Page 4 of Claimed By the Vykan

“I dealt with Cruxar,” the Marak said. “You know this better than most.”

“I know,” Kyrax said. “But the aftermath was not contained.”

Another silence. This one edged.

Kyrax went on, “My people suffered for your subordinate’s corruption. I demand restitution.”

Karian’s mask tilted slightly. “What is it you seek?”

Kyrax held still, armor gleaming faintly under the chamber lights.

“There is a species,” he said. “Resilient. Rare. Resistant to my venom.”

Karian’s eyes narrowed.

“They survive your breath?” he asked.

Kyrax gave a single, controlled nod.

“And you want one of them,” Karian said quietly.

“A female,” Kyrax answered. “A mate I can claim without killing. AHuman.”

Karian’s tone shifted into something sharper. “Earth is under my protection now.”

Kyrax’s eyes narrowed behind his helm. “So I have heard.”

“Not merely under my protection,” Karian said. “It is bound to me. To my mate. What touches that world touches her. I will not violate the sanctity of her people.”

Kyrax’s voice dropped. “This is what I require. No Saelori can tolerate my venom.”

“And no human can be taken,” Karian replied. “Their minds splinter. Their bodies fail. Their world is fragile—its balance must remain untouched.”

Kyrax said nothing.

Karian added, “What you ask is not simple.”

“It is restitution,” Kyrax said. “And it will be made.”

Karian grew stiller, unreadable beneath his mask.

“If I were to agree—which I havenot—there must be limits.”

“Name them.”

Karian’s gaze sharpened, golden light burning through the mask.

“Only a human who wishes to leave her world may be claimed,” he said. “I will not harm Earth. I will not risk my mate’s peace. And I will not sanction an unwilling taking.”

Kyrax considered this. The mist outside the Nhaelor pulsed in slow, heavy waves.

“You impose this condition,” Kyrax said.

“I do,” Karian replied. “It stands.”

Kyrax’s armor hummed faintly as he straightened. “A willing human is rare.”

“Then this matter may end quickly,” Karian said. “If no such human exists, your request cannot be fulfilled.”