Page 101 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"Now to the Nexus," Lazrin continued.
"The Aerie will share records of ancient sites in our territory," Elder Tavik offered. Ravik reluctantly agreed for the Canyon.
"We propose a specialized team," Lazrin said, "from all clans and including humans connected to the Nexus".
"Who leads?" Ravik asked cautiously.
Lazrin looked directly at Claire. "We propose Claire as primary Nexus guardian, alongside Jen, Rivera, and Kavan. Each clan appoints specialists".
I felt Claire's surprise, then determination.
"An outsider?" Elder Tavik frowned.
"Not an outsider," I said firmly. "Claire bears the ancient markings of a Nexus guardian. She stabilized the system. The Aerie follows the path revealed".
Elder Tavik studied me, then inclined his head. "We accept, provided Aerie knowledge is respected".
"The Canyon accepts," Ravik said. "Our specialist will be Zara".
"Decided," Lazrin concluded. "The Nexus team is established. We meet again in seven days".
As the council adjourned, smaller groups formed. I joined Claire, Jen, and Rivera.
"The council recognized your role," I said quietly.
"Thanks to your support," she replied. I felt her gratitude through our bond.
"The mountain reveals the path to those who learn to see," I smiled slightly. "You helped many see".
Rivera cleared her throat. "Monitoring protocols. Hammond accessed other nodes".
I nodded. "The Aerie records show three major nodes in our territories. We begin there".
As they discussed details, I reflected. The alliance was fragile but a beginning. I sensed Claire's hope and determinationthrough our bond. Hammond was gone, the Nexus healing. The children recovering. Our bond, our anchor.
The chamber emptied. Claire finished her discussion and returned to my side. "How are your wounds?" she asked quietly.
"Healing," I replied.
She nodded, markings catching the light. "I'm still getting used to this," she admitted, gesturing to the markings. "They feel... more stable now".
I studied the intricate silver lines. "The ancient patterns," I said. "My grandmother spoke of them—on guardians who maintained the Nexus before the Great Division".
"You think that's what I am?"
"I think you are becoming what you need to be," I replied. "Your people are starting to accept me."
"They see what I see," I corrected. "Strength that complements ours".
"We should join the others," I said as afternoon light filled the chamber. "There is much work."
CLAIRE
Iknelt beside the youngest child, a Nyxari girl named Meela, whose faint golden lifelines barely flickered.
"The pattern is different today," I said softly, my silver markings pulsing gently in response to her weak energy. "See the small spirals?"
"That's progress," Selene commented from nearby. "Spirals represent resilience".
