Page 87 of Alien Warlord's Fury

"The energy backlash... it looks like it consumed him from the inside out."

I nodded, not taking my eyes from Claire's face. "The younglings?"

"Disoriented but alive. We're getting them out now."

Footsteps approached rapidly—Selene and Kavan, the healers who'd accompanied the rescue party. They knelt beside us, their hands already glowing with gentle energy.

"Let us see her," Selene said, her voice calm but urgent.

I hesitated, reluctant to relinquish my hold. My tail stilled, pressing flat against the floor in resistance.

"Nirako," Kavan said firmly. "Your arm is broken, and those burns need treatment. Let us help you both."

"Her first," I growled. "Focus on her."

They exchanged a glance but didn't argue. Their hands moved over Claire's still form, their lifelines pulsing with healing energy.

"Severe energy depletion," Selene murmured. "She channeled too much through her system."

"Will she recover?" I demanded.

"Her markings are dormant, not damaged," Kavan replied. "That's a good sign. But we need to get her to the settlement, where we can properly treat her."

A warrior approached with a stretcher. I shook my head, gathering Claire closer despite the protest from my broken arm. My tail gave a single, sharp lash against the stone.

"I'll carry her."

"Nirako," Ravik said, his tone hardening. "You can barely stand. Let them take her."

"I said I'll carry her," I snarled, baring my teeth.

Ravik studied me for a long moment, then nodded to the others. "Help him up. Support his injured side."

Two warriors moved to assist me as I struggled to my feet, Claire cradled against my chest. Pain lanced through my broken arm, but I welcomed it—a physical anchor in the storm of fear threatening to overwhelm me.

Around us, the chamber buzzed with activity. Warriors guided the younglings toward the exit, speaking in soft, reassuring tones. Others secured Hammond's remains and the Nexus interface.

The air smelled of ozone and dust, undercut by the sharp scent of the healing herbs Selene had crushed between her fingers.

"Your injuries need attention," Selene insisted, walking beside me as we moved toward the exit.

"After she's stable."

"She's not the only one who needs healing," Kavan argued. "Those burns?—"

"After," I repeated, my voice leaving no room for debate.

We made our way through the compound's winding corridors, now secured by Ravik's forces. The stable hum of the Nexus followed us, a gentle vibration through the stone that feltalmost... approving. As if the planet itself recognized what Claire had done.

One of the younglings broke away from the group, a small girl with faint golden lifelines tracing her arms. She approached me cautiously, her eyes fixed on Claire.

"She saved us," the youngling whispered. "I felt her. In here." She touched her chest.

"She fought the bad man."

I nodded, unable to find words past the tightness in my throat.

The youngling reached out, her small fingers brushing Claire's arm. A faint shimmer passed between them, and for a heartbeat, I thought I saw Claire's markings respond with the faintest silver glow.

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