Scroundle's way hotel on Nar Shaddaa 4 years later...

"Let's toast to Lana and Arcann." Marr said lifting up his glass. With a warm smile, Gilina also lifted her glass and then she nodded her head toward Marr, Vowrawn, and Sidonie.

"May the Force guide their way into the wonders of parenthood." Vowrawn chimed with a boyish smile.

"Indeed." Sidonie said with a sly grin. "They are going to be very busy soon." She added as she tapped her glass to Vowrawn's, and then to everyone else's.

"I'll be a very satisfied grandpa." Marr said with a beaming smile. "I can't wait to meet him."

"They are having a boy?" Sidonie asked.

"Yes." Marr replied.

"Wonderful." She said and then took a sip.

"Malgus and Satele are also coming back to attend the birth." Marr said and then he put the glass down on the table.

"Where are they now?" Sidonie asked.

"They are vacationing on Lehon, celebrating little Vora's second birthday." Marr replied with a thin smile.

Over the years, since the terrible abductions and Adraas's death, everyone was trying to move on. Malgus and Satele had another child, while Arcann and Lana got married in a small ceremony within the ruins of the palace. Despite the terrible events, life continued on except for Zallow. He believed that Vaylin and the children were somewhere out there, possibly in the company of Aryn living their lives in secrecy. Although they looked everywhere, the galaxy was just too vast to be able to find them. Even if they were still alive, which Marr didn't believe, he never trusted Adraas and he was sure he had killed them all. It would have taken them a lifetime to locate them, and after a few years of unsuccessful searching, everyone gave up, except for Zallow. He was the only one who had lost the most. He had lost not just his love, but his unborn daughter as well. While everyone had someone to lean on, he was left alone searching the galaxy relentlessly.

Feeling sorry for him, Marr even invited him to join them on Nar Shaddaa to take his mind off everything and just kick back a little and relax, but Zallow refused. Now, he was somewhere out there again, looking. In Marr's mind, they were all dead including Aryn, who might have also been a victim of Adraas. The most painful feeling about that day was when he thought about the loss of baby Drade. This thought felt like a knife cutting through his heart. Although he wasn't his flesh and blood, Marr was still grieving every time the baby's image invaded his mind from time-to-time.

"She is such a cute child." Sidonie said smiling.

"Cute and a little menace." Vowrawn replied as he stroked one of his tendrils. "She might have her mother's look but she definitely has her father's attitude."

"She is just a little child." Marr said with a laugh. "You are just too sensitive when it comes to children."

"She is mean to the bone." Vowrawn replied laughing. "She deliberately put that frog into my pocket, I know it."

"And you freaked out when you touched it, right?" Marr said laughing harder now.

"It was cold and slimy." Vowrawn replied with a disgusted look on his face. "I hate frogs." He added with a shudder.

Placing her hand on his shoulder, Sidonie looked him in the eye and said.

"It means she likes you."

"Are you positive?" Vowrawn asked with a mischievous grin.

Nodding, she replied. "I am." And then she planted a soft kiss on his cheeks.

While the four of them celebrated on Nar Shaddaa and enjoyed the hotel's amazing accommodations, on Zakuul, Arcann headed toward their bedchamber where Lana was taking her usual afternoon nap. The palace that once stood in ruins was now restored back to its former glory. Zakuul was never the same, but over the years Arcann gradually expanded his Empire bringing more faithful followers under his reign. He ruled like a true and trustworthy Emperor and the people loved him.

As he rounded the corner, he ran into Nico almost knocking him over.

"Whoa." Nico exclaimed. "Hold your horses, my Lord highness."

"Nico." Arcann laughed. "Where are you rushing to?"

Pointing to his chest Nico said with a sly grin.

"I'm going on a date with the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"Good for you, my friend." Arcann said patting his shoulders. "I bet she is going to be spoiled."

"Indeed." Nico replied smiling. Then he added. "If you don't mind, I've got to go."

"Have fun." Arcann said and then he watched as Nico rushed away in haste toward the bathroom.

"How are you feeling?" Arcann asked as he stepped inside the bedchamber and approached the bed.

"Tired." Lana replied with a weak smile. She started to laugh as she rolled to her side just to be able to sit up.

"Stop laughing." Arcann said with a wide smile. "You are going to get the hiccups again."

Holding out her hand, she looked at him and said.

"Would you mind?"

Pulling her up, he planted a kiss on her lips and then placing his hand on her round belly, he said.

"How is baby Thexan doing?"

"He is very busy kicking me all over." She replied gazing into his eyes. "I think he wants to come out."

"Soon, my love." He said cupping her face. "He'll be with us soon, making not just us but everyone else happy as well. I will throw a huge celebration upon his arrival to let everyone know he is here."

"Marr is already excited to play with him." Lana said with a wink.

"So is my mother." Arcann said with a thin smile. "She is eager to meet him as well."

"I know." Lana replied with a mischievous grin. "She keeps bugging me."

"She is only doing that because she loves you and wants to make sure you and the baby are alright." Arcann said in a soft tone.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she said.

"I know, but sometimes she can get a little too pushy."

"That's my mother." Arcann said smiling. "She'll never change."

Especially after what happened with Vaylin, he bitterly thought. As the years passed, Senya's hope to find Vaylin and the baby was slowly diminishing. After three years, she gave up ever seeing her again. The only solace his mother took comfort in was Arcann, Lana, and of course Revan.

In the forest not far from the palace, sitting on the rock where she and Vaylin used to play when she was a child, Senya was lost in her memories. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, and then a small smile appeared on her face when she heard approaching footsteps.

A hand snaked around her waist and then she felt Revan's warm breath on her neck.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked as he sat down behind her and pulled her closer.

Leaning back against him, she looked toward the trees and said.

"I was just thinking about the past and how everything has changed since the last time I was here."

"You look beautiful when you do that, you know that?" Revan whispered into her ear. Then, his hand slid up and cupped one of her breasts, making Senya squeal a little.

"You are such a bastard." She said laughing. "I'm getting too old for this."

"You?" Revan asked puzzled. "Old?" With a grin, he added. "Never." Then he squeezed her just enough to give her a rush of desire that swept through her body like wildfire.

"You don't have to do anything." Revan said in a hushed tone as he started to massage her. "I'll do the work while you relax and enjoy."

A small moan escaped her mouth and then she said.

"Deal."

A half an hour later lying on the grassy ground behind the boulder, panting hard, Senya collapsed into his arms and said with a satisfied smile.

"I don't know how you do this, but for a 300-year-old man you are pretty energetic." Placing her finger on his lips, she added. "Tell me your secret, my Lord."

"Never." He replied with a mischievous grin.

"Then I have to beat it out of you." She added pulling up one of her eyebrows.

"Go ahead." He said. "I'm at your disposal."

"I know you are." She said. Then a warm smile appeared on her face. When times were rough and when she thought she was going to lose her sanity, this incredible man was there for her, supporting and loving her unconditionally. This meant the world to Senya, and she was glad he was in her life.

"Are you ready to become a grandma, grandma?" He asked with a wink.

"Of course." She replied. "What about you? Are you ready to celebrate with me?"

Caressing her face, he said.

"I would be honored to celebrate with you, Senya Tirall."

Another city, another planet, he bitterly thought as Zallow made his way through the busy streets full of aliens and humanoids alike. His clothes annoyingly stuck to his sweat-drenched body from the high humidity but Zallow didn't care. He was getting close, he felt it. It's been years, but he never gave up. In his heart, he knew they were still alive and this was the greatest motivation ever to keep him going. Although the others already moved on with their lives, he was not able to do that. He had to find his family and wanted to see his daughter.

Passing by a loud bar full of drunken patrons, he quickly made his way down the alley not wanting to draw too much attention. There was a man waiting for him.

"Have you got the goods?" He asked in a raspy voice looking at the tall Jedi in a brown cloak.

Reaching into his pocket, Zallow pulled out a leather pouch and said.

"I have it." Then he asked. "Do you have something for me?"

Holding out his hand, the man motioned for him to put the pouch into his hand. Then he said.

"Let me feel it and then I'll tell you what I know."

Reluctantly, Zallow handed him the goods. He hated to make deals with pirates, but if he wanted to find his family he had no choice but to deal with them.

"Ohhh." The man moaned as he held the leather pouch. "Heavy enough." He added with a sly grin showing off blackened teeth between cracked lips. After putting it away, he pulled out a scroll and handed it to Zallow.

"Here on this map, you'll find what you're looking for."

Taking the scroll, Zallow quickly opened it and a small smile appeared on his face.

Inside the scroll was an image of Aryn and a map giving directions to her whereabouts.

"May the Force be with you." He said to the pirate and then he rushed out of the alley and headed toward the woods.

It was late in the afternoon when he finally got there.

From his hiding spot, he carefully observed the small cottage tucked away within the woods, hoping to see Aryn. He didn't have to wait long before he spotted her.

When the front door opened, Zallow's breath hitched in his throat seeing Aryn and two small children walking out.

Aryn looked a little thinner and her face showed some aging, but Zallow recognized her. Behind her was a dark-haired little boy, who looked just like Malgus. Pale and a little lanky for a four-year-old, he hopped over a rotten log and then looked back toward the house. There stood a little blonde girl with an unpleasant look on her face that painfully reminded Zallow of Vaylin.

Crossing her slender arms in front of her chest, she stood at the door not wanting to move. Then he heard her sweet voice making his pulse instantly accelerate. This little girl was his daughter and seeing her for the first time was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Zallow had to fight back tears that were threatening to blur his vision.

"I don't want to go." She said and then she stomped her feet.

"Come on Stelva, we have to go." The boy insisted.

"Stelva." Zallow whispered. Her name is Stelva, he thought with a smile.

Silently, he followed them to a place that looked like a small training ground in the vicinity of the cottage.

Standing against the boulders were some dummies that the children were practicing on with their wooden training swords.

"Don't use that angle." Aryn said in a firm tone looking at the boy. "You leave yourself open and you know what will happen then, right?" She asked gazing into his bright blue eyes.

Nodding his head, he said. "Yes mother, I know."

"Alright then." She replied clapping her hands. "Let's practice some more and then we will go back to have some dinner."

With a pounding heart, Zallow watched as the children resumed their training.

His little daughter seemed strong and agile making him proud. Feeling frustrated and tormented, he took a few deep breaths trying to calm himself down. He wished to walk up to them and see what would happen, but he was afraid Aryn might do something to the children and he didn't want to take the risk. After what she had done, Zallow felt nothing but loathing for her. She had not just sided and married Adraas but she deliberately hurt so many people. He wanted nothing more than to plunge his weapon into her black heart. She was no longer the apprentice whom he came to love and admire, but a cold-hearted bitch that made his heart ache with sorrow and anger. But where was Vaylin? He anxiously thought. Besides the three of them, there was no one around. Looks like Aryn raised the children all by herself, but she must keep Vaylin in the cottage, he thought as he shifted from one foot to the other. He hoped this was the case because he didn't want to think about her being dead. He searched for so long in so many places, and now he was finally here and he wanted them back, all of them.

Thankfully, none of them noticed him hiding behind the bushes.

When they finished, Aryn ordered them to place the sticks back into the bucket, and then for a split second, she looked toward the trees. A sudden suspicion flashed across her narrow face and then she took a few steps toward where Zallow was hiding.

Although she was perfectly capable of defending herself and the children, Aryn was still nervous from time-to-time living alone. Completely cut off from the outside world, she had no idea where Adraas was, but she still held hope to see him again. She refused to think that he was gone. No, she thought, he will come back.

It's been four miserable years, she bitterly thought as she scanned the surroundings. He told her to stay low and this is what she had been doing. She even changed her name after a while fearing that someone might recognize her. Then the memory of their last night came into her head. Lying in his arms, she was mad at him for leaving, but she knew he only did this to keep them safe. After that night, she never heard from him again.

Taking another step closer, a sudden familiar sensation enveloped her.

It felt like someone was watching them and this sensation was confusing and upsetting. Swiftly, she signaled the children to stay back. Pulling out her weapon, she rushed toward the bushes ready to kill whoever was hiding there.

"What are you doing mother?" The boy asked watching her disappearing behind the bushes.

"I thought I saw someone." Aryn replied staring at the leaf-covered ground, where just seconds before someone had been there, leaving shallow footprints in the mud. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she looked around and then placing her weapon back, she stepped away from the bush and headed back toward the children. Whoever it was, he or she is gone, she thought with a frown. "Possibly a wretched pirate." She murmured.

That night while everyone was inside, Zallow impatiently watched the cottage.

He wanted to confront Aryn, but he didn't want to take the chance of possibly hurting the children. Also, he needed to find out what happened to Vaylin and if Aryn dies, he might never find out.

It was close to midnight when he finally relaxed and was able to sleep a little.

The calming sounds of bugs and night birds were music to his ears, helping to calm his nerves that were on edge. Come tomorrow, he will have no choice but to find a way to get to Aryn. He was certain she'll leave the house to get some supplies and this is what he was waiting for.

It was early in the morning when he heard the front door open and saw Aryn walking out with a backpack on her right shoulder. Swiftly, he ran his fingers over his face to rub the sleep out of his eyes and then getting up, he followed her.

There's that feeling again, she anxiously thought, picking up her pace as she headed down the dirt road.

"I haven't felt this in years." She mumbled not understanding what was going on.

The city was not too far, it only took her a few hours to get there on foot, but she dreaded to leave the kids home alone with Vaylin. Although she used the keyword on her on a daily basis, still it made Aryn nervous thinking about what would happen if one day this code would cease to work. She could never match up to Vaylin's strength and this unsettling thought made her shiver every time she thought about it. Before Adraas left, he made her promise to take care of Vaylin and keep her close. He was sure the day will come when they will need her powers against their enemies, and this is exactly what Aryn did. She raised the children and kept Vaylin as her prisoner hoping to see her lover return one day to his family.

Then she heard a voice.

"Aryn." Zallow's voice ran through the cool early morning air.

For a few seconds, she froze in fear hearing his voice. Then slowly turning around, she looked at the man she hadn't seen in years, standing beside a large tree. He looked at her with an accusing stare bringing an anxious feeling to her. She had no idea how he had found her, but here he was and the thought of losing everything she and Adraas had worked so hard for, made her angry. Without saying a word, she dropped the bag and pulling out her weapon she attacked him.

A loud, angry cry left her mouth as her weapon collided with his.

The thought of killing him made her sick to her stomach, but she had no choice. Her loyalty lies with Adraas and to the children. She had to keep them safe and away from everyone, even from him, she thought, slashing her lightsaber toward his midsection.

"Aryn!" Zallow yelled as he jumped out of the way of her deadly move. "Stop this madness and listen to me!"

"Why are you here?" She screamed as she deftly turned around and attacked him from the left.

Blocking her move, Zallow took a few steps back and said in an angry tone.

"I came to collect the children and Vaylin. Where is she, Aryn?"

Ducking down, she aimed at his legs, hoping to get him, but Zallow was faster. As he jumped up, he sent a powerful Force blast toward her, which she deftly evaded. The pent up energy bolt smashed into the tree behind her, sending countless tiny pieces of splinters all over the ground.

"She doesn't need you anymore." Aryn replied through gritted teeth. Then she added. "You shouldn't have come here."

She is alive then, he eagerly thought as he evaded another one of her vicious moves. Aryn was always a great fighter, even as a child she proved to be exceptional. But now her mind was corrupted, and everything he had taught her now came back to haunt him tenfold. She was strong with the Force closely matching up to his powers. A few times she came close to carving him up, which made Zallow mad with frustration. He didn't want to kill her, not until he had found Vaylin, but she made this pursuit impossible. She was not the same Aryn he knew but somebody else, a stranger who caused him years of agony, and deep inside he wished to obliterate her.

Their fight took them to a clearing beside a deep abyss shrouded in the morning fog.

"I don't want to kill you." Aryn shouted as she sent a blast of Force powers toward him. "But you give me no choice. I have to protect my family!"

"Aryn!" Zallow yelled back in frustration. "You are delusional. Those children are not yours. Wake up and admit your mistake!"

"Mistake?" She laughed with an evil grin. "I don't make mistakes, but you made one by coming here."

Saying that she pushed him toward the abyss wanting to send him over the edge. When he lost his balance and staggered back, a momentary satisfaction swept through her, thinking about defeating her former Master in hand-to-hand combat. Not even Adraas was able to do that, she thought as she rushed toward him.

In the last second, before he was about to fall to his demise, Zallow regained his equilibrium and grabbed hold of her.

Flipping her around, he wrapped his arms around her neck holding her in a chokehold. While her legs dangled above the abyss, with a terrified expression she looked down.

"Please." She croaked. "Have mercy on me."

"Where is Vaylin?" He asked with an intense voice.

At first, she didn't say anything, but then as his grip tightened, she blurted out.

"At the cottage... with the children."

"Is she unharmed?" He asked.

"Yes." She replied. Aryn had a feeling he wasn't going to hurt her, no matter what happens. After all, they had a deep and emotional history and he was not a murderer. Then she said. "No matter what happens today, when Adraas returns we will get back what's ours."

"He is not coming back." Zallow whispered into her ear.

A glimmer of a nervous smile appeared on her face and then she said in a cynical tone.

"I know he will."

Reaching into his pocket, Zallow pulled out the ring and held it in front of her face.

"He is dead Aryn."

With disbelief, she stared at the ring she gave to Adraas on their wedding day. Breathing hard and shallow, her eyes filled with tears when she realized he was most likely dead. The person to blame for his demise was Zallow and this irate thought made her whole body shake with anger.

"NOOOO!" She bellowed and then with all her might, she kicked him just below the knee causing Zallow to growl with pain. However, his grip stayed strong firmly holding her in place. But Aryn didn't want to be contained anymore. As the pent up anger engulfed her, vigorously shaking and twisting her body she tried to get out of his hold.

"STOP!" Zallow shouted.

"You bastard." She growled as large tears started to run down her face. "You killed him."

"No Aryn, he did this to himself." Zallow replied, trying to keep her in one place.

As she struggled to get away from him, Zallow dropped the ring. In slow motion, Aryn watched as the golden band fell into the bottomless abyss, disappearing from her view.

"No,no...nooo." She whimpered staring into the darkness below.

Then a loud, anguished cry left her knowing she'll never see Adraas again.

"Let me go." She pleaded.

Zallow didn't want to let her go, but the way she cried made him feel bad.

"On one account." He said. "If you behave."

Taking a deep breath, she sniffed a few times and then relaxing her body she said.

"Alright, I'll behave, just let me go please."

As soon as he stepped away from the edge and loosened his grip, Aryn saw her chance.

Swiftly, she elbowed him in the stomach and then throwing her head back, she smashed her skull into the bridge of his nose, dislocating it.

Zallow cursed under his nose when a blinding pain blurred his vision for a few seconds. But instead of dwelling on making a mistake by trusting her, he ignored the pain and tackled her sending her body flying toward the edge.

Aryn had no time to evade him and as his body collided with hers, she felt herself flying through the air and then falling.

The last thing she saw was Zallow's blood-splattered stern face looking down on her. After that only darkness greeted her when her body hit the bottom, drenching the muddy ground with her blood.

Turning away from the abyss, Zallow touched his nose, and then with a growl, he placed it back into its place. The physical and emotional pain was still lingering within him when he walked away from the edge and headed back toward the house.

At the door, he felt so nervous his hand was shaking when he placed it on the knob and turned it.

The view that greeted him inside was heart-wrenching.

Sitting at the table was Vaylin and the children eating their breakfast. When he entered they all looked up and then a scream left little Stelva's mouth, seeing the stranger with a bloody face stepping inside their home.

Instantly, Vaylin stood up and pushed the scared little girl behind her. With a blank expression, she stared at Zallow and then in a monotone voice she asked.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?"

She doesn't recognize me, he thought disheartened. What has Aryn done to her? Zallow thought with anger, looking at the woman who he had been searching years for, staring at him with a vacant expression.

"Vaylin." Zallow said as his eyes searched hers. "It's me, Zallow."

"Stay back!" She warned him when he took a step forward.

"I'm not here to hurt you." Zallow quickly added. "I'm here because I love you."

A sudden frown appeared on Vaylin's face hearing his words. She didn't know who this stranger was, but somewhere deep inside she was sure she knew him. The way he looked at her and the sound of his voice sounded so familiar, she felt an instant inner struggle within her soul. When she tried to think about where she had seen him, a sharp pain engulfed her head, giving her an instant headache. For years now, her memories had been in a constant fog, and she couldn't remember anything besides the daily routines that took up her whole life.

Zallow wanted nothing more than to embrace her. He had been waiting for this moment for years, but he didn't want to alienate her. She was clearly under that despicable spell he hated and he knew soon she'd be back to her normal self. Until then he had to tread lightly not wanting to upset her. Then he heard the boy's voice coming from the left.

"Where is mother?"

Turning to him, Zallow swallowed hard thinking about the lie he had to tell, but he had no choice. If he wanted them to willingly come with him, he had to play a game.

"She had to go somewhere and she asked me to come back for you all. I have a nice spaceship and she thought it would be fun to go for a ride." When the boy didn't say anything and just stared at him with his big blue eyes, Zallow squatted down in front of him and asked in a soft voice.

"Do you like spaceships?"

Nodding his head, he said.

"I like spaceships. Do you have a large one?" He asked with an eager smile.

With a warm smile, Zallow said.

"It's so big even the Emperor envies it."

"Wow." The boy said and then he looked at his sister and Vaylin hoping to get her approval to go and see the spaceship.

"When is Reyna coming back?" Vaylin asked with a suspicious look on her face.

Reyna? Zallow wanted to ask, but in the last second, he stayed quiet. Aryn most likely changed her name and that was the name Vaylin was familiar with.

"She said in a few days she'll meet us on my ship." Zallow replied and then he stood up and gestured for her to come closer.

This was the first time Vaylin had seen someone else besides Reyna in this home, and this man was an enigma to her. She knew him, she was sure of it. But on the other hand, he was a stranger, and Reyna always warned her about strangers and their despicable ways.

Vaylin wanted to believe him, but there was a nagging voice inside her telling her not to trust him. Puzzled, she looked at his hands, and then she said.

"I'm sorry but we can't come with you."

Saying that she reached under her shirt and pulled out a knife. As her calm face morphed into a vicious one, it would only be a matter of seconds before she attacked him. Using the Force, he quickly ripped the knife out of her hand and pulling her closer, he smacked the butt of his weapon down on her head, rendering her unconscious.

As she collapsed into his arms, he whispered. "I'm so sorry, my love."

Then his eyes found the two frightened children and he knew what he had to do.

When Vaylin woke up, the first thing she noticed was a faint pulsing pain behind her closed eyelids. Then as she opened her eyes, she realized she was not in the cottage but on a spaceship, with a breathtaking view of space beckoning her through a large window.

From the window, her eyes landed on the children snuggling against her beneath the cover sleeping like babies.

Then she noticed him sitting in a chair and a sudden warm sensation swept across her trembling body, like lightning strikes across the sky. At that moment, the fog she had been living in for so long was lifted. While her shaking hands hovered over her lips, Vaylin cried as she had never cried before.

While her shoulders shook with a mixture of sorrow and happiness, Zallow sprung up and rushed to her. Getting onto the bed, he embraced her and while he held her tight, he whispered into her ear.

"I love you so much, and I've missed you terribly." As he showered her with kisses, he added. "I never gave up trying to find you."

Between sobs, Vaylin replied.

"Thank you, my love."

Gazing into her eyes, he said as he choked back tears.

"From now on, we will never part. I don't want to lose you ever again."

Caressing his face, she planted a kiss on his lips, and then her attention turned to the sleeping children. With a look of concern on her face, she asked.

"Why are they still sleeping? Did you give them something?"

Shaking his head, he said with a smile.

"I had to use the Force on them, but I was gentle. They should be waking up soon."

Touching her forehead, where she felt a tender, but large bump, with a mischievous grin she asked. "What have you done to me?"

Planting a kiss on her forehead, he said in a hushed tone.

'I'm so sorry, but I had no choice."

"Alright." Vaylin replied smiling. "I'll forgive you."

Then she looked at their daughter. Her soft, blonde curls and cute pink cheeks were a wonderful sight to behold.

"Look at her. I always knew who she was, but for some reason, I was unable to express my true feelings toward her. For years, I felt like I was living in a nightmare not able to escape. It was worse than Nathema."

Then in a split second, her peaceful and gentle smile turned to anger. With malice in her voice, she asked.

"Where is she?"

"She is gone, so is he." Zallow replied. Then he added. "We don't have to worry about them anymore. Let's forget about the past and focus on the future, my love. We have each other now, and I can't wait to get to know my daughter. Now that you are both here, that is all that matters."

Vaylin was glad to hear Aryn and Adraas were no longer alive.

"My mother?" She asked wiping her face. "Is she alright?"

"Yes." Zallow replied. "I've already let them know we are heading home. They are all eagerly waiting to see you."

"Arcann?" She asked. "How is he?"

"He is about to become a father." Zallow replied. "He and Lana are having a baby boy."

"Really?" She snickered. "My brother is going to be a father?"

Nodding his head, Zallow said with a sly grin.

"Indeed. Our little girl is going to have a cousin soon." Looking at Stelva, he said. "She is the most beautiful and precious thing I've ever seen. I'm in love." He added with a smile.

"She is a handful." Vaylin replied.

Lying down beside his daughter, Zallow gently touched one of her curls, and as he rubbed it between his fingers, he looked at Vaylin and said.

"She looks like you."

Then his attention turned to the little boy sleeping on the other side of Vaylin and then he said.

"His parents are going to be beyond thrilled."

The white, foamy water gently rolled over the sandy shore as Malgus sat in the sand watching his little daughter and his wife playing in the ocean.

Vora was only two, but sometimes she acted way beyond her years and sometimes she misbehaved just like any other toddler, giving them a hard time and plenty of headaches. But it didn't matter what she did or what she said, Malgus loved her dearly. She was a ray of sunshine in his life and he would have done anything to keep her safe.

"Try not to go too far in!" He yelled. "She's still learning to swim."

Shaking her head, Satele looked at him and yelled back.

"She is fine! I'm right here with her."

From Malgus, her attention turned back to Vora who was cheerfully splashing. Dark hair sticking to her pale forehead, her wide blue eyes stared at the water rushing between her legs. Then as the water retracted, holding her arms out to the side, she swiftly balanced herself keeping her toes firmly planted into the squishy sand.

"Look, mommy." She squealed. "I can hold myself."

"I'm impressed." Satele replied with a wide smile. "You are getting better and better."

Then her smile faded when she thought about her growing up so quickly. Soon, she'll be old enough for Satele to tell her that once she had a sibling who would have loved to have played with her. As the years passed, reluctantly Satele accepted the fact that she would never see Drade again. The memory of him was always going to be in her heart, tucked away within a precious place. He was always going to be her firstborn and no one could ever replace him. But when Vora came along, their lives turned from sorrow to happiness again. She meant everything to them and her precious presence was what they needed.

As the wind slowly picked up and blew her hair into her face, shielding her eyes, Satele looked toward the bright horizon. She watched the sea birds circled above a rusted shipwreck, which was sticking out of the water like a sore thumb.

Then something happened.

This peculiar feeling that washed over her suddenly made her nauseous. At first, she didn't understand what caused it, but then as she turned toward the sand dunes aligned with the beach, she noticed a man approaching them.

As he got closer, she was able to recognize him.

His brown coat fiercely blew in the warm air behind him, as he with a small child in his arms walked down the sandy shore. The smile on Zallow's face was something Satele hadn't seen in ages. And the little boy with him was someone Satele would have never thought to see again.

At that moment, her whole body tensed up and then her hands started to shake uncontrollably. With wide eyes, she turned to Malgus, who was already up looking at Zallow. Then he sprinted toward them.

Feeling dazed, Satele picked up her daughter, who quickly protested with a loud squeal, and started to run toward Zallow as well.

Her heart felt like it was going to burst through her ribcage, as she urged her feet to get there faster.

When Malgus reached Zallow, in that instant he broke down in tears like a child.

Throwing his muscular arms around them, he embraced them soaking Zallow's coat with his tears. Then he let them go and looked at his son whose curious eyes measured him up.

Malgus wanted to ask how, but from the excitement, his throat felt dry and he couldn't say a word. He had so many things running through his head, it left him speechless. He didn't have to ask, he knew this was Drade. Although he looked different now, his eyes were the same.

Just like Satele's, he thought wiping his face.

Then when Satele and Vora caught up to him, handing her to Malgus, with trembling arms, she embraced Zallow and the child.

"Thank you so much." She cried and then planted several kisses on the boy's astonished face.

"I'm glad I was able to bring him back." Zallow replied holding back tears. Then he put the boy down and stepped back.

Squatting down in front of the boy, Satele felt so excited she didn't know what to say.

With a nervous laugh, she touched his dark hair and then lightly ran her fingers over his face that looked just like Malgus, except for the eyes, she thought with a smile.

"What's your name?" The boy asked with a sweet voice that was amazing to hear. Satele couldn't believe this was happening. She felt like she was in a dream.

Clearing her throat, she said.

"My name is Satele." Then she asked. "What's your name?"

"Theron." He replied. Then his eyes found Malgus and Vora. "Who are you?" He asked looking at them.

Kneeling in the sand, Malgus put Vora down and as he gazed into his son's eyes, he said.

"My name is Malgus and this is Vora."

"Do you like the beach?" Vora asked.

"I've never seen the beach before." Theron replied with a shy grin. "It's beautiful and loud."

"Come." Vora said grabbing him by the hand. "Let's built a sandcastle."

Dragging him with her across the sandy terrain, the children stopped not far from the water and after sitting down, they started to play together. While their carefree laughter enveloped the beach, Satele and Malgus couldn't take their eyes off of them. This day was the most fantastic day of their lives and they couldn't thank Zallow enough for this amazing gift he just gave them.

"How did you find us here?" Satele asked while Malgus kept an eye on the children.

"Marr told me you were vacationing here, and when I got here, I ran into Lord Scourge and his wife in the Revanites camp. They told me you were at the beach."

A few minutes later, and after Zallow had told them everything that had happened, Satele looked at the ground and then shaking her head, she said.

"I can't believe she did that. All these years we were suffering because of her and her despicable lover."

With a concerned look on her face, she asked.

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him you are going to be his new family." Zallow replied. "Although he has a sister, he looks at my daughter as his sister as well. I would like to keep them close if you will agree to this. It would be nice if they can grow up together."

"Yes of course." Satele replied. "I want to make him feel comfortable."

"It might take some time for him to adjust, just be patient with him." Zallow said.

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he added.

"Do not dwell on the past and its mistakes. Let's live for the moment and for a bright future, Satele." Then he added. "He is now where he needs to be. Raise him good, and don't forget the Force is strong with him. He needs all the right guidance."

As she embraced him she said in a hushed tone.

"We can never pay your generosity back."

"No Satele." He said in a low voice. "Take this as my apology for what I have done to Malgus."

"Thank you so much." Satele said squeezing him a little.

Letting him go, she wiped her eyes again and said.

"I feel like I'm going to faint from the happiness I'm feeling right now." With a shaky breath, she added. "I can't wait to meet your daughter and Vaylin. We'll see each other soon on Zakuul."

"Have fun, and enjoy the rest of your vacation." Zallow replied with a wink.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Zallow left the beach and headed back toward his ship. He was ready to go home to see his family.

Pulling Satele down in front of him, Malgus wrapped his arms around her, and then placed his chin on top of her head. With a beaming smile, they watched the children building their castle, while the gentle waves of the ocean washed away all their worries and fears.

Epilogue

The barren ground greatly trembled as the giant monster made his way down to the valley of death and sorrow. His enormous tentacles shook the ground with force signaling the others of his presence. Being the biggest of them all, his ear-deafening bellowing was heard miles away, letting them know he had arrived. Quickly, the others hurried his way; the sound of their marching feet shook the cold air as they approached him. Standing in the middle of the deserted valley, the beast looked at each and every one of them. His pitch-black eyes slowly measured them up while puffs of white smoke escaped his wide mouth.

When they all surrounded him, a deep, low sound escaped his throat, vibrating the air around them. This type of communication was hard to learn at first, but as time passed, he was able to learn and control his new body. He was sure they were getting close to finding the gate.

And when it happens, I'll be unstoppable, Vitiate thought with an evil grin.

Opening his mouth wide, his majestic roar echoed through the mountains like thunder, shaking the dark clouds above.

The end