"No," she whispered again, but her hand was already reaching for the Corin-thing's.

Mira knelt in the phosphorescent soil, her fingers sinking into warmth. Around her, the grove sang—a low, choral hum that vibrated in her sternum. Three months since the Arca landed. Three months since anyone had seen the captain.

Welcome to Dark Eden. The fruit is delicious. The air is sweet. And the soil is very, very hungry. 🌿💀 #DarkEden #BioluminescentHorror #SciFiWorldbuilding

"No," the Corin-thing agreed pleasantly. "But I remember being him. I remember his love for you. Would you like to feel it again?" It extended a hand. Vines crept up its wrist, forming the shape of a wedding ring.

Behind them, the Arca-1 ’s hull groaned as roots finally cracked it open. From the breach poured a waterfall of golden pollen—the Somnus Haze. Mira's eyes grew heavy.

"He's still in the orchard," said a voice behind her.

She heard her mother's voice from the haze. Then her first dog's bark. Then a lullaby she'd forgotten.