Page 36 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"That's not true." Her hand touched my arm, sending a shock of energy through my lifelines. "We wouldn't have made it this far without you."
I looked down at her hand on my skin, where silver and gold light mingled. "And we won't make it the rest of the way if we can't work together."
"Then stop treating me like I'm incapable. I know I'm not a trained warrior, but these markings, these visions—they're showing me things for a reason."
"I don't think you're incapable." I met her eyes. "I think you're extraordinary. And that terrifies me."
The admission hung in the air. Claire's markings flickered, her surprise flowing through our bond.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because extraordinary people take extraordinary risks." I swallowed hard. "And I've seen too many die believing they were invincible."
I let the confession hang between us, stripped bare of strategy. In that instant I knew I had already tethered all my hopes to her fierce heart.
Claire's expression softened. She moved closer, the silver light of her markings illuminating the small space between us. "I don't think I'm invincible. I'm scared all the time."
"You hide it well."
"Not from you, apparently." A small smile touched her lips. "This bond... doesn't leave much room for secrets, does it?"
"No," I agreed. "It doesn't."
The anger had dissipated, leaving behind an awareness that felt almost more dangerous. I could feel her heartbeat through our connection, slightly faster than normal. The firelight caught in her hair, turning the brown strands to copper and gold.
"I'm sorry about the sabotage going wrong," she said suddenly. "You were right—I was moving too quickly."
"And I'm sorry for not considering your suggestion about the power coupling." I sighed. "Perhaps there was a middle path we could have taken."
Claire nodded. "Tomorrow, we plan together. No more unilateral decisions."
"Agreed." I hesitated, then added, "Your instincts are good, Claire. Better than you know. It's your execution that needs refinement."
She laughed softly. "Is that an Aerie compliment?"
"It's the truth." I moved to add another branch to our small fire. "Rest now. I'll take first watch."
Claire settled against the cave wall, arranging her pack as a makeshift pillow. "Wake me in four hours. And Nirako?"
I looked at her, her face soft in the firelight.
"Thank you for coming with me. Not just for the task, but... for me."
The simple honesty in her words struck deeper than any argument. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak, and took up position near the cave entrance.
Outside, the night was quiet save for the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. I listened for any sign of pursuit but heard nothing concerning. The forest had settled into its nighttime rhythm.
Behind me, Claire's breathing gradually evened out as she drifted into sleep. Through our bond, I felt her consciousness dim—still present but muted. Even in sleep, her markings glowed faintly.
I studied her face, relaxed now without the tension of our argument. The fierce determination that had sparked our conflict was the same quality that drew me to her—that and a courage I'd rarely seen even among my own warriors.
My lifelines pulsed with the admission. The council would say I'd lost my objectivity, that the bond was clouding my judgment. Perhaps they were right.
But watching over Claire as she slept, I couldn't bring myself to regret my decision.
CLAIRE
The small fire crackled in the hearth of the ancient stone chamber, casting flickering shadows that danced with the tension simmering between us. Nirako sat opposite me, his face set in lines of controlled patience that only fueled my frustration.
