Page 40

The observation hits too close to home. My relationship with Vex has evolved beyond simple captivity, but I don't have words for what it's become.

"Your wound needs two weeks to heal properly," I tell him, changing the subject. "You've lost significant blood. Moving too soon risks reopening the artery."

"I can't stay here." Eli's eyes dart toward Vex. "No offense to your... arrangement, but I'm not keen on becoming Chimeric property."

"You don't have to stay," Vex says unexpectedly, moving closer. "The resistance can pass through the outer territory as long as you follow the rules."

Both Eli and I stare at him in shock. This directly contradicts Conquest Law, which mandates immediate reporting of resistance activity.

"The Felines are running way more patrols on the eastern ridge," Eli says cautiously, clearly testing this unexpectedopening. "Three times the normal number, with gear that looks like they're planning something big."

Vex's wings shift slightly—the only sign this information concerns him. "A territory grab or someone specific?"

"Both, from what we can tell." Eli seems to decide that talking directly is his best option. "Captain Kain wants more territory, but they've got Council-issued containment cages, neural nets, tranquilizer weapons. The kind of gear you use when you need something alive but helpless."

I watch this exchange with growing confusion. Why is Vex engaging with a resistance fighter instead of executing him? Why does Eli seem increasingly comfortable providing tactical information to a Prime?

"Seen any Gargoyle units?" Vex asks, the question carrying weight I don't understand.

Eli nods. "Two units minimum. Carrying binding equipment."

The words send visible tension through Vex's frame. Binding equipment—designed specifically for flying Primes, to permanently ground them through chemical or physical restraints. The threat becomes suddenly, terrifyingly personal.

"When?" Vex presses.

"Four days. Maybe five if the weather gets bad." Eli shifts, wincing as the movement pulls his stitches. "They're waiting for the final okay from higher up, but everything's ready to go."

The information confirms what Vex told me during survival training, but hearing independent verification makes it real. Council forces are coming—coming for us, with equipment designed to cripple Vex permanently.

My hand moves unconsciously to my belly where his child grows. What happens to hybrid offspring when their Prime father is "grounded"?

"Your group hiding near the southern valley?" Vex asks, tone shifting from interrogation to something more practical.

Eli hesitates before answering. "Near the thermal springs. Small outpost, mostly just watching and listening."

To my complete shock, Vex moves to a storage niche and retrieves a bundle wrapped in waterproof hide. He places it beside Eli.

"Five days' supplies," he states. "After the next rain, the red stones mark a safe path to the valley. Follow them. Stay completely off the eastern ridges."

I stare at him, unable to reconcile this with everything I've been taught about Prime enforcement. He's not just letting a resistance fighter live—he's actively providing aid and safe passage.

"Why?" Eli asks the question burning in my mind.

"My territory stays neutral as long as your people keep distance," Vex answers. "Mountains run differently than Council wants."

Eli studies him before nodding once. "Understood. We'll make sure info about what's happening in the east keeps... finding its way to you."

This revelation—that Vex has established intelligence-sharing with resistance cells—destroys every assumption I've made about his relationship with Conquest authority.

"You need twelve hours before attempting movement," I interject, medical concern reasserting itself. "The sutures need time to set."

"Six hours," Vex counters. "Move after dark. Feline patrols stick to daylight."

The practical cooperation between them feels surreal, like I've stepped into alternate reality where Primes and resistance fighters casually exchange tactical information.

Eli agrees to rest until nightfall. Vex helps me relocate him to a side chamber with sleeping furs and water. Once he's settled, Vex guides me back toward the main den, his tail lightly touching my lower back in a gesture that feels protective.

When we're out of earshot, I turn to confront him.