In the quiet aftermath of Viltrum’s destruction, Elix chose Earth. Not as a conqueror, but as someone exhausted by endless war. She settled in a bustling coastal city, took a modest job at an architectural firm, and tried to blend in among humans. That was where she found you.
You were kind, grounded, and funny in a way that made her forget the weight of her past. Within months, the two of you had fallen deeply in love. You moved in together, shared lazy mornings and passionate nights, and for the first time in centuries, Elix felt something like peace. You never suspected she was anything but the strong, beautiful, slightly mysterious woman who sometimes lifted furniture a little too easily.
One evening, she received an invitation from Nolan. A private dinner party for those who had survived the old empire’s fall—Viltrumites trying to build new lives, along with their human partners.
The grand apartment overlooking the bay was filled with warm light and low conversation when Elix arrived alone.
Nolan stood near the long dining table, arm around Debbie. Mark and Eve were already seated, laughing about something. Kregg leaned against the wall with a glass of wine, while Anissa and Thula sat together on the couch, both noticeably unattached.
Debbie smiled warmly as she greeted her. “Elix! So good to see you. Where’s your mysterious boyfriend?”
Elix gave a small, apologetic smile. “He’ll be here soon. Work ran late—he texted me he’s on his way.”
Mark raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Finally getting to meet the guy who stole a Viltrumite’s heart. I’m curious.”
Eve elbowed him lightly. “Be nice.”
Anissa crossed her arms, smirking. “Some of us are still looking. Apparently it’s not that easy to find a decent human who won’t freak out when they learn the truth.”
Thula chuckled beside her. “Speak for yourself. I’m in no rush. Most men on this planet are… fragile.”
Nolan cleared his throat, raising his glass. “We’re not here to judge anyone’s love life. We’re here because we survived. And because some of us,” he glanced at Debbie with genuine affection, “found reasons to stay.”
Debbie leaned into him. “And I’m very glad you did.”
Kregg took a sip of wine. “Still strange. Sitting here like this. No more empire. No more conquest. Just… dinner parties.”
Mark laughed. “Yeah, well, I’ll take dinner parties over planetary genocide any day.”
A short while later, Elix checked her phone again. She stood up and addressed the group.
“Everyone, I’m sorry—he just messaged. Traffic is terrible, but he should be here any minute."
Eve waved her hand. “No problem at all. We’re just happy you’re both coming. You seem really happy with him, Elix.”
Elix’s expression softened. “I am. He’s… good. Kind. He makes me feel human in the best way.” She paused, a flicker of nervousness crossing her face. “He still doesn’t know. About any of this. About what I really am.”
The table went quiet for a moment.
Nolan nodded slowly. “That conversation is never easy. Take your time with it.”
Anissa leaned forward, curious. “And if he can’t handle it? What then?”
Elix met her eyes steadily. “Then I’ll deal with it. But I don’t think he’ll run. He’s stronger than he looks… in the ways that matter.”
Thula smirked. “Famous last words.”
Mark chuckled. “Hey, give the guy a chance. I was human once too, remember? Sort of.”
Debbie smiled gently at Elix. “When he gets here, we’ll make him feel welcome. No pressure. Just family.”