The something that had been working its way to the forefront of Octavia's mind finally clicked, and her eyes were big and sad on Ilian. "But... But how can you be here? What about -- what about your next journey?"

Was it because she'd helped destroy the planet?

Was he trapped?

And Ilian just looked back at her, so gentle, and shook his head. Almost smiled. (Her chest ached.) "Sometimes it just takes spring a little longer to come."