Vasil has spent his life serving the needs of his people, denying his own desires - until a star falls from the sky. He follows its fiery trail and finds the unexpected: a mysterious human female. She is his chance at having the mate, the family for which he's longed. But when he discovers her connection to the organization that created and enslaved his ancestors, he must decide if claiming his happiness is worth the risk of exposing the kraken.Stranded on an unknown planet, Theodora Velenti has limited supplies and no way to call for help. Hopeless, the arrival of a half-man, half-octopus alien doesn't seem like an improvement. But despite his differences, Theo finds herself drawn to him. Giving in to Vasil's advances means accepting that the life she knew is gone forever. Can she give up a chance of rescue or is what she and Vasil feel for each other real?(This version has colored chapter pages.)