That afternoon, they found two policemen at the station. Arabella was composed. She was aware that her parents no longer existed in this universe. Their lifeless bodies were all that remained of them. And soon, she too would disappear and become stardust scattered across the cosmos, becoming part of it. The emptiness would be filled with the memories she had created with them. She had one more day to resolve everything. She needed to do something useful that would reveal the truth to her. Impatiently, she stood in front of the counter, waiting for the investigation to begin. That investigation was the last thing left and would lead her into peaceful solitude.

– Duty calls! – Orion shouted after ringing the bell on the counter.

The policemen jolted awake from their deep sleep and prepared to greet them.

– What duty, kids? – they asked in unison.

– Good day. I want to report a murder case in my house, – Arabella said.

– A murder? – one policeman asked in surprise.

– Yes, a murder – she repeated.

– How did you find out about the murder, and how do you live on this planet and not on Syrinx? – the other policeman asked.

– We had a project that required us to come here to conduct detailed research, – Orion began explaining.

– I also had a task that I completed in a short time, so I decided to visit my parents, – she added.

– And then I went to our house. I didn't get any response when I knocked on the door. I waited for a few minutes, but no one came out. Then I grabbed the latch, and the door was unlocked. I entered the house and found my parents dead in the living room.

A quiet sorrow appeared on her face.

– All right, what is your address?

– 555, near the main square.

– Good, wait a moment while we prepare, then we'll go to the crime scene.

Arabella and Orion stepped away from the counter and stood near the front door.

– We have to go back. We need to head to planet Cyno to finish the project and transport materials needed for our planet, – he told her.

– I'm not going! – she said firmly.

– I want to be here during the investigation, and I want to settle things.

– You don't have anyone with you, and you can't handle this alone. Come with me. We'll be back quickly.

– There's no need for that. I can handle everything on my own now... And anyway, the investigation is about to start... In any case, thank you very much.

– How will you get back to Syrinx?

– I'll manage somehow, you can go now.

– As you say, – he shrugged and left.

She was left alone in that police station, soon joined by a group of officers who then went with her to the crime scene. The investigation began. Arabella stood watching all the scenes unfolding skillfully before her. She was frozen in time and space. The policemen questioned her about the case, and she answered absentmindedly. She wished someone was by her side now. She wished he was there, wrapping his arms around her, so she could feel once again the sense of home, warmth, and safety. At this moment, when the mystery of her parents' murder would soon be revealed, he was the one she needed the most.

The police were soon wrapping up their investigation, and she stepped outside onto the house's porch to clear her mind. She closed her eyes and let the moon caress her silvery skin. She felt relief. Shortly after, she heard the footsteps of the officers coming out of the house. They were carrying their equipment back to the car, and one policeman stopped by her.

– The investigation is complete. Early tomorrow morning, we'll have more concrete details about the murder, – he told her.

– All right, thank you, – she paused.

– What will happen to their bodies?

– Stay inside the house and wait a bit. In about an hour, emergency services will come to transport them.

– All right, thank you for the information.

– No need to thank me, child. I'm sorry for your loss... you're quite young. –

– I knew your parents, and they were very good beings. I believe they raised you well, – he continued.

– They were the best parents and the best beings that exist, but what's done is done... All I have left are memories and beautiful moments.

– Exactly. A being lives as long as memories of them exist. And don't worry, this will all pass quickly, and you'll return to your life without any problems. If you need anything, I'm here.

The conversation with him managed to lift her spirits just a little, as she could notice sincere emotions paired with a warm, gentle smile.

– All right, thank you once again.

– I should get going now. Work awaits. Take care and goodbye.

– Goodbye, and I wish you the best of luck! – she said respectfully, and he turned and nodded, giving her another gentle smile.

She watched the police car leave and went back inside the house. Stepping in, the coldness embraced her. She saw the dead bodies again. Everything that pierced her to the core returned. She decided to go outside until the emergency help arrived. She couldn't stay there any longer. She sat on the bench behind the house. Once, she had sat here with her parents, playing all sorts of board games and having fun. Now, she was completely alone. She lifted her gaze to the endless cosmos and allowed herself to get lost in her own chaotic thoughts.

– This place here, next to you, is taken now, just so you know – he said to her.
She turned her gaze toward the voice and saw Orion. He was sitting beside her, his dark eyes fixed on her creature.
– Wh-where are you h-here? – she stammered.
Seeing him made everything feel easier.
– I can't leave you alone.
– Why?
– Because inside me, there's a force stronger than myself – he said slowly, so softly and sweetly.
– I thought that force couldn't overcome your hatred towards me.
– Damn that hatred. Do you really think I could hate you? And do you consider us enemies?
The moment they shared completely faded away. They looked into all the secrets and emotions their eyes hid. She saw his gentle side, which she was sure he had.
The frozen moment was broken by the siren of the ambulance. It echoed eerily in Arabella's ears. Even though it wasn't close yet, she could hear it. Her weak body twitched briefly, and she immediately got up from the bench. She waited for them to arrive. Orion watched her, then followed the arriving medics. They quickly ran out of the van and came to meet them.
– Good day, as you already know, we are here to transport the dead bodies – one of them quickly said.
– Alright – Arabella answered without moving from where she stood.
She felt nothing. Orion kept watching her and realized she wasn't okay.
– Where are the bodies? – the medics asked.
– This way – Orion led them.
They followed him, while Arabella remained rooted in place, watching them move away from her. She started following but couldn't go further than the porch. She decided to wait there. They stayed briefly, then Orion came out first, followed by the medics carrying stretchers. On them were bodies covered with white sheets. They immediately headed to the van. One medic stayed back and addressed Arabella:
– Their bodies will turn into stardust by tomorrow at noon. The ceremony will be held on the hospital's top floor.
– Okay.
– Do you have any additional questions or requests?
– No.
– Good... then have a pleasant day! – said the medic and briskly headed to the van.
Arabella and Orion were alone again. She sadly watched their departure and entered the house, feeling broken. Orion followed her. She saw that everything in the living room was clean and neat. It made her feel a little better. She sat on the chair where her mother once used to sit. She was silent. Orion joined her at the other end and shared that quiet with her. After a while, he broke the silence:
– What now?
– I don't know – she answered dreamily and absentmindedly.
Silence followed, then she continued:
– Tomorrow morning I'm going to the police station to wait for the investigation results, and at the agreed time, I'm going to the hospital. You can stay here.
– No, I'll come with you – he replied decisively.
– There's no need.
– There absolutely is!
– Why do you suddenly act like you care about me? – she carefully observed and studied every line of his face.
– You're a resident of the planet I rule, and because of that, I need to take good care of you.
Saying that, he was lying to both her and mostly to himself.
– Besides, you're also my assistant – he continued, thinking it would further justify his previous answer.
– Why do you suddenly care so much about your people, especially your deputy?
– Is it possible you're still this annoying?
– Don't answer a question with a question.
– I'm just curious.
– Oh, what a coincidence! So am I.
– Well then, stop it. Too much curiosity will only lead you to trouble.
– Just like you. We'll be in this together.
– Looking forward to that company then!
– I'm going to sleep.
– Wait!
– What do you want?
– Where will I sleep?
– You have the whole house at your disposal... You'll at least survive the night easier in this house – she said, already opening the door to her room.
She found herself again in the room of her childhood. It remained untouched since her last stay. This room was completely different from her room on Syrinx. It was full of toys, and bright, cheerful colors. It smelled like a child's scent—innocent and joyful, then turned into something suffocating. Once, this was the room where she created her wishes and dreamed of them, now it was the space where she would barely survive the night.
She leaned on the yellow cushions arranged on the bed. She couldn't close her eyes and fall asleep because restlessness ruled inside her. After an hour, she heard knocking on the door.
– What do you want?
– Are you asleep?
– I am.
– Good – as soon as he said that, the door opened.
His entrance was like the Sun after a fierce storm. He lit up her darkness, even though he himself was the greatest darkness in the universe. She stood up from the half-sitting position and sat on the bed. He sat next to her. The small amount of light illuminating the room was enough to see the moonlight shining on his black, tousled hair. She observed the sight. She could feel his black eyes watching her. His lips were relaxed. Now she looked at them, too. She had dreamed about them, day and night.

– I knew you weren't sleeping, I wanted to see how you were and if everything was okay? – he broke the silence, looking worried.

– How did you know I wasn't sleeping?

– I know you well enough.

– You just think that.

– Come on, we both know each other very well.

– Don't be so sure.

– You didn't answer my question.

– Who said I have to? – she avoided giving him an answer.

She wanted to tell him all her feelings, but she was afraid. Most of all, she was afraid of his later repulsion.

– I said that. I want to know if you are okay?

– Yes – she answered him quickly and quietly.

He knew the answer wasn't true and wrapped his arms around her lightly, letting her slip back into his arms. They sat in each other's arms, and then he quietly told her: - You will be fine, don't worry. You are strong and I believe in you.

He started stroking her hair slowly and they were again in silence for a long time... Then he released her from his arms and sat on the place where she was leaning.

– Come – he told her, motioning for her to lie down next to him.

She lay down and was like a small child again, fragile and weak. Right now she desperately craved and wanted all his hugs, not thinking about whether it was a good idea. For the first time they lay next to each other. She was on his chest and could hear his wild heartbeat.

– Now you can sleep – he calmly told her, completely asleep and dreamy, although it was noticeable that her proximity excited him.

– I would like to talk to you.

– And I would like to listen to everything you have to say.

– Tell me about your mom.

– My mom was the best creature ever, even though she left me... But it's okay, I understand her.

– When exactly did she leave you?

– When I was eleven years old.

– Do you perhaps know where she is, do you have any contact with her?

– No.

– Have you ever tried?

– I didn't... what do I know... it's better if she left than if she stayed, because she's certainly much better off where she is.

– But she had you.

– Yes, it is. I was her only joy and hope and the only reason to live. And she is mine. One day she just left, without saying goodbye or saying a word. And I was afraid to look for her, because I thought I would be a burden and turn into a monster like my father.

– But you didn't. You managed to get out and you survived. I congratulate you on every fight you survived.

– Thank you.

– Do you perhaps know the reason why she left?

– Well, I guess. I think my father raped her and immediately tried to kill her, but she got away somehow – he continued, releasing the burden from his soul.

Talking to her gave him relief.

– What a monster! You were right. Wherever she is, she must be doing better. I hope talking to me didn't make this situation more difficult for you.

– Actually, it was very pleasant. Thank you very much. It means all this to me.

– You don't need to thank me. I hope you find your mom someday.

For a few moments they lay again in each other's arms in silence, and then she spoke.

– I'm here for you, if you need help or if you need to talk to someone. It's the least I can do for you.

– Look, you don't need to owe me anything. It's my duty to be there for you, but anyway, thank you – he told her as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

– And why is it your duty? – even sleepy, she demanded his answer.