', 'text': 'him between a dream and an out-of-body experience.\xa0\nHe glimpsed images: Talia as a child, standing'}, {'start': '851.520', 'end': '858.000', 'text': 'in a courtyard beneath swirling star-lanterns;\xa0\nTalia older, with sadness etched in her eyes as'}, {'start': '858.000', 'end': '864.880', 'text': 'she stood before a council of robed elders; Talia\xa0\nrunning from pursuers in a dusty canyon, alone and'}, {'start': '864.880', 'end': '872.160', 'text': 'desperate. He felt her heartbreak, her longing to\xa0\nbelong, to fulfill a destiny that terrified her.'}, {'start': '872.160', 'end': '878.160', 'text': 'At the same time, he sensed Talia glimpsing his\xa0\nown life: a father figure in the Frontier Corps,'}, {'start': '878.160', 'end': '883.760', 'text': 'old bunkmates laughing around a flickering lamp,\xa0\nthe heartbreak of losing close comrades in a'}, {'start': '883.760', 'end': '889.600', 'text': 'skirmish, the empty nights in a station bunk after\xa0\nmustering out, uncertain what remained for him.'}, {'start': '889.600', 'end': '896.480', 'text': 'And, strangest of all, he felt Talia acknowledging\xa0\nhis regrets, his desire to find a purpose again.'}, {'start': '896.480', 'end': '903.200', 'text': 'Then the vortex vanished, leaving them standing\xa0\nin the circle with the incense-laden air swirling'}, {'start': '903.200', 'end': '908.400', 'text': 'gently. The stone door rumbled, but\xa0\nit didn’t open. Talia leaned forward,'}, {'start': '908.400', 'end': '916.000', 'text': 'bracing a hand on his chest. Her breathing was\xa0\nragged, her eyes glittering with unshed tears.'}, {'start': '916.000', 'end': '921.840', 'text': '“I felt… so much,” she said, voice\xa0\ntrembling. “Your heart is wide open,'}, {'start': '921.840', 'end': '927.200', 'text': 'even though you hide behind that gruff\xa0\nexterior. You’re a kind man, Axel.”'}, {'start': '927.200', 'end': '933.120', 'text': 'He exhaled, shaking. “I saw some of your\xa0\nmemories too. I’m sorry for all you lost.”'}, {'start': '933.120', 'end': '937.920', 'text': 'She managed a nod, then pressed her\xa0\ncool forehead to his. “It’s done.'}, {'start': '937.920', 'end': '943.120', 'text': 'We made the vow. The temple knows\xa0\nit’s real… we should pass. Unless—”'}, {'start': '943.120', 'end': '947.040', 'text': 'At once, a bright hum cut\xa0\nthrough the air. The swirling'}, {'start': '947.040', 'end': '951.840', 'text': 'illusions in the corners of the chamber\xa0\nsolidified, revealing more of those robed,'}, {'start': '951.840', 'end': '958.560', 'text': 'elongated shapes, but now they stepped\xa0\nforward, chanting in unison. Talia stiffened,'}, {'start': '958.560', 'end': '965.040', 'text': 'turning. “This part… we must prove we can defend\xa0\neach other,” she whispered. “It’s the final test.”'}, {'start': '965.040', 'end': '971.840', 'text': 'Before Axel could question that, the illusions\xa0\nlunged. Or, more precisely, they solidified enough'}, {'start': '971.840', 'end': '977.120', 'text': 'to brandish glowing rods that crackled with\xa0\nenergy. Axel had half a second to note that'}, {'start': '977.120', 'end': '983.120', 'text': 'they had no faces, just smooth planes where\xa0\neyes and mouth should be. Then they attacked.'}, {'start': '983.120', 'end': '989.680', 'text': '“Stay behind me,” Axel shouted, muscle memory\xa0\nfrom his Corps days kicking in. She was quicker,'}, {'start': '989.680', 'end': '994.880', 'text': 'though—she spun sideways, using\xa0\nsome form of swirling martial arts,'}, {'start': '994.880', 'end': '999.760', 'text': 'deflecting the first strike with her forearm.\xa0\nA spark of violet light danced around her'}, {'start': '999.760', 'end': '1005.280', 'text': 'fingertips. She’d said she had “gifts,”\xa0\nright? She used them now, apparently.'}, {'start': '1005.280', 'end': '1010.960', 'text': 'Axel, not to be outdone, ducked a blow from\xa0\nanother robed figure. He pivoted on that bad'}, {'start': '1010.960', 'end': '1015.840', 'text': 'knee with a wince but made it work. Years\xa0\nof dealing with rowdy pirate raids in the'}, {'start': '1015.840', 'end': '1020.560', 'text': 'shipping lanes had taught him to fight without\xa0\na weapon if needed. He slammed an elbow into'}, {'start': '1020.560', 'end': '1026.960', 'text': 'the figure’s chest, shocked at how real it felt.\xa0\nThe illusions parted like fog, then re-formed.'}, {'start': '1026.960', 'end': '1033.520', 'text': 'Talia hissed. “They aren’t illusions anymore.\xa0\nThe temple is testing if we can unify.”'}, {'start': '1033.520', 'end': '1036.080', 'text': '“All right, so how do we unify?”'}, {'start': '1036.080', 'end': '1040.000', 'text': 'She sidestepped a blow, tried to\xa0\nland a palm strike that fizzled.'}, {'start': '1040.000', 'end': '1044.960', 'text': '“We need to share the flow of that\xa0\nvow—feel each other’s presence.”'}, {'start': '1044.960', 'end': '1051.120', 'text': 'This was definitely more complicated than any\xa0\nbar brawl or cargo hold scuffle. Another robed'}, {'start': '1051.120', 'end': '1057.680', 'text': 'attacker swung at him. Axel tried blocking, only\xa0\nfor it to pass through his forearm like a ghost,'}, {'start': '1057.680', 'end': '1062.320', 'text': 'leaving a sensation of frigid pain.\xa0\nHe grunted. “That’s not good.”'}, {'start': '1062.320', 'end': '1068.640', 'text': 'Talia whipped around him, placed a hand on his\xa0\nchest again. “Focus on me. Let me show you.”'}, {'start': '1068.640', 'end': '1074.720', 'text': 'He turned his gaze to her, ignoring the robed\xa0\nspecters for a second. She closed her eyes, her'}, {'start': '1074.720', 'end': '1082.240', 'text': 'palm glowed faintly, and he felt that channel of\xa0\nwarmth open up again. Except now, she siphoned it'}, {'start': '1082.240', 'end': '1089.200', 'text': 'directly into her own limbs, her presence surging\xa0\nwith power. Her hair rose in an unseen breeze.'}, {'start': '1089.200', 'end': '1091.840', 'text': '“Now,” she said. “Hold out your hand.”'}, {'start': '1091.840', 'end': '1097.040', 'text': 'He did, albeit uncertainly. A swirl of\xa0\nviolet light danced from her to him.'}, {'start': '1097.040', 'end': '1102.720', 'text': 'He felt a surge in his muscles, not the burning\xa0\nstrength of adrenaline but something deeper,'}, {'start': '1102.720', 'end': '1107.600', 'text': 'almost like a hum in his bloodstream. One of\xa0\nthe robed figures swung at him again, but this'}, {'start': '1107.600', 'end': '1113.600', 'text': 'time he swiped his hand through the air, and a\xa0\nflicker of that violet energy deflected the blow.'}, {'start': '1113.600', 'end': '1115.040', 'text': '“Whoa,” he breathed.'}, {'start': '1115.040', 'end': '1118.720', 'text': '“Exactly,” Talia said. “Let’s do it together.”'}, {'start': '1118.720', 'end': '1124.480', 'text': 'They stood back to back within the circle of\xa0\nattackers. With every synchronized breath,'}, {'start': '1124.480', 'end': '1128.000', 'text': 'they summoned that shared\xa0\nenergy. He’d breathe out,'}, {'start': '1128.000', 'end': '1134.240', 'text': 'she’d breathe in. She’d shift left, he’d shift\xa0\nright. Their synergy was surprisingly swift,'}, {'start': '1134.240', 'end': '1138.400', 'text': 'as if the vow had gifted them immediate\xa0\nunderstanding of how the other moved.'}, {'start': '1138.400', 'end': '1143.120', 'text': 'Blow after blow from the robed guardians\xa0\ncrashed into the swirling aura that formed'}, {'start': '1143.120', 'end': '1149.120', 'text': 'around them. At times, Talia spun and unleashed\xa0\na burst of violet that knocked two illusions'}, {'start': '1149.120', 'end': '1154.720', 'text': 'back into the shadows. Axel, for his part,\xa0\ndiscovered that a concentrated punch laced'}, {'start': '1154.720', 'end': '1158.800', 'text': 'with their shared current banished a\xa0\nrobed figure in a crackle of light.'}, {'start': '1158.800', 'end': '1162.400', 'text': 'One by one, the illusions faltered and dissipated,'}, {'start': '1162.400', 'end': '1167.200', 'text': 'until the temple chamber grew still\xa0\nagain. Axel wiped sweat from his brow,'}, {'start': '1167.200', 'end': '1171.520', 'text': 'chest heaving. “I’m getting too old for\xa0\nthat kind of scuffle,” he said, but there'}, {'start': '1171.520', 'end': '1177.840', 'text': 'was a crooked grin on his face. Adrenaline or\xa0\nnot, he felt more alive than he had in years.'}, {'start': '1177.840', 'end': '1183.280', 'text': 'Talia, also panting, managed to\xa0\nsmile. “You did well, my consort.”'}, {'start': '1183.280', 'end': '1187.120', 'text': 'He made a face at the word. “That’s…\xa0\ngonna take some getting used to.”'}, {'start': '1187.120', 'end': '1190.880', 'text': 'Before she could respond, the\xa0\nstone door behind them clanked,'}, {'start': '1190.880', 'end': '1195.680', 'text': 'then cracked open by a hand’s breadth.\xa0\nCandlelight from another chamber spilled'}, {'start': '1195.680', 'end': '1201.200', 'text': 'through. Talia blinked, relief\xa0\nlighting her features. “We passed.”'}, {'start': '1201.200', 'end': '1204.880', 'text': 'Axel’s grin widened. “So the last test is over?”'}, {'start': '1204.880', 'end': '1207.920', 'text': 'She lowered her gaze. “One step remains.'}, {'start': '1207.920', 'end': '1212.480', 'text': 'It’s… the culmination. We must\xa0\nfinalize the bond physically.”'}, {'start': '1212.480', 'end': '1217.360', 'text': '“Physically?” he echoed, a swirl\xa0\nof conflicting emotions roiling'}, {'start': '1217.360', 'end': '1220.400', 'text': 'in his gut. He wasn’t a prude—he’d had his share'}, {'start': '1220.400', 'end': '1225.680', 'text': 'of relationships in younger days—but\xa0\nthe idea of a forced ceremony was…'}, {'start': '1225.680', 'end': '1231.760', 'text': 'Talia, sensing his discomfort, touched his\xa0\ncheek lightly. “Don’t fear. The Sehenri'}, {'start': '1231.760', 'end': '1237.760', 'text': 'recognized that love or intimacy can’t\xa0\nbe forced. It’s a symbolic consummation,'}, {'start': '1237.760', 'end': '1244.800', 'text': 'but in many cases, that can be as simple as an\xa0\nembrace, a kiss. Something that cements trust,'}, {'start': '1244.800', 'end': '1250.320', 'text': 'physically. The temple’s watchers accept\xa0\nit as genuine if your hearts are open.”'}, {'start': '1250.320', 'end': '1256.640', 'text': 'She hesitated. “But if we keep hearts closed,\xa0\nthe portal to the outside may remain locked.”'}, {'start': '1256.640', 'end': '1259.520', 'text': 'He exhaled slowly. “I see.”'}, {'start': '1259.520', 'end': '1263.440', 'text': 'Those golden eyes studied him,\xa0\nsearching. “If your worry is that'}, {'start': '1263.440', 'end': '1268.080', 'text': 'I’m some kind of enchantress demanding\xa0\nmore than you can give, please know:'}, {'start': '1268.080', 'end': '1272.960', 'text': 'I only want what you’re willing to offer.\xa0\nI’m grateful you saved my life at all.”'}, {'start': '1272.960', 'end': '1278.640', 'text': 'Axel’s chest knotted with empathy. This\xa0\nwas not just about temple rules—there'}, {'start': '1278.640', 'end': '1283.200', 'text': 'was a personal vulnerability on her\xa0\nside, too. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to'}, {'start': '1283.200', 'end': '1289.920', 'text': 'imply… I just…” He paused, swallowed, and\xa0\nadmitted quietly, “I’m out of practice.”'}, {'start': '1289.920', 'end': '1296.320', 'text': 'She gave that soft laugh again, stepping near. “No\xa0\none’s ever fully practiced at forging a new bond.”'}, {'start': '1296.320', 'end': '1300.480', 'text': 'He brushed a loose strand of hair\xa0\nfrom her cheek. “Guess you’re right.”'}, {'start': '1300.480', 'end': '1305.760', 'text': 'Warmth. That was how he’d described\xa0\nher need. Warmth in a literal sense,'}, {'start': '1305.760', 'end': '1311.440', 'text': 'but also that emotional security that\xa0\ncame from closeness. In the soft glow of'}, {'start': '1311.440', 'end': '1317.120', 'text': 'the swirling glyphs, he let himself see\xa0\nher clearly: a woman who had wandered,'}, {'start': '1317.120', 'end': '1322.160', 'text': 'threatened by the demands of an ancient\xa0\ntradition, resigned to a lonely fate. He'}, {'start': '1322.160', 'end': '1327.520', 'text': 'knew that feeling of being cast adrift; maybe\xa0\nthat made him the perfect partner after all.'}, {'start': '1327.520', 'end': '1334.560', 'text': 'He dipped his head, and Talia tilted hers so their\xa0\nlips met in a gentle press. A hush spread through'}, {'start': '1334.560', 'end': '1340.080', 'text': 'the chamber. The air seemed to swirl with\xa0\nfaint motes of light, each drifting outward'}, {'start': '1340.080', 'end': '1347.040', 'text': 'from them in shimmering arcs, like dust motes in a\xa0\nsunbeam. The tension in his shoulders melted away,'}, {'start': '1347.040', 'end': '1351.600', 'text': 'replaced by the surprising softness of\xa0\nher mouth and the trust in her breath.'}, {'start': '1351.600', 'end': '1358.240', 'text': 'He tasted salt, incense, and that faint tang\xa0\nof whatever cosmic energy she carried. It'}, {'start': '1358.240', 'end': '1364.240', 'text': 'wasn’t just a kiss—it felt like slipping through a\xa0\nhalf-open door to a place he hadn’t known existed.'}, {'start': '1364.240', 'end': '1368.720', 'text': 'The swirling illusions in the corners\xa0\nof the room glowed in bright approval,'}, {'start': '1368.720', 'end': '1373.440', 'text': 'then blinked out as if the\xa0\nwatchers, satisfied, retreated.'}, {'start': '1373.440', 'end': '1376.800', 'text': 'When they parted, Talia let out a tiny gasp,'}, {'start': '1376.800', 'end': '1382.160', 'text': 'her cheeks flushed with color. “The\xa0\ntemple acknowledges it. I feel… complete.”'}, {'start': '1382.160', 'end': '1388.160', 'text': 'And then, with a low rumble, the stone door\xa0\nswung fully open. Axel turned toward it,'}, {'start': '1388.160', 'end': '1394.000', 'text': 'blinking. Dawn’s first pale light streamed\xa0\nin from an opening overhead, illuminating'}, {'start': '1394.000', 'end': '1399.920', 'text': 'dust motes in the next corridor. He realized\xa0\nthat was it—the last step. They had done it.'}, {'start': '1399.920', 'end': '1404.640', 'text': 'She reached for his hand. “Shall we\xa0\nsee if the door beyond is open, too?”'}, {'start': '1404.640', 'end': '1408.160', 'text': 'He squeezed her fingers gently. “Lead on.”'}, {'start': '1408.160', 'end': '1414.240', 'text': 'In the corridor that followed, they found a\xa0\nwide archway leading to an exterior courtyard.'}, {'start': '1414.240', 'end': '1420.960', 'text': 'The planet’s rising sun, with its double-star\xa0\nsystem, spread a surreal bluish glow across'}, {'start': '1420.960', 'end': '1425.840', 'text': 'the temple walls. A faint hum drifted\xa0\non the breeze. Talia explained it was'}, {'start': '1425.840', 'end': '1430.720', 'text': 'the temple’s hush mode, meaning all\xa0\nwards were settling into dormancy.'}, {'start': '1430.720', 'end': '1436.720', 'text': 'They stepped outside onto a broad terrace\xa0\noverlooking the rocky desert. Axel inhaled'}, {'start': '1436.720', 'end': '1441.040', 'text': 'the crisp morning air. He saw his\xa0\nfootprints from the night before,'}, {'start': '1441.040', 'end': '1448.000', 'text': 'still fresh in the dusty soil. Just to the right,\xa0\nat the base of a partial obelisk, he spotted a'}, {'start': '1448.000', 'end': '1454.400', 'text': 'swirling portal. It shimmered with a dull glow,\xa0\npresumably the exit from the locked temple.'}, {'start': '1454.400', 'end': '1455.920', 'text': 'The moment they approached it,'}, {'start': '1455.920', 'end': '1461.040', 'text': 'Talia paused, turning to him with an\xa0\nunreadable expression. “Last night,'}, {'start': '1461.040', 'end': '1466.320', 'text': 'you said we’d see it through no matter what.\xa0\nThat includes… life after this temple.”'}, {'start': '1466.320', 'end': '1472.960', 'text': 'He nodded. “I don’t toss my word around lightly.\xa0\nEspecially not a vow with cosmic consequences.”'}, {'start': '1472.960', 'end': '1477.440', 'text': 'A delicate smile crossed her lips.\xa0\n“So you truly mean to stay with me?'}, {'start': '1477.440', 'end': '1482.400', 'text': 'Even beyond this place? I know you\xa0\nhave your own path, your own life.”'}, {'start': '1482.400', 'end': '1486.240', 'text': 'He weighed that question.\xa0\nUntil now, he’d been drifting,'}, {'start': '1486.240', 'end': '1492.320', 'text': 'no real direction. She was offering him\xa0\nsomething new—uncertain, possibly dangerous,'}, {'start': '1492.320', 'end': '1498.400', 'text': 'but it felt more genuine than any job he’d had.\xa0\nHe touched her cheek. “We said it ourselves:'}, {'start': '1498.400', 'end': '1505.280', 'text': 'betrayal kills us both. If we parted ways right\xa0\nnow, we’d each be half a person. Frankly, I’m'}, {'start': '1505.280', 'end': '1510.640', 'text': 'not sure if that’s just the vow talking, or it’s\xa0\nme, but I don’t want to find out the hard way.”'}, {'start': '1510.640', 'end': '1515.680', 'text': 'She exhaled, relief and gratitude\xa0\nplain in her eyes. “Then you won’t'}, {'start': '1515.680', 'end': '1519.200', 'text': 'mind if we step through to my\xa0\nworld. There’s… business I must'}, {'start': '1519.200', 'end': '1523.440', 'text': 'conclude there. Something that got\xa0\nme into this fix in the first place.”'}, {'start': '1523.440', 'end': '1529.680', 'text': 'Axel’s mouth quirked in a slow grin.\xa0\n“Your world, or bust. Let’s do it.”'}, {'start': '1529.680', 'end': '1536.000', 'text': 'The portal flickered as they stepped closer.\xa0\nHe felt Talia’s slender fingers entwine his.'}, {'start': '1536.000', 'end': '1542.320', 'text': 'The swirl of light enveloped them. For a\xa0\nbeat of heart, everything went white. Then—'}, {'start': '1542.320', 'end': '1547.920', 'text': 'They stood on a bustling terrace of polished\xa0\nblack stone. The sky overhead was greenish,'}, {'start': '1547.920', 'end': '1553.520', 'text': 'lit by a sun that glowed pale turquoise.\xa0\nTowers curved elegantly in the distance,'}, {'start': '1553.520', 'end': '1560.240', 'text': 'connected by walkways of translucent glass.\xa0\nAround them, people—of Talia’s race and'}, {'start': '1560.240', 'end': '1565.440', 'text': 'others—moved about in purposeful lines.\xa0\nMany wore garments of shimmering fabric,'}, {'start': '1565.440', 'end': '1570.080', 'text': 'their hair styled in arcs or braids\xa0\nthat seemed both regal and practical.'}, {'start': '1570.080', 'end': '1576.880', 'text': 'Talia’s posture straightened, her shoulders\xa0\nset with quiet dignity. “Home,” she murmured,'}, {'start': '1576.880', 'end': '1583.040', 'text': 'voice tinged with equal parts nostalgia and\xa0\ndread. “The capital city of Sehenri Prime.”'}, {'start': '1583.040', 'end': '1590.240', 'text': 'A few passersby noticed them materialize. Some\xa0\nfroze, startled. One or two recognized Talia,'}, {'start': '1590.240', 'end': '1596.640', 'text': 'their eyes going wide. Axel shifted, glancing\xa0\naround warily. Despite the city’s beauty,'}, {'start': '1596.640', 'end': '1601.760', 'text': 'an undercurrent of tension coiled in the\xa0\nair, like a place half-prepared for conflict.'}, {'start': '1601.760', 'end': '1605.040', 'text': '“Are we going to be welcomed?”\xa0\nhe asked under his breath.'}, {'start': '1605.040', 'end': '1610.560', 'text': 'She sighed. “Most of my people believed I had\xa0\nfled. They… might not be thrilled about me'}, {'start': '1610.560', 'end': '1616.400', 'text': 'completing the vow, but they also can’t deny\xa0\nI was chosen. My father once governed these'}, {'start': '1616.400', 'end': '1621.920', 'text': 'provinces. After he vanished, certain others\xa0\ntook power. They’re the ones who insisted the'}, {'start': '1621.920', 'end': '1628.240', 'text': 'old temple ritual was mandatory to prove\xa0\nmy legitimacy or else forfeit my rights.”'}, {'start': '1628.240', 'end': '1632.560', 'text': 'Axel studied her. “Sounds a lot more\xa0\ncomplicated than you let on. So your'}, {'start': '1632.560', 'end': '1637.840', 'text': 'father vanished? And you had to do some\xa0\nancient vow, or else you lose your position?”'}, {'start': '1637.840', 'end': '1643.040', 'text': 'Her lips tightened. “Precisely. A\xa0\nleadership council took advantage.'}, {'start': '1643.040', 'end': '1647.280', 'text': 'They wanted me to fail the temple trial\xa0\nso they could claim the seat. My success'}, {'start': '1647.280', 'end': '1652.320', 'text': 'here means I can’t be so easily\xa0\ncast aside.” She managed a small,'}, {'start': '1652.320', 'end': '1657.520', 'text': 'wry chuckle. “And I come home with a human\xa0\npartner, one who’s literally bonded to me.'}, {'start': '1657.520', 'end': '1663.280', 'text': 'They won’t be able to spin it as an unfulfilled\xa0\nprophecy. Because, well, we’re standing proof.”'}, {'start': '1663.280', 'end': '1666.640', 'text': 'Axel crossed his arms. “What do you need from me?”'}, {'start': '1666.640', 'end': '1670.480', 'text': '“Just stay at my side,” she\xa0\nsaid gently. “Your presence'}, {'start': '1670.480', 'end': '1676.000', 'text': 'is the living testament that the vow was\xa0\nsealed. Then… we see if we can find out'}, {'start': '1676.000', 'end': '1680.880', 'text': 'what really happened to my father. If\xa0\nthey’ve been lying, I want the truth.”'}, {'start': '1680.880', 'end': '1683.760', 'text': 'He nodded. “Got it. Let’s do it.”'}, {'start': '1683.760', 'end': '1687.840', 'text': 'They made their way through the city.\xa0\nSome people stared openly at them.'}, {'start': '1687.840', 'end': '1692.960', 'text': 'Axel made sure to keep his expression\xa0\nneutral, though inside he was reeling.'}, {'start': '1692.960', 'end': '1698.720', 'text': 'Talia carried herself with a regal calm,\xa0\nanswering hushed greetings with nods. Now'}, {'start': '1698.720', 'end': '1703.680', 'text': 'and then, she’d mention quietly how the\xa0\narchitecture had changed in her absence,'}, {'start': '1703.680', 'end': '1708.800', 'text': 'or how the sky-lights used to be brighter when\xa0\nher father oversaw the city’s power grids.'}, {'start': '1708.800', 'end': '1713.200', 'text': 'Eventually, they reached a towering building\xa0\nwith an arched entrance flanked by guards'}, {'start': '1713.200', 'end': '1718.160', 'text': 'in swirling black and silver armor. The\xa0\nbuilding’s facade displayed a crest that'}, {'start': '1718.160', 'end': '1723.920', 'text': 'Talia pointed out as the official sign of the\xa0\ncouncil. She walked straight up to the guards.'}, {'start': '1723.920', 'end': '1729.840', 'text': '“Halt, who—?” the first guard barked. But the\xa0\nsecond guard’s eyes widened in recognition.'}, {'start': '1729.840', 'end': '1735.040', 'text': '“Lady Talia,” the second guard blurted.\xa0\n“But… we were told you were gone.”'}, {'start': '1735.040', 'end': '1739.920', 'text': 'She lifted her chin. “Rumors were\xa0\ngreatly exaggerated. I’ve returned,'}, {'start': '1739.920', 'end': '1744.320', 'text': 'with proof I completed the rite.\xa0\nI intend to address the council.”'}, {'start': '1744.320', 'end': '1749.520', 'text': 'The guards exchanged a worried glance.\xa0\nThe second one cleared his throat. “The'}, {'start': '1749.520', 'end': '1753.760', 'text': 'council’s in session, but… I suppose\xa0\nthey can’t refuse to see you. Not if'}, {'start': '1753.760', 'end': '1758.480', 'text': 'you have truly completed the vow.”\xa0\nHe cast a suspicious look at Axel.'}, {'start': '1758.480', 'end': '1763.200', 'text': 'Axel just gave him a polite,\xa0\ntight-lipped nod. “Howdy,” he said,'}, {'start': '1763.200', 'end': '1768.400', 'text': 'glancing at Talia in mild amusement that\xa0\nprobably none of them recognized Earth slang.'}, {'start': '1768.400', 'end': '1773.600', 'text': 'The first guard frowned but stepped aside,\xa0\nletting Talia and Axel pass. The building’s'}, {'start': '1773.600', 'end': '1780.800', 'text': 'interior soared overhead in an atrium of hammered\xa0\nmetal reflecting greenish sunlight. More guards'}, {'start': '1780.800', 'end': '1787.360', 'text': 'lined the corridors, each wearing a scowl or a\xa0\nlook of confusion as they saw Talia stride by.'}, {'start': '1787.360', 'end': '1792.640', 'text': 'They reached a pair of massive double doors\xa0\nthat parted automatically at Talia’s approach,'}, {'start': '1792.640', 'end': '1798.480', 'text': 'revealing a high-ceilinged council chamber.\xa0\nRows of seats curved around a central dais.'}, {'start': '1798.480', 'end': '1803.840', 'text': 'At the dais stood half a dozen tall\xa0\nfigures in elaborate robes—clearly'}, {'start': '1803.840', 'end': '1808.720', 'text': 'council members. They were in the midst of\xa0\ndiscussing something with raised voices,'}, {'start': '1808.720', 'end': '1812.960', 'text': 'but the instant Talia crossed\xa0\nthe threshold, all went silent.'}, {'start': '1812.960', 'end': '1816.480', 'text': '“Talia,” one robed figure said\xa0\nin a tone that tried to feign'}, {'start': '1816.480', 'end': '1820.400', 'text': 'pleasant surprise. “My dear. How unexpected.”'}, {'start': '1820.400', 'end': '1824.640', 'text': 'Another council member, an older\xa0\nwoman with luminous purple eyes,'}, {'start': '1824.640', 'end': '1830.880', 'text': 'narrowed her gaze. “You vanished for weeks.\xa0\nWe presumed you had, well, come to harm.”'}, {'start': '1830.880', 'end': '1836.160', 'text': 'Talia stepped forward, unafraid. “Harm\xa0\nindeed was your intention. You forced'}, {'start': '1836.160', 'end': '1841.760', 'text': 'me to attempt the old temple vow. Sent\xa0\nme with no guidance. You hoped I’d fail,'}, {'start': '1841.760', 'end': '1847.840', 'text': 'so you could seize the province. Instead,”\xa0\nshe gestured to Axel, “I succeeded.”'}, {'start': '1847.840', 'end': '1852.480', 'text': 'Murmurs spread through the chamber.\xa0\nThe robed figure who’d first spoken'}, {'start': '1852.480', 'end': '1857.760', 'text': 'gave a thin-lipped smile. “And this…\xa0\noffworlder is your partner? The vow'}, {'start': '1857.760', 'end': '1861.040', 'text': 'must be shallow indeed if you\xa0\nhad to drag in a foreigner.”'}, {'start': '1861.040', 'end': '1867.440', 'text': 'Axel bristled but stayed quiet, letting\xa0\nTalia speak. She drew closer to the dais,'}, {'start': '1867.440', 'end': '1873.440', 'text': 'her voice rising. “You all made the vow sound\xa0\nimpossible. But you forgot something: if one’s'}, {'start': '1873.440', 'end': '1879.680', 'text': 'heart is sincere, the temple welcomes all. Human\xa0\nor Sehenri. My father taught me that principle'}, {'start': '1879.680', 'end': '1885.680', 'text': 'when I was young—that it is not about blood, but\xa0\nabout devotion. So here I stand, vow sealed.”'}, {'start': '1885.680', 'end': '1889.840', 'text': 'The older councilwoman scowled.\xa0\n“The vow alone doesn’t guarantee'}, {'start': '1889.840', 'end': '1894.560', 'text': 'you the seat. Where is the sign of\xa0\nyour father’s blessing, if any?”'}, {'start': '1894.560', 'end': '1899.920', 'text': 'Talia’s expression flickered with pain. She\xa0\nlowered her head. “He left me a puzzle. If'}, {'start': '1899.920', 'end': '1905.520', 'text': 'I completed the vow, I’d find him. But\xa0\nhe’s gone. Perhaps you used that to—”'}, {'start': '1905.520', 'end': '1912.400', 'text': 'A councilman to the side snorted. “Baseless\xa0\naccusations, Talia. If you cannot prove foul play,'}, {'start': '1912.400', 'end': '1919.040', 'text': 'we have every right to demand you step aside.\xa0\nEven with the vow, you aren’t prepared to govern.”'}, {'start': '1919.040', 'end': '1923.840', 'text': 'Axel had heard enough. He stepped forward,\xa0\nignoring the disapproving looks from the'}, {'start': '1923.840', 'end': '1928.960', 'text': 'robed elders. “Listen, folks, I’m an\xa0\noutsider here, so maybe it isn’t my'}, {'start': '1928.960', 'end': '1933.680', 'text': 'place to talk about your internal politics.\xa0\nBut where I come from, if you force a person'}, {'start': '1933.680', 'end': '1939.760', 'text': 'into a life-or-death test and they pass, you show\xa0\nsome respect. So how about you show Talia some?”'}, {'start': '1939.760', 'end': '1945.120', 'text': 'A hush fell. Talia looked at him with\xa0\na mixture of gratitude and anxiety,'}, {'start': '1945.120', 'end': '1950.480', 'text': 'probably worried he’d triggered their wrath.\xa0\nBut he simply glared at the council members,'}, {'start': '1950.480', 'end': '1954.160', 'text': 'letting that old Corps\xa0\nauthority seep into his tone.'}, {'start': '1954.160', 'end': '1958.800', 'text': 'Finally, the older councilwoman spoke\xa0\nwith forced calm. “You have no right'}, {'start': '1958.800', 'end': '1964.960', 'text': 'to speak in our chambers. But… we cannot\xa0\ndeny Talia’s proven she is alive and has'}, {'start': '1964.960', 'end': '1970.240', 'text': 'completed the vow. Very well. We shall\xa0\nschedule a formal hearing in three days'}, {'start': '1970.240', 'end': '1976.000', 'text': 'to decide her status. Until then,\xa0\nshe may remain under observation.”'}, {'start': '1976.000', 'end': '1979.360', 'text': '“Observation?” Talia repeated, voice tight.'}, {'start': '1979.360', 'end': '1986.080', 'text': 'The robed figure nodded. “A standard precaution.\xa0\nWe must ensure the vow was not accomplished by…'}, {'start': '1986.080', 'end': '1991.280', 'text': 'illusions or black-market technology.\xa0\nOur scientists will test your bond.”'}, {'start': '1991.280', 'end': '1996.880', 'text': 'Before Talia could protest, Axel eased\xa0\na hand onto her shoulder. “Fine. We have'}, {'start': '1996.880', 'end': '2003.600', 'text': 'nothing to hide. We’ll wait three days for your\xa0\nhearing. But,” and he let his gaze sweep them,'}, {'start': '2003.600', 'end': '2007.920', 'text': '“any attempts to sabotage her\xa0\nagain, you’ll answer to me.”'}, {'start': '2007.920', 'end': '2014.320', 'text': 'Silence. Some council members shifted\xa0\nuncomfortably, while others glared. Finally,'}, {'start': '2014.320', 'end': '2019.360', 'text': 'the first robed man sighed dramatically.\xa0\n“You can stay in the official residences,'}, {'start': '2019.360', 'end': '2023.440', 'text': 'Talia, if you choose. Consider that our courtesy.”'}, {'start': '2023.440', 'end': '2026.720', 'text': 'Talia lifted her chin. “I’ll accept, for now.”'}, {'start': '2026.720', 'end': '2031.680', 'text': 'They left the council chamber to find a\xa0\nsmall retinue of official aides waiting.'}, {'start': '2031.680', 'end': '2036.800', 'text': 'Talia recognized a few from earlier\xa0\ndays, though none greeted her warmly.'}, {'start': '2036.800', 'end': '2041.520', 'text': 'They escorted her and Axel to a set of\xa0\nspacious quarters on the building’s upper'}, {'start': '2041.520', 'end': '2047.120', 'text': 'floor. The suite had a broad balcony with\xa0\na breathtaking view of the city’s spires.'}, {'start': '2047.120', 'end': '2054.320', 'text': 'After the aides left, Talia sank onto a low\xa0\ncouch made of woven fabric. Axel sat beside her,'}, {'start': '2054.320', 'end': '2060.560', 'text': 'scanning the doors to ensure no eavesdroppers.\xa0\n“Are you all right?” he asked quietly.'}, {'start': '2060.560', 'end': '2066.720', 'text': 'She exhaled, leaning her head back. “I expected\xa0\nhostility, but it hurts. They were once my'}, {'start': '2066.720', 'end': '2072.320', 'text': 'father’s allies.” A haunted look crossed her\xa0\nfeatures. “I have no proof of their involvement'}, {'start': '2072.320', 'end': '2078.240', 'text': 'in his disappearance. Yet I can’t ignore the\xa0\nfeeling that this is all part of a bigger plan.”'}, {'start': '2078.240', 'end': '2083.440', 'text': 'Axel rubbed a thumb over her knuckles.\xa0\n“We’ve got three days until the hearing.'}, {'start': '2083.440', 'end': '2087.920', 'text': 'Let’s use that time. Find your father,\xa0\nor evidence of what happened, yeah?”'}, {'start': '2087.920', 'end': '2092.560', 'text': 'A faint smile curved her lips.\xa0\n“You make it sound so easy.”'}, {'start': '2092.560', 'end': '2097.520', 'text': '“Not easy. But possible,” he corrected.\xa0\n“We still have that bond with each other,'}, {'start': '2097.520', 'end': '2100.240', 'text': 'right? Means we’ve got each other’s backs.”'}, {'start': '2100.240', 'end': '2102.960', 'text': 'She squeezed his hand. “Thank you, Axel.”'}, {'start': '2102.960', 'end': '2107.680', 'text': 'In the next hours, they talked strategy.\xa0\nShe explained that her father, the prior'}, {'start': '2107.680', 'end': '2112.640', 'text': 'Governor-Protector, discovered something that\xa0\nthreatened to upend the old ways—some hidden'}, {'start': '2112.640', 'end': '2118.160', 'text': 'truth about the temple vow itself. After\xa0\nhe vanished, the council forced Talia into'}, {'start': '2118.160', 'end': '2123.120', 'text': 'it alone. If she perished, they’d\xa0\nclaim her father’s seat unopposed.'}, {'start': '2123.120', 'end': '2127.920', 'text': 'If she returned without completing\xa0\nthe vow, the seat was still forfeit.'}, {'start': '2127.920', 'end': '2129.920', 'text': '“That means,” Axel said,'}, {'start': '2129.920', 'end': '2135.040', 'text': '“they never intended to let you succeed.\xa0\nBut you did. Now they’re off balance.”'}, {'start': '2135.040', 'end': '2138.640', 'text': 'She nodded. “Yes, but they’ll adapt quickly. So we'}, {'start': '2138.640', 'end': '2142.400', 'text': 'find out what my father uncovered.\xa0\nThat’s likely the only way to truly'}, {'start': '2142.400', 'end': '2147.840', 'text': 'secure my rightful place… and maybe free\xa0\nus from the vow’s more dangerous aspects.”'}, {'start': '2147.840', 'end': '2154.080', 'text': 'They set about discreetly exploring the building’s\xa0\narchives. Talia knew secret passageways in the'}, {'start': '2154.080', 'end': '2159.920', 'text': 'old hall. Axel accompanied her, staying close in\xa0\nthe dim corridors, the two of them occasionally'}, {'start': '2159.920', 'end': '2165.280', 'text': 'brushing shoulders with a sense of shared intimacy\xa0\nthat had grown since the temple. Late that night,'}, {'start': '2165.280', 'end': '2171.200', 'text': 'they discovered a hidden antechamber behind\xa0\na tapestry, containing a worn data console.'}, {'start': '2171.200', 'end': '2175.520', 'text': 'Talia’s slender fingers danced\xa0\nover the console’s interface.'}, {'start': '2175.520', 'end': '2181.840', 'text': 'An old lock screen demanded a biometric\xa0\ninput—likely her father’s. She hesitated,'}, {'start': '2181.840', 'end': '2187.600', 'text': 'then placed her hand on the scanner. With a\xa0\nbeep, it recognized her partial DNA signature.'}, {'start': '2187.600', 'end': '2193.200', 'text': 'The console blinked to life, revealing\xa0\nfiles labeled in the old Sehenri script.'}, {'start': '2193.200', 'end': '2196.080', 'text': 'Her breath caught. “He left these.”'}, {'start': '2196.080', 'end': '2202.080', 'text': 'Axel peered over her shoulder. “They talk\xa0\nabout a phenomenon called the Risen Spiral?”'}, {'start': '2202.080', 'end': '2208.640', 'text': 'She read quickly, eyes darting across the text.\xa0\n“It’s the root of the vow’s energy transfer.'}, {'start': '2208.640', 'end': '2214.720', 'text': 'The vow was never meant to be forced. My father\xa0\nbelieved the vow was a spiritual concept—two souls'}, {'start': '2214.720', 'end': '2221.680', 'text': 'sharing warmth out of mutual choice. If forced or\xa0\nmanipulated, it could warp the user’s aura, cause'}, {'start': '2221.680', 'end': '2227.600', 'text': 'corruption or even physical harm.” She pressed\xa0\nher lips thin. “He warns that council members were'}, {'start': '2227.600', 'end': '2234.640', 'text': 'weaponizing it… using it to enslave offworlders\xa0\nor to maintain power. And he found proof.”'}, {'start': '2234.640', 'end': '2239.760', 'text': 'Axel let out a low whistle. “So that’s the\xa0\ntruth they didn’t want you or anyone else'}, {'start': '2239.760', 'end': '2245.840', 'text': 'to learn. Because if the vow’s forced, it can\xa0\nbasically be turned into a tool of tyranny.”'}, {'start': '2245.840', 'end': '2251.600', 'text': 'Talia scrolled further. Then she gasped, going\xa0\npale. “Here’s an entry: ‘They’ve threatened'}, {'start': '2251.600', 'end': '2257.600', 'text': 'me. If I speak publicly, they’ll destroy\xa0\neverything. I fear for Talia. I must hide'}, {'start': '2257.600', 'end': '2264.160', 'text': 'the key in the Temple of Dawn. If she can claim\xa0\nit, she can prove our lineage stands with truth,'}, {'start': '2264.160', 'end': '2269.760', 'text': 'not oppression.’ Then the log ends. This\xa0\nmust have been just before he disappeared.”'}, {'start': '2269.760', 'end': '2275.360', 'text': '“Temple of Dawn,” Axel repeated, filing\xa0\nit away. “We have to go there, right?”'}, {'start': '2275.360', 'end': '2281.440', 'text': 'She nodded. “Yes. The hearing’s in less than\xa0\nthree days, but that temple is on the outskirts,'}, {'start': '2281.440', 'end': '2287.280', 'text': 'half a day’s travel. If we leave soon,\xa0\nmaybe we can retrieve the key and return.”'}, {'start': '2287.280', 'end': '2288.480', 'text': '“Let’s do it.”'}, {'start': '2288.480', 'end': '2293.200', 'text': 'They carefully closed out the console.\xa0\nSneaking back to their assigned quarters,'}, {'start': '2293.200', 'end': '2299.360', 'text': 'they found no sign of prying eyes. Talia arranged\xa0\nfor a small transport early in the morning,'}, {'start': '2299.360', 'end': '2304.000', 'text': 'telling the official aides she simply\xa0\nwanted to see her father’s old estates'}, {'start': '2304.000', 'end': '2307.600', 'text': '(a half-truth). Axel refused to let her go alone.'}, {'start': '2307.600', 'end': '2313.280', 'text': 'At dawn, they took a sleek hovercraft out\xa0\nof the city, traveling beyond farmland and'}, {'start': '2313.280', 'end': '2319.520', 'text': 'into rolling hills covered in bluish grass that\xa0\nrippled under the double suns. The day was warm,'}, {'start': '2319.520', 'end': '2324.800', 'text': 'but Talia didn’t complain. She even teased him\xa0\nat one point that she didn’t need him to “warm'}, {'start': '2324.800', 'end': '2330.000', 'text': 'her up” in this climate. He teased back that\xa0\nhe was already sweating enough for them both.'}, {'start': '2330.000', 'end': '2334.720', 'text': 'They reached the Temple of Dawn by midday—a\xa0\nstructure more modest than the temple where'}, {'start': '2334.720', 'end': '2340.640', 'text': 'they’d bonded, but still ancient, carved into the\xa0\nside of a cliff. Runes on the entrance indicated'}, {'start': '2340.640', 'end': '2346.080', 'text': 'it was once a place for “morning prayers,”\xa0\nthough the script was older than Talia’s time.'}, {'start': '2346.080', 'end': '2352.000', 'text': 'Inside, dim corridors lined with old mosaic\xa0\npaintings awaited them. Despite the dryness of'}, {'start': '2352.000', 'end': '2357.040', 'text': 'the environment, there was a damp smell, and\xa0\nwater trickled through cracks in the walls,'}, {'start': '2357.040', 'end': '2360.160', 'text': 'forming little streams across the floor. The quiet'}, {'start': '2360.160', 'end': '2365.680', 'text': 'was absolute—no sign of tourists or\xa0\nguards. That made Axel suspicious.'}, {'start': '2365.680', 'end': '2368.880', 'text': '“Pretty deserted,” he\xa0\nmuttered. “I don’t trust it.”'}, {'start': '2368.880', 'end': '2374.720', 'text': 'Talia flicked on a small handheld lamp.\xa0\n“Nor I. We find the key, we get out fast.”'}, {'start': '2374.720', 'end': '2378.720', 'text': 'They moved slowly down a corridor,\xa0\nTalia studying inscriptions as'}, {'start': '2378.720', 'end': '2385.200', 'text': 'they passed. Then at an intersection,\xa0\nAxel halted. “Footsteps. Hear that?”'}, {'start': '2385.200', 'end': '2390.720', 'text': 'She paused, listening. Faint scraping echoed\xa0\nfrom ahead. They pressed themselves against'}, {'start': '2390.720', 'end': '2397.280', 'text': 'the wall. A moment later, two men emerged from\xa0\nthe gloom, wearing the silver and black uniforms'}, {'start': '2397.280', 'end': '2402.480', 'text': 'of the council’s enforcers. One carried\xa0\na pulse staff; the other had a sidearm.'}, {'start': '2402.480', 'end': '2406.640', 'text': 'Talia bit her lip, eyes darting.\xa0\nThey were clearly searching the'}, {'start': '2406.640', 'end': '2410.960', 'text': 'temple for something. Probably the\xa0\nsame thing Talia wanted—the key.'}, {'start': '2410.960', 'end': '2415.920', 'text': 'Axel tapped Talia’s arm, then motioned\xa0\nwith his head to indicate a side route.'}, {'start': '2415.920', 'end': '2419.600', 'text': 'She nodded. They slipped away, footsteps quiet.'}, {'start': '2419.600', 'end': '2426.640', 'text': 'They ventured deeper into the winding corridors,\xa0\nuncertain of the path. At one turn, Talia found'}, {'start': '2426.640', 'end': '2432.720', 'text': 'a partial mosaic that depicted a stylized figure\xa0\nkneeling before a rising sun, offering something'}, {'start': '2432.720', 'end': '2438.400', 'text': 'shaped like a spiral of gold. “That might\xa0\nbe it. The Risen Spiral,” she said softly.'}, {'start': '2438.400', 'end': '2444.880', 'text': 'The mosaic’s swirl extended to an adjoining\xa0\ncorridor. They followed it. Eventually,'}, {'start': '2444.880', 'end': '2450.240', 'text': 'they entered a modest vaulted room with\xa0\na sun-shaped window high above. A stone'}, {'start': '2450.240', 'end': '2454.960', 'text': 'altar stood in the center, carved\xa0\nwith swirling patterns. On top of it'}, {'start': '2454.960', 'end': '2460.320', 'text': 'lay a small metallic object shaped like\xa0\na spiral, just as the mosaic depicted.'}, {'start': '2460.320', 'end': '2463.360', 'text': 'Talia’s heart pounded. “There,” she whispered.'}, {'start': '2463.360', 'end': '2469.600', 'text': 'Axel approached carefully. As soon as Talia’s\xa0\nhand hovered above the spiral object, the old'}, {'start': '2469.600', 'end': '2475.920', 'text': 'runes on the altar flickered to life, verifying\xa0\nher identity. Then the spiral pulsed with golden'}, {'start': '2475.920', 'end': '2482.960', 'text': 'light, a sign of acceptance. She lifted it,\xa0\nfeeling the faint hum of ancient technology.'}, {'start': '2482.960', 'end': '2488.960', 'text': 'She closed her eyes, letting the object’s energy\xa0\nconfirm what her father’s files suggested.'}, {'start': '2488.960', 'end': '2494.880', 'text': 'A swirl of images formed in her mind—memories\xa0\nfrom the vow’s origin, how it was meant to'}, {'start': '2494.880', 'end': '2501.120', 'text': 'unify hearts in mutual devotion, not in forced\xa0\nsubjugation. Her father was right. This was'}, {'start': '2501.120', 'end': '2506.320', 'text': 'the definitive proof that the vow’s original\xa0\ntradition had been corrupted by the council.'}, {'start': '2506.320', 'end': '2513.280', 'text': 'A noise startled them: footsteps behind. The two\xa0\nenforcers. They’d found the room. Axel braced,'}, {'start': '2513.280', 'end': '2516.240', 'text': 'stepping protectively in front of Talia.'}, {'start': '2516.240', 'end': '2520.480', 'text': '“Well, well,” sneered the one\xa0\nwith the sidearm. “Lady Talia,'}, {'start': '2520.480', 'end': '2526.080', 'text': 'rummaging around in places you shouldn’t\xa0\nbe. That artifact belongs to the council.”'}, {'start': '2526.080', 'end': '2532.400', 'text': '“It belongs to the rightful keeper of the\xa0\nvow,” Talia retorted, voice steady. “And I'}, {'start': '2532.400', 'end': '2536.800', 'text': 'will present it at the hearing. Then\xa0\neveryone will know the vow’s truth.”'}, {'start': '2536.800', 'end': '2540.560', 'text': 'The second guard laughed coldly.\xa0\n“We can’t let that happen.”'}, {'start': '2540.560', 'end': '2543.760', 'text': 'Axel took a stance, calm but unwavering.'}, {'start': '2543.760', 'end': '2547.600', 'text': '“If you want the artifact, you’ll\xa0\nhave to go through me, fellas.”'}, {'start': '2547.600', 'end': '2554.160', 'text': 'They tried. The sidearm fired a crackle\xa0\nof greenish energy. Axel dove sideways,'}, {'start': '2554.160', 'end': '2558.640', 'text': 'managing to keep from a direct hit.\xa0\nTalia crouched behind the altar,'}, {'start': '2558.640', 'end': '2564.080', 'text': 'one hand gripping the spiral. She\xa0\nfocused on that swirl of golden power,'}, {'start': '2564.080', 'end': '2571.360', 'text': 'letting it sync with her vow energy. She felt the\xa0\nfamiliar warmth from Axel surge to her as well.'}, {'start': '2571.360', 'end': '2576.880', 'text': 'He had no illusions about his age or\xa0\nspeed, but with the vow’s link fueling him,'}, {'start': '2576.880', 'end': '2581.760', 'text': 'Axel felt a clarity that let him weave\xa0\naround the shots. He closed distance,'}, {'start': '2581.760', 'end': '2587.040', 'text': 'rapping the guard’s wrist so the sidearm\xa0\nskittered across the floor. A second later,'}, {'start': '2587.040', 'end': '2591.760', 'text': 'the other guard jabbed with the pulse\xa0\nstaff. Axel grunted at a half-contact'}, {'start': '2591.760', 'end': '2597.520', 'text': 'blow, but Talia blasted the staff with a\xa0\ntendril of violet that short-circuited it.'}, {'start': '2597.520', 'end': '2602.800', 'text': 'The first guard grabbed Axel’s jacket in a\xa0\ndesperate move. Axel responded with a swift'}, {'start': '2602.800', 'end': '2610.320', 'text': 'punch to the gut. The man crumpled. Talia pinned\xa0\nthe second with a manifested swirl of vow-energy,'}, {'start': '2610.320', 'end': '2615.600', 'text': 'forming invisible bonds. The entire\xa0\nscuffle took less than half a minute.'}, {'start': '2615.600', 'end': '2620.880', 'text': 'Axel straightened, rubbing his shoulder.\xa0\n“I’m definitely feeling that tomorrow.”'}, {'start': '2620.880', 'end': '2627.520', 'text': 'Talia, panting, held onto the spiral. “But we\xa0\nhave it. We should go before more show up.”'}, {'start': '2627.520', 'end': '2633.760', 'text': 'They hastened out of the temple, the artifact\xa0\nsafely in Talia’s bag. The hovercraft remained'}, {'start': '2633.760', 'end': '2639.520', 'text': 'where they’d left it, no sign of sabotage.\xa0\nThey took off, heading back to the city.'}, {'start': '2639.520', 'end': '2643.760', 'text': 'They returned late in the day,\xa0\nthe double suns hanging low,'}, {'start': '2643.760', 'end': '2649.680', 'text': 'bathing the curved towers in orange-green\xa0\ntwilight. Talia wasted no time. She marched'}, {'start': '2649.680', 'end': '2654.560', 'text': 'straight for the council building. The\xa0\nstaff there, flustered, tried to block her,'}, {'start': '2654.560', 'end': '2659.760', 'text': 'but she insisted it was urgent. Word of her\xa0\nsuccess in retrieving something from the Temple'}, {'start': '2659.760', 'end': '2666.640', 'text': 'of Dawn spread quickly. Soon enough, the council\xa0\nmembers were summoned into an emergency session.'}, {'start': '2666.640', 'end': '2673.280', 'text': 'Within minutes, Talia stood before the dais\xa0\nagain. This time, she held up the spiral object.'}, {'start': '2673.280', 'end': '2680.640', 'text': '“Council,” she declared, voice echoing. “This is\xa0\nthe Risen Spiral. A relic older than any of us.'}, {'start': '2680.640', 'end': '2685.520', 'text': 'It contains the uncorrupted knowledge\xa0\nof our vow. My father discovered that'}, {'start': '2685.520', 'end': '2689.680', 'text': 'you manipulated the vow’s traditions\xa0\nto maintain your power. You forced'}, {'start': '2689.680', 'end': '2695.040', 'text': 'me to attempt the vow unsafely,\xa0\nhoping I’d die. That ends now.”'}, {'start': '2695.040', 'end': '2700.640', 'text': 'She pressed a small button on the spiral.\xa0\nInstantly, a projection formed in midair:'}, {'start': '2700.640', 'end': '2707.040', 'text': 'the vow’s original texts, along with her father’s\xa0\nfinal message. In the flickering projection,'}, {'start': '2707.040', 'end': '2712.480', 'text': 'a recorded hologram of her father appeared,\xa0\nstating, “No one should be coerced into'}, {'start': '2712.480', 'end': '2718.480', 'text': 'union. The vow is sacred only when given\xa0\nfreely. Let all see the truth of our law.”'}, {'start': '2718.480', 'end': '2724.640', 'text': 'A stunned silence engulfed the chamber. Axel\xa0\nwatched each council member’s reaction. Some'}, {'start': '2724.640', 'end': '2729.760', 'text': 'paled, others looked outraged. The\xa0\nolder councilwoman from before spat,'}, {'start': '2729.760', 'end': '2735.200', 'text': '“These illusions prove nothing! We’ll\xa0\nclaim that the artifact is tampered with.”'}, {'start': '2735.200', 'end': '2740.880', 'text': 'Talia’s voice held steel. “I can verify its\xa0\nauthenticity with the temple archives. Your'}, {'start': '2740.880', 'end': '2747.200', 'text': 'own experts can do the same. Or shall we let the\xa0\nentire population see for themselves and decide?”'}, {'start': '2747.200', 'end': '2750.640', 'text': 'A wave of murmurs rippled\xa0\namong the lesser officials'}, {'start': '2750.640', 'end': '2755.920', 'text': 'gathered behind the dais. The veneer\xa0\nof unity among the council fractured.'}, {'start': '2755.920', 'end': '2760.560', 'text': '“You can’t do this,” the first robed\xa0\nman blurted. “We control the city.'}, {'start': '2760.560', 'end': '2762.880', 'text': 'The hearing is under our purview.”'}, {'start': '2762.880', 'end': '2767.120', 'text': 'A new voice spoke from the back\xa0\nof the chamber. “Not anymore.”'}, {'start': '2767.120', 'end': '2773.520', 'text': 'Heads turned. Axel followed suit. Standing\xa0\nin the doorway was a contingent of uniformed'}, {'start': '2773.520', 'end': '2779.200', 'text': 'guards—different from the typical black-silver\xa0\nuniform. Their leader, a gray-haired man with'}, {'start': '2779.200', 'end': '2785.360', 'text': 'wise eyes, stepped forward. “We are the external\xa0\nwatchers, assigned to watch for corruption within'}, {'start': '2785.360', 'end': '2792.960', 'text': 'the council. Lady Talia’s father once entrusted\xa0\nme with ensuring fairness. For years, we were lied'}, {'start': '2792.960', 'end': '2800.320', 'text': 'to, told Talia was missing, presumably dead. Now\xa0\nshe stands here in the open. That says plenty.”'}, {'start': '2800.320', 'end': '2806.160', 'text': 'The old council members looked furious, but\xa0\nTalia’s expression lit up with recognition.'}, {'start': '2806.160', 'end': '2811.760', 'text': '“Captain Rowin,” she breathed. “I remember you\xa0\nfrom my childhood. You served under my father.”'}, {'start': '2811.760', 'end': '2817.840', 'text': 'He bowed slightly. “I regret we didn’t arrive\xa0\nsooner. But your father’s final message pointed us'}, {'start': '2817.840', 'end': '2824.080', 'text': 'here. Once we saw your presence had returned, we\xa0\nput the pieces together.” He turned to the dais.'}, {'start': '2824.080', 'end': '2829.520', 'text': '“Council, you’ve overstepped your bounds.\xa0\nBy law, if the rightful vow-bearer returns'}, {'start': '2829.520', 'end': '2835.600', 'text': 'with proof of the vow’s corruption, the council\xa0\nmust stand down pending a full public inquiry.”'}, {'start': '2835.600', 'end': '2838.960', 'text': 'The robed figures sputtered,\xa0\nbut faced with the watchers,'}, {'start': '2838.960', 'end': '2844.640', 'text': 'they didn’t dare risk open defiance.\xa0\nSlowly, grudgingly, they stepped back.'}, {'start': '2844.640', 'end': '2849.280', 'text': 'Talia exhaled in relief. The watchers\xa0\nushered the council from the dais,'}, {'start': '2849.280', 'end': '2855.280', 'text': 'announcing they would be detained pending the\xa0\ninquiry. Axel, standing at Talia’s side, felt'}, {'start': '2855.280', 'end': '2861.920', 'text': 'a swell of pride for her. She’d stood up to them,\xa0\nproven her vow, and reclaimed her rightful place.'}, {'start': '2861.920', 'end': '2867.600', 'text': 'The watchers parted, making room.\xa0\nCaptain Rowin approached Talia. “My lady,'}, {'start': '2867.600', 'end': '2873.120', 'text': 'your father remains missing. But we\xa0\nhave leads. Rumor says certain renegade'}, {'start': '2873.120', 'end': '2879.280', 'text': 'council members might have imprisoned him in a\xa0\nhidden facility off-world. We’re pursuing it.”'}, {'start': '2879.280', 'end': '2885.840', 'text': 'Talia’s eyes brightened with hope. “Then I must\xa0\nhelp. I want to rescue him, no matter the cost.”'}, {'start': '2885.840', 'end': '2892.320', 'text': 'Rowin nodded. “As the legitimate successor, you\xa0\ncan command resources. We’ll follow your lead.”'}, {'start': '2892.320', 'end': '2898.640', 'text': 'She swallowed, glancing at Axel. Her voice\xa0\nwas soft but resolute. “We’ll start at once,'}, {'start': '2898.640', 'end': '2903.200', 'text': 'as soon as we can glean more from the Risen Spiral\xa0\nabout where they might have taken him. We have'}, {'start': '2903.200', 'end': '2909.360', 'text': 'only three days before the hearing, but with the\xa0\nwatchers behind us, we can expedite a search.”'}, {'start': '2909.360', 'end': '2914.320', 'text': 'Axel squeezed her shoulder gently.\xa0\n“We’ll find him. You can count on me.”'}, {'start': '2914.320', 'end': '2918.080', 'text': 'She turned, golden eyes shining. “I know.”'}, {'start': '2918.080', 'end': '2923.600', 'text': 'Over the next day and a half, Talia pored over\xa0\nthe spiral’s data with the watchers, searching'}, {'start': '2923.600', 'end': '2929.440', 'text': 'for any reference to off-world sites. Axel helped\xa0\nwith a couple of interstellar coordinates, calling'}, {'start': '2929.440', 'end': '2935.440', 'text': 'on his memory of Frontier Corps star charts.\xa0\nThe watchers mobilized a small rescue vessel.'}, {'start': '2935.440', 'end': '2939.440', 'text': 'A quiet sense of purpose settled\xa0\nover Talia and Axel. Yes,'}, {'start': '2939.440', 'end': '2944.640', 'text': 'the vow link bound them, but there was\xa0\nmore to it now—respect, a shared mission,'}, {'start': '2944.640', 'end': '2948.800', 'text': 'maybe even a deeper fondness that\xa0\ndefied words. In private moments,'}, {'start': '2948.800', 'end': '2954.800', 'text': 'Talia would rest her head on Axel’s shoulder,\xa0\nletting that steady warmth reassure her. In turn,'}, {'start': '2954.800', 'end': '2960.240', 'text': 'he felt more alive than he had in decades,\xa0\nforging a new path that truly mattered.'}, {'start': '2960.240', 'end': '2963.200', 'text': 'Finally, a set of coordinates emerged:'}, {'start': '2963.200', 'end': '2969.120', 'text': 'an abandoned prison station orbiting a gas giant.\xa0\nThe watchers believed Talia’s father was there,'}, {'start': '2969.120', 'end': '2974.560', 'text': 'held by a small group loyal to the corrupt\xa0\ncouncil. Talia insisted on going personally,'}, {'start': '2974.560', 'end': '2979.920', 'text': 'with Axel at her side. Rowin argued briefly\xa0\nbut realized he’d lose that argument.'}, {'start': '2979.920', 'end': '2986.240', 'text': 'They departed at dawn on a swift starcruiser.\xa0\nThe journey took half a day. Talia spent it'}, {'start': '2986.240', 'end': '2990.720', 'text': 'meditating, occasionally letting Axel\xa0\nshare glimpses of her mind through their'}, {'start': '2990.720', 'end': '2995.440', 'text': 'vow. They found it oddly comforting.\xa0\nThe vow that had once felt forced or'}, {'start': '2995.440', 'end': '2999.600', 'text': 'ominous now simply felt like\xa0\na quiet, supportive presence.'}, {'start': '2999.600', 'end': '3004.960', 'text': 'As the starcruiser neared the gas giant,\xa0\nscanners located the station. “Minimal'}, {'start': '3004.960', 'end': '3012.240', 'text': 'activity, life signs uncertain,” reported\xa0\na watcher officer. “No immediate defenses.”'}, {'start': '3012.240', 'end': '3018.720', 'text': 'Captain Rowin, controlling the ship, signaled.\xa0\n“We’ll dock at the airlock, then proceed on foot.”'}, {'start': '3018.720', 'end': '3024.000', 'text': 'Docking clamps engaged with a metallic\xa0\nclunk. The station was dark inside,'}, {'start': '3024.000', 'end': '3030.800', 'text': 'emergency lights flickering. Axel, Talia,\xa0\nRowin, and a small squad advanced carefully,'}, {'start': '3030.800', 'end': '3036.400', 'text': 'scanning each corridor. In the gloom,\xa0\nTalia sensed faint pulses of life.'}, {'start': '3036.400', 'end': '3042.160', 'text': 'She guided the group down a set of half-ruined\xa0\nstairs, eventually reaching a sealed door.'}, {'start': '3042.160', 'end': '3044.480', 'text': '“This must be it,” she whispered.'}, {'start': '3044.480', 'end': '3049.520', 'text': 'Axel stepped up to the control panel,\xa0\nbypassing ancient circuits. With a hiss,'}, {'start': '3049.520', 'end': '3056.400', 'text': 'the door opened. The stale air reeked of old\xa0\nchemicals. Within, a row of cells. One cell at the'}, {'start': '3056.400', 'end': '3063.280', 'text': 'far end glowed faintly from emergency lighting.\xa0\nTalia rushed over, peering through the bars.'}, {'start': '3063.280', 'end': '3068.400', 'text': 'Her father lay on a narrow cot,\xa0\nunmoving. A wave of dread crashed'}, {'start': '3068.400', 'end': '3074.000', 'text': 'through Talia. She frantically keyed\xa0\nthe cell’s release. The door slid open,'}, {'start': '3074.000', 'end': '3077.600', 'text': 'and she hurried inside, dropping\xa0\nto her knees beside him.'}, {'start': '3077.600', 'end': '3081.040', 'text': '“Father?” she breathed, voice trembling.'}, {'start': '3081.040', 'end': '3086.720', 'text': 'Axel knelt with her, gently checking the\xa0\nman’s vitals. The father was older than Talia,'}, {'start': '3086.720', 'end': '3092.640', 'text': 'obviously, with the same swirling pattern near\xa0\nhis temples, though his skin looked ashen.'}, {'start': '3092.640', 'end': '3097.520', 'text': '“He’s alive,” Axel said, relief\xa0\nin his tone. “But he’s weak.”'}, {'start': '3097.520', 'end': '3100.960', 'text': 'Talia’s tears brimmed. “We\xa0\ncan get him out of here.”'}, {'start': '3100.960', 'end': '3107.440', 'text': 'Captain Rowin signaled the squad. They carefully\xa0\nlifted Talia’s father onto a stretcher. As they'}, {'start': '3107.440', 'end': '3113.280', 'text': 'carried him out, Talia clutched Axel’s hand.\xa0\n“You found a new purpose, you once said. I'}, {'start': '3113.280', 'end': '3119.680', 'text': 'think… you just saved the last piece of my\xa0\nold world, the piece I was so afraid to lose.”'}, {'start': '3119.680', 'end': '3123.920', 'text': 'Axel squeezed her fingers.\xa0\n“We saved him together.”'}, {'start': '3123.920', 'end': '3130.720', 'text': 'Once aboard the starcruiser, the medics stabilized\xa0\nTalia’s father. He was unconscious but stable,'}, {'start': '3130.720', 'end': '3137.520', 'text': 'likely drugged for a long time. Talia hovered\xa0\nnear, anxiously stroking his hair. Axel stood'}, {'start': '3137.520', 'end': '3143.840', 'text': 'beside her, a steady presence. Rowin quietly\xa0\ninformed them that the watchers had full evidence'}, {'start': '3143.840', 'end': '3150.400', 'text': 'now to lay formal charges on the corrupt council\xa0\nfaction. Talia’s rightful inheritance was secure.'}, {'start': '3150.400', 'end': '3156.400', 'text': 'As the ship headed back to Sehenri Prime,\xa0\nTalia turned to Axel. “When my father wakes,'}, {'start': '3156.400', 'end': '3161.040', 'text': 'I’ll see about stepping into my role.\xa0\nAt least for a time, to help rebuild'}, {'start': '3161.040', 'end': '3167.280', 'text': 'trust in the vow. But… I’m not sure I want to\xa0\nremain locked in political intrigues forever.”'}, {'start': '3167.280', 'end': '3171.200', 'text': 'He nodded, recalling how she’d\xa0\nrun from these responsibilities.'}, {'start': '3171.200', 'end': '3176.560', 'text': '“It’s your home. Your people could use a\xa0\nleader who honors the vow’s true meaning.'}, {'start': '3176.560', 'end': '3179.760', 'text': 'But that doesn’t mean you have\xa0\nto live in a gilded cage.”'}, {'start': '3179.760', 'end': '3186.160', 'text': 'She laced her fingers through his. “Perhaps\xa0\nnot. Perhaps we can find a new path—one that'}, {'start': '3186.160', 'end': '3191.920', 'text': 'merges your love of exploring with my desire\xa0\nto reshape these old ways from the ground up.'}, {'start': '3191.920', 'end': '3196.480', 'text': 'If we can use my father’s knowledge,\xa0\nplus your experience traveling worlds,'}, {'start': '3196.480', 'end': '3202.240', 'text': 'maybe we can unify them all. Show people\xa0\nthe vow is about synergy, not oppression.”'}, {'start': '3202.240', 'end': '3208.560', 'text': 'Axel’s lips quirked. “That’s a big mission.\xa0\nBut the idea of traveling star to star,'}, {'start': '3208.560', 'end': '3214.640', 'text': 'teaching folks how this vow can actually\xa0\nbe a mutual blessing… I kind of like it.”'}, {'start': '3214.640', 'end': '3217.680', 'text': 'Talia laughed softly. “You’re sure? You’re not'}, {'start': '3217.680', 'end': '3221.760', 'text': 'put off by the idea of being\xa0\nroped into grand reforms?”'}, {'start': '3221.760', 'end': '3225.760', 'text': 'He shook his head. “Heck, I’ve\xa0\nspent too long hauling cargo.'}, {'start': '3225.760', 'end': '3230.320', 'text': 'Teaching folks how to connect with\xa0\neach other might be a welcome change.”'}, {'start': '3230.320', 'end': '3236.480', 'text': 'She leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder.\xa0\n“Then we’ll do it. And if my father recovers,'}, {'start': '3236.480', 'end': '3241.120', 'text': 'maybe he’ll join us or advise\xa0\nus. The future is wide open.”'}, {'start': '3241.120', 'end': '3246.880', 'text': 'His arm slipped around her waist, drawing\xa0\nher closer. “Yeah. I like that, Talia.”'}, {'start': '3246.880', 'end': '3252.560', 'text': 'They arrived to find the watchers had already\xa0\nbegun publicly sharing the evidence of corruption.'}, {'start': '3252.560', 'end': '3258.880', 'text': 'The city was abuzz with talk of Talia’s father\xa0\nbeing found. In days, the hearing convened, but'}, {'start': '3258.880', 'end': '3265.280', 'text': 'instead of Talia standing on trial, the disgraced\xa0\ncouncil members did. Talia presented the Risen'}, {'start': '3265.280', 'end': '3273.200', 'text': 'Spiral as final proof that no vow was valid unless\xa0\nfreely chosen. The watchers confirmed everything.'}, {'start': '3273.200', 'end': '3279.920', 'text': 'By the hearing’s end, Talia’s father was resting\xa0\nin a medical facility, expected to recover fully.'}, {'start': '3279.920', 'end': '3284.960', 'text': 'The conspirators who’d imprisoned him were\xa0\nplaced under arrest. Talia received official'}, {'start': '3284.960', 'end': '3290.720', 'text': 'confirmation of her status as rightful heir\xa0\nof the Sehenri domain—though she insisted on'}, {'start': '3290.720', 'end': '3296.720', 'text': 'modernizing the old systems, possibly disbanding\xa0\nthe notion of forced vow ceremonies for good.'}, {'start': '3296.720', 'end': '3303.600', 'text': 'In the final scene of that hearing, Talia publicly\xa0\nintroduced Axel as her partner. She spoke plainly:'}, {'start': '3303.600', 'end': '3310.400', 'text': '“He and I undertook the vow, not by force, but\xa0\nby choice in a dire situation. Our bond stands'}, {'start': '3310.400', 'end': '3316.880', 'text': 'as a testament that love and respect cross\xa0\nall boundaries, even that between species.”'}, {'start': '3316.880', 'end': '3323.040', 'text': 'Thunderous applause filled the chamber, surprising\xa0\nAxel. He’d never been on the receiving end of'}, {'start': '3323.040', 'end': '3329.120', 'text': 'such recognition. Talia just grasped his\xa0\nhand and smiled, eyes brimming with pride.'}, {'start': '3329.120', 'end': '3333.200', 'text': 'That evening, they stood again on the\xa0\nbalcony of the official residence,'}, {'start': '3333.200', 'end': '3339.680', 'text': 'gazing over a city that glowed with new hope.\xa0\nDistant fireworks popped, tiny bursts of color.'}, {'start': '3339.680', 'end': '3345.280', 'text': 'Talia’s father dozed in a clinic, safe,\xa0\nand a new era beckoned for the Sehenri.'}, {'start': '3345.280', 'end': '3352.640', 'text': 'Talia wore a simple robe of shimmering teal, hair\xa0\nunbound so the breeze could tousle it. She looked'}, {'start': '3352.640', 'end': '3359.520', 'text': 'at Axel with that quiet warmth he’d come to crave.\xa0\n“Today felt like an end, but also a beginning.”'}, {'start': '3359.520', 'end': '3365.520', 'text': 'He nodded, sliding an arm around her waist.\xa0\n“You can say that again. My life changed in a'}, {'start': '3365.520', 'end': '3371.280', 'text': 'heartbeat the moment you grabbed my arm in that\xa0\ntemple. Hard to believe it was just days ago.”'}, {'start': '3371.280', 'end': '3377.040', 'text': 'She leaned her head on his shoulder. “So\xa0\nmany changes, so fast. Are you… overwhelmed?”'}, {'start': '3377.040', 'end': '3382.640', 'text': 'He considered that. “Maybe a little. But in a good\xa0\nway. I’ve been drifting without a purpose for a'}, {'start': '3382.640', 'end': '3388.080', 'text': 'while now. This vow, you, your people—turns\xa0\nout maybe I was always meant to be here,'}, {'start': '3388.080', 'end': '3393.760', 'text': 'in some cosmic sense. Or maybe it’s just\xa0\nluck. Either way, I’m not complaining.”'}, {'start': '3393.760', 'end': '3399.760', 'text': 'She turned to face him. “Neither am I. And, you\xa0\nknow… we never finished that talk about dinner.”'}, {'start': '3399.760', 'end': '3405.520', 'text': 'A rumbling chuckle escaped his chest. “Dinner,\xa0\nhuh? Sure. I can cook up a meal, if you’ve'}, {'start': '3405.520', 'end': '3410.960', 'text': 'got the local ingredients. I might not be a\xa0\ncosmic wizard in the kitchen, but I’m decent.”'}, {'start': '3410.960', 'end': '3415.600', 'text': '“I’d love to taste your Earth recipes,”\xa0\nshe teased. Then her expression grew more'}, {'start': '3415.600', 'end': '3421.760', 'text': 'thoughtful. “But beyond dinner, I want to see\xa0\nif we can share more: your stories, your music,'}, {'start': '3421.760', 'end': '3427.440', 'text': 'your sense of humor.” Her voice quieted. “The\xa0\nvow might have started under desperation,'}, {'start': '3427.440', 'end': '3432.480', 'text': 'but I want it to flourish under\xa0\ngenuine love. If that’s a possibility.”'}, {'start': '3432.480', 'end': '3438.720', 'text': 'He felt his heart twinge with a tenderness he\xa0\nwasn’t accustomed to voicing. “I’d like that too.”'}, {'start': '3438.720', 'end': '3446.080', 'text': 'She smiled, radiance in her eyes. “Then it’s\xa0\nsettled. And after dinner… you’ll warm me, yes?”'}, {'start': '3446.080', 'end': '3451.120', 'text': 'A quick, amused snort escaped\xa0\nhim. “Yeah,” he said softly,'}, {'start': '3451.120', 'end': '3455.360', 'text': 'brushing a stray lock of her hair\xa0\nbehind her ear. “I’d like nothing more.”'}, {'start': '3455.360', 'end': '3459.440', 'text': 'They kissed there on the balcony, the\xa0\ncity lighting up the night behind them,'}, {'start': '3459.440', 'end': '3463.680', 'text': 'two hearts from different worlds bound\xa0\ntogether by a vow that was both cosmic'}, {'start': '3463.680', 'end': '3470.480', 'text': 'and profoundly simple—warmth freely given, a\xa0\ntrust that overcame the darkest conspiracies,'}, {'start': '3470.480', 'end': '3476.320', 'text': 'and a future shaped by courage and tenderness.\xa0\nIt was a second chance at life for them both.'}, {'start': '3476.320', 'end': '3480.320', 'text': 'Axel’s mind drifted to old lines\xa0\nhe’d heard in the Frontier Corps:'}, {'start': '3480.320', 'end': '3485.760', 'text': '“Home is where someone’s waiting for you.”\xa0\nIn Talia’s arms, he realized that might be'}, {'start': '3485.760', 'end': '3491.120', 'text': 'the greatest truth of all. And as she laughed\xa0\ngently and teased that she’d out-fly him in a'}, {'start': '3491.120', 'end': '3496.720', 'text': 'starship race if he wasn’t careful, he let\xa0\nout a content sigh. Maybe a man could find'}, {'start': '3496.720', 'end': '3502.080', 'text': 'renewed purpose at any age, if only he\xa0\nfound someone to share that warmth with.'}, {'start': '3502.080', 'end': '3508.480', 'text': 'They separated from the balcony rail to prepare a\xa0\nquiet dinner for two, the fireworks still echoing'}, {'start': '3508.480', 'end': '3514.160', 'text': 'in the distance, a promise of bright days to\xa0\ncome. Talia set the table, he rummaged through'}, {'start': '3514.160', 'end': '3519.680', 'text': 'the foreign pantry, both of them exchanging grins\xa0\nand jokes that only they would appreciate. Through'}, {'start': '3519.680', 'end': '3525.520', 'text': 'the window’s reflection, Axel caught sight of\xa0\nthem moving in tandem, and it struck him that'}, {'start': '3525.520', 'end': '3532.320', 'text': 'the bond was no longer just an artifact of cosmic\xa0\nritual—it was blossoming into something real.'}, {'start': '3532.320', 'end': '3536.640', 'text': 'Perhaps tomorrow they’d be off to free\xa0\nmore worlds from forced vow ceremonies'}, {'start': '3536.640', 'end': '3540.720', 'text': 'or root out more corruption. Perhaps\xa0\nthey’d stand with Talia’s father and'}, {'start': '3540.720', 'end': '3546.480', 'text': 'usher in a renaissance across Sehenri Prime.\xa0\nOr maybe they’d slip away on an old starship,'}, {'start': '3546.480', 'end': '3553.200', 'text': 'traveling between systems to spread the vow’s\xa0\ntrue meaning. The future sparkled with promise,'}, {'start': '3553.200', 'end': '3557.120', 'text': 'so unlike the hollow drifting\xa0\nhe’d known before meeting her.'}, {'start': '3557.120', 'end': '3562.400', 'text': 'For now, though, they had dinner. A\xa0\nchance to talk about the day, to laugh,'}, {'start': '3562.400', 'end': '3567.040', 'text': 'to share little details about their\xa0\nchildhoods and uncertain teenage years,'}, {'start': '3567.040', 'end': '3572.160', 'text': 'and all the adventures in between. Talia told\xa0\nhim about the ancient ballads her father once'}, {'start': '3572.160', 'end': '3577.360', 'text': 'played on a stringed instrument that sounded\xa0\nlike wind-chimes in a storm. Axel recalled'}, {'start': '3577.360', 'end': '3583.440', 'text': 'an old Earth tune from back in Colorado, how\xa0\nhe’d step outside at dusk, hearing the cicadas,'}, {'start': '3583.440', 'end': '3589.120', 'text': 'feeling the hush. Talia asked if Colorado was\xa0\na desert, too. He had to explain the mountains,'}, {'start': '3589.120', 'end': '3594.880', 'text': 'the pine forests, the swirl of snow in\xa0\nwinter. Her eyes lit up with wonder.'}, {'start': '3594.880', 'end': '3601.360', 'text': 'In that quiet moment, they discovered how easy\xa0\nit was to share, how natural. No temple illusions'}, {'start': '3601.360', 'end': '3608.640', 'text': 'were needed, no forced incantations—just the deep\xa0\nbreath of honest conversation. At some point,'}, {'start': '3608.640', 'end': '3614.880', 'text': 'Talia took his hand across the little table and\xa0\nsaid, softly, “I want to see your home someday.”'}, {'start': '3614.880', 'end': '3617.920', 'text': 'He nodded, chest full with that sense of calm joy.'}, {'start': '3617.920', 'end': '3622.080', 'text': '“We’ll make it happen. You\xa0\nand me, we can go anywhere.”'}, {'start': '3622.080', 'end': '3626.800', 'text': 'And for once, it didn’t sound like an\xa0\nempty line. It sounded like the truth.'}, {'start': '3626.800', 'end': '3632.960', 'text': 'The meal ended, the balcony lights dimmed,\xa0\nand Talia rose, stretching elegantly. She'}, {'start': '3632.960', 'end': '3638.240', 'text': 'turned to him, that wry smirk tugging\xa0\nthe corner of her lips. “Walk with me?”'}, {'start': '3638.240', 'end': '3642.560', 'text': 'He stood, took her arm. They strolled\xa0\nout to that vantage point again,'}, {'start': '3642.560', 'end': '3647.600', 'text': 'the city beneath them calmer now, with\xa0\nonly distant lights shimmering across'}, {'start': '3647.600', 'end': '3653.680', 'text': 'the spires. Stars dotted the alien sky\xa0\noverhead. She leaned against the railing,'}, {'start': '3653.680', 'end': '3659.600', 'text': 'the faint breeze tousling her hair, and he\xa0\nrested a palm on her waist, pulling her close.'}, {'start': '3659.600', 'end': '3661.440', 'text': 'In the hush, she said,'}, {'start': '3661.440', 'end': '3665.920', 'text': '“You realize we never predicted any of\xa0\nthis when I asked you to ‘warm me.’”'}, {'start': '3665.920', 'end': '3672.000', 'text': 'He laughed, a low, warm rumble. “No kidding.\xa0\nI thought you were literally just cold.”'}, {'start': '3672.000', 'end': '3678.560', 'text': 'Her voice turned playful. “Maybe I was. But it\xa0\nturns out you gave me far more than body heat.”'}, {'start': '3678.560', 'end': '3681.440', 'text': 'He brushed his lips against her temple. “And you'}, {'start': '3681.440', 'end': '3685.600', 'text': 'gave me more than a mission. You\xa0\ngave me a reason to keep going.”'}, {'start': '3685.600', 'end': '3691.440', 'text': 'The vow glimmered between them like a living\xa0\npresence, but it no longer felt foreign or forced.'}, {'start': '3691.440', 'end': '3694.960', 'text': 'It felt like a reflection of\xa0\nwhat they willingly shared,'}, {'start': '3694.960', 'end': '3699.840', 'text': 'deepening every time they touched,\xa0\nevery time they confided in each other.'}, {'start': '3699.840', 'end': '3705.280', 'text': 'She rested her head on his shoulder. “We\xa0\nhave so much to do. Rebuilding trust,'}, {'start': '3705.280', 'end': '3710.960', 'text': 'ensuring fairness for future vow candidates,\xa0\ninvestigating all the reforms my father wanted.”'}, {'start': '3710.960', 'end': '3715.200', 'text': 'She gazed up at him with that luminous\xa0\nhonesty. “You don’t have to stay for the'}, {'start': '3715.200', 'end': '3720.400', 'text': 'politics if you don’t want to. I mean,\xa0\nyou can come and go. I’ll understand.”'}, {'start': '3720.400', 'end': '3724.800', 'text': 'But he shook his head. “I’m not\xa0\ngoing anywhere. This vow is ours,'}, {'start': '3724.800', 'end': '3729.120', 'text': 'no matter what else happens. And it’s\xa0\nnot about being stuck. It’s about being'}, {'start': '3729.120', 'end': '3734.160', 'text': 'chosen by each other, every single day.\xa0\nThat’s what free will looks like, right?”'}, {'start': '3734.160', 'end': '3741.200', 'text': 'Her eyes glistened. “Yes. That’s what I’ve always\xa0\nwanted: a vow that meant unity, not chains.”'}, {'start': '3741.200', 'end': '3746.160', 'text': 'He lowered his face, and their\xa0\nmouths met once more, a gentle,'}, {'start': '3746.160', 'end': '3752.160', 'text': 'lingering kiss under alien starlight. There\xa0\nwas no mandatory ceremony to complete now,'}, {'start': '3752.160', 'end': '3757.600', 'text': 'no watchers or illusions. Only the\xa0\nhush of night, the brush of her breath,'}, {'start': '3757.600', 'end': '3763.600', 'text': 'and a man nearing his late fifties finding a\xa0\nspark of life in a place he never expected.'}, {'start': '3763.600', 'end': '3769.600', 'text': 'Later, they stayed up talking until both were\xa0\nyawning, but neither wanted to part. Eventually,'}, {'start': '3769.600', 'end': '3774.960', 'text': 'they fell asleep in each other’s arms, the\xa0\nvow’s subtle glow cradling them in a sense'}, {'start': '3774.960', 'end': '3781.760', 'text': 'of safety and acceptance that Axel—hard-edged\xa0\nfrom a life of uncertain wars—hadn’t known he'}, {'start': '3781.760', 'end': '3789.520', 'text': 'craved so badly. Talia, too, found solace from\xa0\nthe burdens of a destiny that had loomed over her.'}, {'start': '3789.520', 'end': '3795.120', 'text': 'Morning would bring fresh tasks—leading,\xa0\nsearching for her father’s final answers,'}, {'start': '3795.120', 'end': '3800.080', 'text': 'building a new era for Sehenri Prime.\xa0\nFor Axel, it would be more than he’d'}, {'start': '3800.080', 'end': '3804.880', 'text': 'ever expected to handle in life after\xa0\nthe Frontier Corps. Yet he realized,'}, {'start': '3804.880', 'end': '3810.320', 'text': 'in the quiet of that nighttime hush, that\xa0\nstepping away from the city or from Talia'}, {'start': '3810.320', 'end': '3816.400', 'text': 'was unthinkable. He’d earned a rest from\xa0\nwar, sure, but not from living with purpose.'}, {'start': '3816.400', 'end': '3822.160', 'text': 'By the time the new day’s sun rose over Sehenri\xa0\nPrime, the watchers had begun preparations to'}, {'start': '3822.160', 'end': '3826.880', 'text': 'restore honest leadership, Talia’s father\xa0\nwas receiving advanced medical care,'}, {'start': '3826.880', 'end': '3833.600', 'text': 'and Talia herself was recognized as the rightful\xa0\ncaretaker of the vow. Axel Johansen, the older,'}, {'start': '3833.600', 'end': '3840.240', 'text': 'battered pilot from Earth, had become a fixture at\xa0\nher side—her partner in every sense. Some called'}, {'start': '3840.240', 'end': '3846.080', 'text': 'him the “human consort,” which still made\xa0\nhim chuckle. But as Talia often teased him,'}, {'start': '3846.080', 'end': '3850.880', 'text': 'a consort was not a subordinate—he was\xa0\nsimply the one who carried the flame,'}, {'start': '3850.880', 'end': '3854.560', 'text': 'the warmth she needed, the\xa0\nman who walked beside her.'}, {'start': '3854.560', 'end': '3858.960', 'text': 'They emerged from their private rooms\xa0\nthat morning to begin the next steps:'}, {'start': '3858.960', 'end': '3864.080', 'text': 'encouraging the watchers to call an open\xa0\nforum, unveiling the vow’s real history to'}, {'start': '3864.080', 'end': '3867.600', 'text': 'the entire population, and letting\xa0\nthem decide if they wanted to keep'}, {'start': '3867.600', 'end': '3873.280', 'text': 'or discard that ancient tradition. Talia\xa0\nintended to propose a new vow system that'}, {'start': '3873.280', 'end': '3878.960', 'text': 'couples could enter voluntarily, but never\xa0\nby force, with the Risen Spiral as a guide.'}, {'start': '3878.960', 'end': '3884.240', 'text': 'All the while, she and Axel planned the next\xa0\nrescue mission for her father’s full story.'}, {'start': '3884.240', 'end': '3889.520', 'text': 'The watchers had leads on other corruption in\xa0\nneighboring worlds—some entire satellites had'}, {'start': '3889.520', 'end': '3896.000', 'text': 'used forced vow ceremonies for enthralling labor\xa0\nforces. Talia wanted to put an end to that. Axel,'}, {'start': '3896.000', 'end': '3901.600', 'text': 'of course, refused to let her go alone. He guessed\xa0\nthey might hop from star system to star system,'}, {'start': '3901.600', 'end': '3906.560', 'text': 'meeting the oppressed and showing them how\xa0\nthe vow could be a gift, not a shackle.'}, {'start': '3906.560', 'end': '3912.400', 'text': 'He joked once that maybe he’d open a little cafe\xa0\nin each place, serve coffee or tea with a side of'}, {'start': '3912.400', 'end': '3917.840', 'text': 'vow counseling. Talia had giggled, reminding\xa0\nhim how she first asked him to warm her,'}, {'start': '3917.840', 'end': '3921.840', 'text': 'and the rest was cosmic fate. They\xa0\nteased each other about it often,'}, {'start': '3921.840', 'end': '3928.320', 'text': 'weaving jokes into the heavy responsibilities they\xa0\nfaced. Because humor made those burdens easier,'}, {'start': '3928.320', 'end': '3932.960', 'text': 'especially for an ex-soldier who’d learned\xa0\nthat laughter could keep fear at bay,'}, {'start': '3932.960', 'end': '3937.520', 'text': 'and for a newly minted leader who had to\xa0\nstand firm against centuries of tradition.'}, {'start': '3937.520', 'end': '3943.360', 'text': 'They found that their nights were quieter now,\xa0\nfree from the memory of illusions. Their bond'}, {'start': '3943.360', 'end': '3950.800', 'text': 'no longer demanded dramatic glowing vortexes or\xa0\ntemple chants. Instead, it manifested in small'}, {'start': '3950.800', 'end': '3957.600', 'text': 'gestures: a hand on the other’s back when stepping\xa0\nthrough a crowd, a shared grin at an inside joke,'}, {'start': '3957.600', 'end': '3962.640', 'text': 'a comforting presence in the middle of a\xa0\nspeech to the populace. The vow’s energy'}, {'start': '3962.640', 'end': '3969.200', 'text': 'moved in them constantly, but it felt as natural\xa0\nas a heartbeat. And so it was that an older Earth'}, {'start': '3969.200', 'end': '3974.400', 'text': 'man who once felt life had moved on without\xa0\nhim discovered a place where he belonged,'}, {'start': '3974.400', 'end': '3980.560', 'text': 'and a lonely alien woman shouldering centuries\xa0\nof tradition found her unexpected champion.'}, {'start': '3980.560', 'end': '3985.760', 'text': 'As the new day’s tasks called, they’d face\xa0\nthem united. For though Talia had needed'}, {'start': '3985.760', 'end': '3990.480', 'text': 'his warmth to survive the temple, it was\xa0\nAxel who realized she was also giving him'}, {'start': '3990.480', 'end': '3995.760', 'text': 'a warmth he’d been missing—an emotional\xa0\nfurnace stoking the fires of hope in his'}, {'start': '3995.760', 'end': '4002.800', 'text': 'chest. No more drifting. No more half-hearted\xa0\nexistence. This was life, real and urgent.'}, {'start': '4002.800', 'end': '4008.960', 'text': 'Down in the city streets, rumors spread of the\xa0\n“human consort” who fought illusions in the old'}, {'start': '4008.960', 'end': '4014.560', 'text': 'temple, who threatened the council without\xa0\nfear, who stood by Lady Talia like a silent'}, {'start': '4014.560', 'end': '4021.120', 'text': 'fortress. Some whispered that he was unstoppable,\xa0\nbearing cosmic powers of an Earth soldier-king,'}, {'start': '4021.120', 'end': '4027.520', 'text': 'which made Axel laugh. Others said the vow must\xa0\nbe absolute if a man from another star could'}, {'start': '4027.520', 'end': '4034.720', 'text': 'become the partner of their line. Talia let those\xa0\nrumors swirl, knowing that, in truth, it was the'}, {'start': '4034.720', 'end': '4040.560', 'text': 'simplest connection: two souls who needed each\xa0\nother’s strengths and vulnerabilities alike.'}, {'start': '4040.560', 'end': '4045.360', 'text': 'In the end, the vow meant they were bound,\xa0\nbut they both found it was a bond they happily'}, {'start': '4045.360', 'end': '4050.800', 'text': 'chose. And if any day in the future they\xa0\nwoke up in separate corners of the galaxy,'}, {'start': '4050.800', 'end': '4057.600', 'text': 'they knew that bond would pull them back together\xa0\nin heartbeat. Because the vow was no mere chain—it'}, {'start': '4057.600', 'end': '4063.280', 'text': 'was a reflection of the love they offered\xa0\neach other, wholeheartedly and without regret.'}, {'start': '4063.280', 'end': '4068.480', 'text': 'For all the swirling glyphs, cosmic\xa0\nillusions, and political conspiracies,'}, {'start': '4068.480', 'end': '4072.880', 'text': 'perhaps the real magic was that an old\xa0\nsoldier and a displaced heir found a'}, {'start': '4072.880', 'end': '4078.880', 'text': 'bond that cut through loneliness and fear.\xa0\nAs Talia once said: “My father taught me'}, {'start': '4078.880', 'end': '4084.080', 'text': 'there’s no power stronger than two people who\xa0\nwillingly share who they are with each other.”'}, {'start': '4084.080', 'end': '4090.000', 'text': 'Axel never forgot that. On nights when the city\xa0\nwas quiet and Talia’s father still recovering'}, {'start': '4090.000', 'end': '4095.120', 'text': 'in the next room, when Talia leaned against\xa0\nhim and asked if he’d warm her once more,'}, {'start': '4095.120', 'end': '4099.840', 'text': 'he smiled and kissed her softly.\xa0\nBecause that was who he was:'}, {'start': '4099.840', 'end': '4104.880', 'text': 'a man who’d found a reason to keep living\xa0\nboldly, a reason to keep his heart open.'}, {'start': '4104.880', 'end': '4109.840', 'text': 'And in some corner of the cosmos, the ancient\xa0\ntemple that had locked them in for that fateful'}, {'start': '4109.840', 'end': '4116.640', 'text': 'night remained at peace, its wards dormant,\xa0\ncontent that its rightful vow was sealed. No more'}, {'start': '4116.640', 'end': '4123.600', 'text': 'illusions or forced rituals needed—only the\xa0\nenduring warmth of two souls bound by choice,'}, {'start': '4123.600', 'end': '4126.960', 'text': 'lighting each other’s paths\xa0\nthrough starfields unknown.'}, {'start': '4126.960', 'end': '4131.280', 'text': 'Yes, Talia and Axel would have\xa0\nmore adventures, more challenges,'}, {'start': '4131.280', 'end': '4136.080', 'text': 'and definitely more political headaches.\xa0\nBut one thing was certain: they’d face it'}, {'start': '4136.080', 'end': '4142.560', 'text': 'all together. She asked him to warm her, and\xa0\nthat simple plea changed both their worlds,'}, {'start': '4142.560', 'end': '4147.920', 'text': 'forging a bond unbreakable in the face of\xa0\ncenturies-old secrets. And in that bond,'}, {'start': '4147.920', 'end': '4153.963', 'text': 'they found not just survival, but love—the\xa0\nreal kind, the kind that never truly ends.'}]