Close Remembrance (The Krinar Chronicles 3)

As one, the crowd stood up and began stomping their feet in the Krinar version of clapping. The floor shook as a hundred thousand guests stomped in unison and cheered for them. Taking Mia’s hand, Korum lifted their joined palms into the air, whipping the crowd into an even greater frenzy.

It was time to celebrate.

* * *

Mia couldn’t stop laughing as her husband whirled her around the dance floor, as effortlessly as if she was a doll. All around them, other Krinar couples were dancing too, their movements so complex and fluid that Mia would never be able to replicate them on her own. Her family was watching from the sidelines, looking as awed as Mia felt at the inhuman grace and athleticism of the dancers.

Despite the traditionally human wedding ceremony, the party afterwards was decidedly alien. It reminded Mia of Leeta’s union celebration in Lenkarda. Everything, from the exotic music to the corner location of the dance floors, was purely Krinar. Floating seats, reflective walls, and shiny decorations abounded.

Mia could see that her parents were overwhelmed by all the glitter and the gorgeous crowds surrounding them. Marisa and Connor, on the other hand, seemed to love it. Mia’s brother-in-law even tasted one of the local alcoholic beverages. “Strong shit,” he said approvingly after his eyes stopped watering. Mia and the others stuck to the refreshing pink juice cocktail, unwilling to try anything strong enough to give Ks a buzz. After a little while, Korum’s parents joined Mia’s family, and they all conversed while Korum stole Mia away to the dance floor.

After about an hour of vigorous dancing, Mia had to beg for mercy. “You realize I’m human, right?” she laughingly told Korum, stopping to catch her breath.

At that moment, they were approached by a tall Krinar man. “Congratulations,” he said, smiling at them. “I’m Kellon, Ellet’s cousin.”

Korum smiled back, and they exchanged the traditional Krinar greeting, touching each other’s shoulder with their palms.

“I have a wedding gift for you,” Kellon said, “from Ellet.”

“Oh?” Korum arched his eyebrows, and Mia looked at the K. What did the human biology expert want to give them?

“For the past several years, Ellet has been working on a very ambitious project,” Kellon said, “and she finally had a big breakthrough last night. It’s something that would be of particular interest to you both – which is why she asked me to approach you today, during your wedding.”

“What is it?” Mia asked, unbearably curious.

“She has been trying to figure out how humans and Krinar could have biological offspring together . . . and she thinks she finally has a solution.”

“A solution?” Mia whispered, hardly daring to believe her ears. “Are you talking about human-Krinar babies?” Her husband seemed to be frozen in place, staring at the other K in shock.

“Yes,” Kellon confirmed. “The process is far from perfect yet, and Ellet has a lot of kinks to work out, but she’s been able to figure out how to combine the DNA from both species in such a way as to produce viable offspring. A few more years and the two of you may be able to have a child – if you’re so inclined, of course.”

“Is she sure?” Korum’s voice was calm, but his eyes were nearly yellow with strong emotion. “Is Ellet absolutely sure about this? If this is just some simulation she ran –”

“No,” Kellon said, “she’s sure. She’s run at least a hundred simulations, and every single one of them produced the same results. For the first time ever, it’s going to be possible for charl and cheren to have children together.”

“Thank you, Kellon,” Mia said thickly, “and please thank Ellet for us. This . . this is the best wedding gift we could’ve received.” She felt like she would burst into tears at any moment, and she looked away, blinking furiously to hold back the moisture that filled her eyes. A child with Korum! It was beyond her wildest dreams.

“Yes,” Korum said softly, “please convey our most sincere thanks to Ellet. She has our gratitude.”

Kellon inclined his head respectfully and walked away, melting into the crowd.

As soon as he was gone, Mia turned to her husband. “A baby! Oh my God, Korum, a baby!” She grabbed his hand, squeezing it between her palms in excitement.

“A baby,” he repeated, and there was a strange expression on his face. “Our baby.”

Some of Mia’s excitement waned. “You . . . You do want a child, right?” she asked uncertainly. “I mean, I know it would be partially human and everything –”

“Want one?” He stared at her like she had just grown two heads. When he spoke again, his voice was low and filled with intensity. “Mia, my sweet, I love you. A child who would be part you and part me? How could I not want that?” Covering her hands with his other palm, he drew her toward him, his eyes gleaming. “I want it very, very much.”

Mia beamed at him, feeling like her heart would overflow with happiness. “If we had a daughter, we could call her Ivy. I’ve always loved that name. What do you think?”

“I think I like it very much,” he murmured, bending his head and giving her a deep, passionate kiss.

They decided to share the news with their families after the wedding. There were simply too many people around right now for such an important – and private – announcement. Still, Mia couldn’t get her mind off Ellet’s gift.

“Do you think the procedure will be perfected by the time I’m thirty?” she asked Korum as he led her back to the dance floor. “I’ve always wanted to have a baby before I was thirty –”

“Thirty?” Her husband laughed. “Mia, darling, your age is irrelevant now. Our child could be born when you’re thirty – or whe