Page 88 of Alien Warlord's Fury

"She's still here," the youngling said with certainty. "Just sleeping."

Before I could respond, one of the warriors gently guided the youngling back to the others. I stared down at Claire's face, searching for any sign of change. Her expression remained peaceful, still.

"Nirako." Ravik appeared at my side. "We're moving everyone outside the perimeter. We've established a temporary camp in the clearing beyond the ruins."

I nodded, following him through the final corridor toward the exit. Each step sent fresh waves of pain through my body, but I welcomed the discomfort. It kept me focused, present.

Claire's weight in my arms anchored me to what mattered.

Outside, the air was cool and clean after the stale atmosphere of Hammond's compound. The sky had darkened to twilight, stars beginning to appear. A short distance away, beyond the crumbling outer walls, the lights of several small fires flickered—the temporary camp Ravik had mentioned.

"The younglings first," Ravik ordered. "Then the injured. We'll secure the camp entrance before settling in for the night."

I moved carefully across the uneven ground toward the camp, refusing help despite the awkwardness of managing with my injuries. Warriors had already erected basic shelters and started cooking fires. The younglings were being settled near the largest fire, wrapped in blankets.

I found a relatively sheltered spot near the edge of the camp and carefully lowered myself to the ground, settling Claire against me, unwilling to lay her on the rough earth.

Selene approached quickly, kneeling beside us. "Let me at least stabilize that arm now that we're stopped."

Selene worked efficiently, splinting my arm and applying a cooling salve to the worst of the burns. The relief was immediate but felt somehow undeserved while Claire remained unconscious.

Throughout the treatment, I kept my free hand on Claire's wrist, monitoring her pulse. It remained steady but weak, her skin cool to the touch. Through our bond, I could sense only the faintest echo of her presence—like a distant star, visible but unreachable.

"The bond," I said suddenly. "Can I use it to help her?"

Selene looked up from bandaging my arm. "What do you mean?"

"Our energies are connected. Can I give her some of mine?"

Selene hesitated. "It's possible, but dangerous in your condition. You're both severely depleted."

"I don't care about the risk."

"I know you don't," she said with a hint of exasperation. "But Claire needs you conscious and functioning when she wakes."

When, not if. The careful choice of word didn't escape me.

"Tell me what to do," I insisted.

Selene sighed. "Place your hand over her heart. Focus on the bond between you. Imagine your energy flowing into her—but slowly, like water seeping into dry earth, not a flood."

"And stop the moment you feel lightheaded."

I shifted Claire carefully in my lap, placing my palm over her heart. Her body felt small and fragile beneath my hand. I closed my eyes and focused on the thread that connected us, the bond that had formed against all odds.

I'm here, Claire. Take what you need.

I imagined my strength flowing into her, golden energy trickling through our connection. At first, nothing happened. Then I felt it—a subtle pull, as if her body recognized what I offered and reached for it.

My lifelines responded, golden light pulsing beneath my skin. The sensation was strange—not painful, but draining, like blood flowing from an open wound. I pushed more energy toward her, willing her to take it.

"Carefully," Selene cautioned. "Not too much."

I ignored her, concentrating only on Claire. The pull strengthened, and for an instant, I felt her consciousness brush against mine—confused, distant, but there.

Claire?

No response, but her markings flickered briefly with silver light.

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