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“Then we have time,” Elder Rylis concluded, his ancient hands resting on the Council table.

“Some,” I agreed, my tail shifting slightly before I stilled it again – a slip in formal posture that revealed my concern. “Hammond’s desperation makes him dangerous. We must act before he discovers an alternative means of accessing the Nexus.”

The meeting continued with discussions of defense strategies and plans to block Hammond’s potential approaches to the Nexus. Throughout the exchange, I remained aware of Zara beside me, her calm presence a counterpoint to the tension in the room. When technical questions arose about Hammond’s systems, she answered with precision and insight. When Shadow Canyon traditions were discussed, I provided context and explanation.

As the Council session progressed into its second hour, I noticed Zara’s fatigue through our bond – a heaviness, a dull ache behind her eyes. Her recovery, while significant, was still ongoing. Through our connection, I sent wordless support, strength. She responded with gratitude flowing back to me.

The formal portion of the Council meeting was concluding when the chamber doors burst open. A young Aerie Kin warrior entered, her breathing rapid, mountain dust still clinging to her clothing. The scent of her exhaustion and anxiety filled the chamber.

“Forgive the interruption,” she said, her accent thick with the distinctive cadence of the mountain dialect. “I bring urgent news from the western outposts.”

Nirako rose immediately, moving to meet his clan member. “Speak, Kozari.”

“Children are missing from the Shell Ridge outpost,” she reported, her voice tight with controlled emotion. “Three younglings – taken during the night cycle. The tender found traces of human technology and boot prints unlike any worn by our kind.”

A chill settled across the chamber. Children were precious to all Nyxari, but especially to the Aerie Kin, whose isolated clan had maintained stricter protection protocols. For any to be taken was unthinkable.

“Hammond,” Zara whispered beside me, the horror in her voice matching my own thoughts.

“When?” Lazrin demanded, already shifting to Hunt Leader mode, his posture straightening.

“Two nights past,” Kozari answered. “We tracked the trail until it vanished near the geothermal fields.”

I felt Zara’s shock transform into fierce determination through our bond. Her markings responded to her emotional state, becoming more visible beneath her skin.

“He knows,” I said, the realization crystallizing with terrible clarity. “Hammond has discovered the value of immature lifelines. They are more malleable, more adaptable. Potentially more effective as keys to the Nexus.”

The chamber erupted into urgent discussion. Elder Rylis raised his hand for silence, which fell immediately.

“This changes our priorities,” he stated. “We must organize search parties and interception teams.”

“The Shadow Canyon clan must be warned as well,” I added, feeling conviction settle into my bones. “They have knowledge ofthe terrain that could be critical, and younglings of their own to protect.”

“Can you contact them?” Elder Shyla asked, her ancient eyes showing concern.

“Yes, through traditional signals. But they will be... resistant to alliance.” The understatement felt heavy in my mouth. My clan would see my bond with Zara as the very betrayal our prophecies warned against. They might not listen at all.

“Then we must convince them,” Mirelle said firmly. “United, we stand a better chance against Hammond’s threat.”

The Council established three working groups – search coordination, defense planning, and Shadow Canyon outreach. As members divided into these groups for more detailed discussions, Elder Shyla approached us quietly.

“Your healing progresses well,” she observed, her ancient eyes taking in our conditions with a healer’s precision. “But rest remains essential. Particularly for you, System Whisperer. The energy backlash from severing the shard connection has left traces in your markings.”

Zara nodded, her hand unconsciously moving to her temple where the worst of the pain had centered during our escape. “The headaches are less frequent now.”

“And your vision?” the Elder asked.

“Fully restored,” Zara confirmed. “Though sometimes I see... patterns that weren’t visible before.”

Elder Shyla nodded as if this confirmed something. “The interface changed you, as such connections always do. Monitor these changes carefully.”

As the Elder moved away to join one of the working groups, I felt a new certainty forming. The path ahead would be difficult, but we had found our place within this alliance of humans and Nyxari. Through our bond, I could sense Zara felt it too – purpose beyond survival.

We were no longer fugitives or outcasts. We were warriors with a mission, protectors with knowledge, bond-mates with strength beyond what either of us possessed alone.

My tail shifted slightly, touching Zara’s leg in a gesture of reassurance invisible to the others. The contact sent a warm pulse through our bond. Together, we would face what came next.

“Come,” I said quietly. “You need rest.”