Page 64 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"It's ready," he said. "We should apply it now and let it set."
I nodded, turning back to Zara. "Thank you. For everything."
She gave me a tight smile. "Just get those kids out."
Nirako led me to a quieter corner of our temporary shelter. His fingers were gentle as he applied the paste to my skin, following Ravik's instructions precisely. The mixture felt cool at first, then warmed as it reacted with my markings.
"Hold still," he murmured, tracing the paste along my temple. "This needs to be exact."
I closed my eyes and focused on his touch. Through our bond, I could sense his concentration, his determination to get this right.
"Ravik seems to know a lot about the Nexus," I said quietly.
"Shadow Canyon clan specializes in ancient knowledge," Nirako replied. "They guard their secrets closely."
"You don't trust him?"
His fingers paused briefly. "I trust that he wants to save the younglings. Beyond that..."
"You're worried about what he expects me to do with the Nexus."
Nirako resumed his work, applying paste to my wrists where my markings converged. "Your connection to it is already unstable. Deliberately interfacing with it could be dangerous."
"We don't have a choice," I reminded him. "If Hammond succeeds?—"
"I know." His voice was tight. "But I won't let you sacrifice yourself."
The intensity in his words made me open my eyes. His face was inches from mine, eyes fierce with protective determination.
"That's not the plan," I said softly.
"Plans change in the field. I know how you think." His hand cupped my cheek, thumb brushing away a smudge of paste.
"Your life matters too, Claire."
The tenderness in his touch contrasted with the grim circumstances surrounding us. I felt his fear through our bond—not for himself, but for me. It was still strange, this connection between us.
New and raw and powerful.
"I'll be careful," I promised. "But those children?—"
"We'll save them together," he said firmly. "Not just you charging in alone."
I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. My solo rescue attempt had evolved into something far more complex, with allies and a plan and stakes higher than I'd imagined.
"Your turn," I said, taking the bowl from him. "You need this paste too."
He sat still as I applied the mixture to his skin, my fingers tracing the contours of his face. His lifelines pulsed gently under my touch, responding to the proximity of my markings.
"Does it feel strange?" I asked. "The paste?"
"Cold at first, then warm," he replied. "Like your touch."
I smiled despite the gravity of our situation. "Smooth talker."
"Honest observation," he corrected, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
As I finished applying the paste, Ravik approached, checking our work with a critical eye.
