Aftershock

Intrigue, humour, drama, and second chances -- in space! ✨

Art by femkeneriart

SYNOPSIS

✨ Coming in July 2026!In theory, life shouldn't get much harder than fighting for survival on galactic broadcast. Unfortunately for Sashen Solar, his difficulties have only just begun.The aftermath of the Galactic Tournament has left Sashen with a lot to untangle, including his fraught relationship with the alien prince Araxis of Creche Thiel, who courted Sashen and let him in on his secret plans – just not the ones involving Sashen. Now Sashen is determined to live by one rule he can’t allow himself to forget: he needs to take care of himself first, because he can’t rely on anyone else to have his back.Sashen has agreed to continue playing the part of Araxis’s devoted consort – for now, at least. But there’s more to being a declared virra than taking language lessons: murky political factions, secret agreements, and inter-creche conflict make Sashen's role all the more difficult, and each time Sashen tries to forge his own path, he discovers that everything he does reflects on Araxis and Creche Thiel, for good or for ill. The Concord moves against Araxis, and the stakes for Creche Thiel, and for Sashen, couldn’t be higher.When Sashen's tenuous position in abayan society becomes even more evident under the threat of violence, he'll have to determine which path to take: to reach for Araxis once again, knowing he's been betrayed before, or to pull away and guard his heart, this time for good.🪐Aftershock is a slow-burn second chance mm human x alien romance that picks up directly after the conclusion of Afterlight. Aftershock could be your cup of tea if you like the sound of the following:✨ (Space) dates & courtship
👽 Alien genders – a lot of them!
✨ So much yearning
👽 Alien language, culture, and politics
✨ “We protect each other”
👽 Pretend quasi-marriage (but IS it?)
✨ Hurt/comfort on repeat
☕ Tea as a love language (4ever)Complete list of content notes coming soon!

Read Aftershock -- out July 2026!

Note on Aftershock ending

AFTERSHOCK ends with Araxis and Sashen on solid relationship footing in what I consider to be an emotional HEA. They're deeply committed to one another and to building a future together. There is a plot hook for a subsequent novel, as well as places in which their relationship could continue to develop.

Content Notes/Warnings

  • Violent assault & violence

  • Blood & gore

  • Self-harm through extreme physical training

  • Depiction of trauma responses (PTSD)

  • Transphobia/homophobia

  • Character death (supporting character)

  • Sex work (neutral to positive portrayal)

  • Slut shaming

  • Religious trauma

  • Parental abandonment (mention)

  • Conversion camp (mention)

  • History of child abuse (implied)

Please note: while Afterlight takes place in a broadly queer normative setting, mileage varies between cultures. Sashen grew up in an oppressive space cult based on evangelical Christianity; Araxis's home culture is hostile to nonbinary identities.

Tropes & Tags

  • Alien/human romance

  • Biting/marking

  • Hurt/comfort

  • Slow burn

  • Second chance romance

  • Caregiving

  • Enthusiastic consent

  • Alien genders (x 11!)

  • Non-human genitals

  • Capitalism (derogatory)

  • Idiots in love

  • More on AO3

Extras

A few Afterlight-related bonus bits & bobs for your enjoyment!

About the author

Tana (she/they) is a queer neurodivergent writer who loves space and hates capitalism. If you've enjoyed reading her work, please consider donating to a local queer community organization or someone else in your neck of the woods doing good work. If you really loved their work, consider supporting an artist by commissioning some cool art!

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