Page 96 of Alien Warlord's Fury
"Traditionally, there would be a ceremony. The clan would recognize the pairing, and the bonded would exchange tokens—usually something crafted by each person's own hands."
"What kind of tokens?"
"It varies. Some create jewelry, others carve stone or wood. The token represents a promise—to honor the bond, to strengthen it through actions."
Claire considered this. "And if one person is human? What then?"
"As I said before—we write our own path." I let my hand rest near hers, not quite touching. "The Aerie traditions can guide us, but they don't bind us."
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. Her eyes were growing heavy, the day's exertion finally catching up with her.
"Sleep," I said softly. "I'll take first watch."
"You need rest too." She stifled a yawn. "Wake me for second watch."
I nodded, though I had no intention of disturbing her sleep. She needed recovery more than I needed rest.
Claire settled onto her sleeping mat, arranging herself carefully to avoid pressure on her injuries. Within minutes, her breathing had deepened and slowed. I watched her for a moment, struck by the trust implicit in her ability to sleep so readily in my presence.
My tail settled into a relaxed coil on the cool earth beside me.
The night deepened around us. I maintained a vigilant watch, though I knew the perimeter guards were alert. Old habits die hard, especially for an Aerie hunter.
The forest spoke to me in familiar ways—the rustle of night creatures, the soft calls of nocturnal birds, the whisper of wind through leaves.
Claire stirred in her sleep, a small sound of distress escaping her. I reached out instinctively, my hand finding hers. Her silver markings responded at the contact, and through our bond, I sent calm and reassurance.
The tension in her face eased, and she settled back into peaceful sleep.
I didn't remove my hand. The connection between us hummed, a steady presence that felt increasingly natural. What had begun as an unexpected complication had become something I couldn't imagine being without.
CLAIRE
Ispotted the Eastern Settlement through a break in the trees. The familiar wooden walls and guard towers stood silhouetted against the afternoon sky, smoke rising from cooking fires beyond. After everything we'd been through, it seemed almost unreal to be returning.
My steps faltered. What awaited us there? Censure from the council for our unauthorized mission? Distrust from those who'd seen my unstable markings as a threat?
Nirako's hand brushed mine, a light touch that sent warmth flowing through our bond.
"They will see what you've done," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear it among the larger group moving around us. "Not what they feared you might do."
I swallowed hard, grateful for his steady presence beside me. The children we'd rescued walked ahead with Ravik and Zara, their small frames moving with increasing energy as they recognized their destination. Even exhausted as they were, the sight of safety quickened their pace.
"I hope you're right." My silver markings pulsed with my anxiety, a visual testament to the emotions I couldn't quite hide.
Nirako's lifelines responded, our energies reaching for each other instinctively now. The bond between us had grown stronger since our confrontation with Hammond, more stable. Like my connection to the Nexus itself.
The guards at the gate spotted our approach. One called out, another disappeared inside—likely to alert the council. My stomach knotted.
"Stand tall," Nirako said. "You saved them. Remember that."
I took a deep breath and stood taller, pushing aside the exhaustion that pulled at my limbs. We'd succeeded where the council had hesitated. Whatever judgment awaited us, I wouldn't apologize for that.
The gates swung open as we approached. I braced myself for stern faces, for accusations?—
"They're back!" A child's voice rang out, followed by others. A crowd gathered inside the gate, faces alight with relief and joy.
Mirelle pushed through, her weathered face breaking into a smile when she saw me. She rushed forward and wrapped me in a fierce embrace.
