Afterlight

by Tana Welsummer (asolathi/mstigergun)

Read Afterlight for free here:
(Links go live on 01/01/2026)

SYNOPSIS

When Sashen fled his human space cult to live among the aliens, he had dreams about what a life in space would mean. A decade later, he hasn't even been off-station, instead dancing in a marn den where he's paid to eavesdrop on gossip and provide companionship to paying clients. But when he receives word that the cult that he fled from is looking to bring him back, he's willing to put his life on the line to escape them, even if it means going on galactic television in a win-or-die-trying contest on blood-soaked sands.Of course, Sashen needs to catch a ride to the distant arena first and as fate would have it, the shy alien who's been watching him dance for the past week -- Araxis of Creche Thiel -- is headed that way and has space to spare. Sashen is happy to have a ride and a cute distraction on the way to what he expects may be his imminent demise. What he can't anticipate as he heads off to his galactic broadcast debut is the gravitational pull he feels to Araxis. With the deadly tournament looming, Sashen will need to figure a way to escape his past, while also charting a way to the future he desperately wants.AFTERLIGHT is a sci-fi human/alien romance with humour, heart, drama, betrayal, and also swords – in space!Spice level: Explicit open door

Note on AFTERLIGHT ending

AFTERLIGHT has a complex HFN ending in which the two main characters are working to determine how to move forward in their relationship and if they can do so in a healthy manner. The sequel has already been written and assures they will have a HEA. I promise it's worth the hearbreak!

Content Notes/Warnings

  • Suicidal ideation

  • Sex work (neutral to positive portrayal)

  • Homophobia/transphobia

  • Religious trauma

  • Violent assault

  • Parental abandonment (mention)

  • Conversion camp (mention)

  • History of child abuse (implied)

  • Betrayal & manipulation

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

  • First time (virgin LI)

  • Flirting through swordplay

  • Biting/marking

  • Fake dating (while wishing you could real date)

  • Caregiving

  • So much tea

  • Alien genders (x 11!)

  • Non-human genitals

  • The real enemy is capitalism

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 her work, consider supporting an artist by commissioning some cool art!

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