The station was quiet now.
Emergency lights still pulsed along the corridors, but the chaos had passed, replaced by the ordered hum of Imperial control.
Hostages were escorted away under guard, pirates bound and catalogued like inventory. The Vigilant Flame loomed outside the viewport, unwavering, watchful.
Leofric stood near the docking airlock, helm tucked beneath his arm. His officers waited at a respectful distance, giving the brothers space neither would ask for aloud.
"I won't insult you by trying to call you home," Leofric said at last.
Leonidas leaned against the bulkhead, arms folded. He had removed his gloves; his hands were still faintly trembling, the echo of battle slow to fade.
"That would be wasted breath."
Leofric smiled faintly. "I thought so."
For a moment, neither spoke. Years pressed in, the roads not taken, the choices made too early and paid for too often.
"I have missed you, little brother," Leofric continued, voice lower now. "But I see that the path you have chosen, is one you must see to the end."
Leonidas met his gaze steadily. "I hope that maybe in time, yours might cross with mine too."
Leofric studied him, then nodded once.
"Then I wish you good fortune in the battles to come. You'll need it."
The words were formal. The meaning was not.
Leonidas hesitated, then spoke. "Illiana… is she well?"
Leofric's expression changed subtle, but Leonidas caught it.
A tightening around the eyes. A pause measured too carefully.
"She serves as a diplomatic envoy on Rodus now," Leofric said. "Capable as ever. Respected."
Leonidas exhaled slowly. He had known she would endure. That had never been the question.
"She is… protected," Leofric added. "By the royal guard."
Leonidas' jaw tightened.
"In case I decide to break Imperial Law," he said flatly.
Leofric did not deny it.
Silence stretched between them.
Leonidas looked away, eyes drifting to the stars beyond the viewport. "I wanted to ask..." He stopped himself, the words dying before they could form.
Leofric watched him closely. "If she hates you?"
Leonidas said nothing.
"She does not," Leofric said gently. "But neither does she forgive the world for making the choice impossible."
That landed harder than any accusation.
Leofric shifted his stance. "Do you regret it?"
Leonidas turned back to him. "Regret what?"
"Marrying someone you are forbidden to see," Leofric said. "Someone you cannot touch. Cannot protect. Cannot even speak to without consequences."
The question was not political. It was deeply, painfully personal.
Leonidas did not answer at once.
He thought of stolen moments and whispered vows. Of hands clasped briefly in shadow. Of a love the Empire could neither sanction nor erase.
"No," he said at last. His voice was steady. "If given the chance, I would do it all the same again. Every time."
Leofric closed his eyes briefly, as if weighing something heavy in his chest. When he opened them, there was no judgment there only understanding.
"Then you are braver than I am," he said.
Leonidas shook his head. "No. Just more stubborn."
A quiet laugh escaped Leofric before he could stop it.
They stood there for a moment longer, brothers divided by duty but bound by blood. Then Leofric straightened, the Imperial commander returning like armor settling into place.
"I must return to my ship," he said. "There will be reports. Questions. Eyes watching."
Leonidas inclined his head. "Give them nothing they can use."
Leofric hesitated, then clasped Leonidas' forearm—firm, brief, final.
"Whatever happens," he said, "House Lionhart will always be your home. "
Leonidas returned the grip.
Leofric stepped back, helm on, mask complete once more. He turned and walked toward the airlock without looking back.
Leonidas watched until the doors sealed shut.
Only then did he allow himself to breathe.
The Lion's Gaze awaited him.
The void awaited him.
And somewhere beyond law and distance, so did she.
He squared his shoulders and turned away.
There were battles yet to come—and he would face them without regret.