Chapter 16 — Heartbound & Aftermath

◽3240.12.12◽
Phipher still stood at the center of the glass-scarred ground, that mad grin carved across her face.【yeah… this shield’s gonna be the Heartbound Bastion】⟨you missed⟩ she said lightly.Zer’Kael snapped. ⟨why you little—⟩
Her rage finally boiled over.Phipher’s aim was steady—unshaken.Then— impact.Tor’Vyrr dropped from the sky and slammed into Zer’Kael, driving her hard into the ground.Phipher’s trigger pulled anyway.The rail shot screamed upward— and hit nothing.
⟨good… you’re okay⟩ Tor’Vyrr said, relief bleeding through his voice as he pinned Zer’Kael down.Zer’Kael thrashed. ⟨how dare you stop me, Tor’Vyrr⟩⟨Female—shut up and watch⟩ Tor’Vyrr snapped.
Zer’Kael froze.That was the first time she’d ever heard rage in his voice.The rail shot struck the clouds.They didn’t disperse.They were erased.A perfect clearing— one kilometer wide—tore through the sky.Silence followed.
Zer’Kael trembled. ⟨those storm clouds… I summoned them⟩ Fear cracked her voice.Tor’Vyrr didn’t move. ⟨now do you understand you would’ve died—for nothing⟩ He released her and stood.
Phipher was still aiming—but confusion had replaced hostility.⟨you know this Skycrusher, Tor’Vyrr⟩ she asked flatly.⟨yes this is Zer’Kael… she’s my mate⟩Phipher stiffened. Her antenna flushed red instantly. ⟨oh—oh shit I’m sorry, I thought she was a rogue Skycrusher⟩Tor’Vyrr chuckled. ⟨I tell her not to act like that we aren’t as young as we used to be⟩Phipher laughed nervously, then bowed her head slightly toward Zer’Kael. ⟨I’m sorry for attacking you with intent to kill⟩⟨no… it’s my fault⟩ Zer’Kael replied quietly.【if that projectile touched me… my existence would’ve ceased】
Phipher turned and walked back toward the Sunrider Echo, checking its hull for damage.
Tor’Vyrr’s tone hardened. ⟨now do you understand why I maintain a friendly relationship with this Lou’cal woman⟩⟨mm⟩ Zer’Kael nodded.⟨I don’t fear her I fear the one who built the weapons and armor she uses⟩Zer’Kael’s eyes widened. ⟨wait… she didn’t create those⟩Tor’Vyrr shook his head. ⟨no and I’d rather we stay on both of their good sides⟩⟨yes… my mate⟩ Zer’Kael replied softly.【I almost ruined my pack… because of jealousy】Tor’Vyrr draped a wing over her. ⟨you’ll always be my first⟩ He flashed a toothy grin.Zer’Kael buried her head beneath his wing, tears slipping free. ⟨Tor’Vyrr…⟩He sighed.【maybe I was too hard on her】
Phipher watched them from a distance and smiled.【aw… that’s cute I wonder if me and Carlton would—】Her antenna flushed crimson.【no—don’t think like that】She cleared her throat. ⟨Tor’Vyrr… do you know a place where I can rest before I leave⟩⟨yes⟩ he replied calmly. ⟨I know a place⟩
◽ Two Hours Later ◽
⟦WHAT⟧ Carlton’s voice exploded through the link. ⟦did that really happen⟧Phipher laughed nervously.「yeah… but it’s cool now. Zer’Kael’s the mate of the Skycrusher helping me through the Vortex Lanes—just one big misunderstanding」⟦you sure⟧ His tone darkened. ⟦you want me to deal with it… personally⟧Phipher kept her antenna color neutral—barely.【damn… that was hot, he’d fight a 1 striped Terravore for me, I can’t wait till he’s inside me—】She shook her head sharply.【no. princess. control yourself】「no—everything’s fine, no battle needed」⟦…okay but tell them there better not be a next time⟧「yeah, I will」She cut the call.「phew…」Then she smirked.「but damn… he was fine just now」
Another call came through.Varn.
Phipher answered, a projection flickering to life.「hi Chief Elder—hope you’re okay」⟦why does your location say you’re in the Vortex Lanes⟧ Varn answered irritated.「oh—shit, I forgot to lock it」She laughed.「here」
Coordinates transmitted.
⟦we’ll reach you by month’s end⟧ Varn sighed. ⟦sorry for being irritated—Sarth’s being a Gravelmite⟧「because of me？」Phipher asked softly.⟦yes but it’s nothing I can’t handle⟧「okay…」She relaxed.「what about the Ashru’Keen Tribe」Varn scowled. ⟦they decided to send a messager, but most details about you are sealed⟧「sorry you’re dealing with that alone」⟦it’s fine⟧ Then she smiled. ⟦what about you and Carlton⟧Phipher’s antenna glowed red.「not yet… I’m waiting for the Ash Zenith’s peak」⟦using the Trail of the Sun’s backlash, well aren't you opportunistic⟧「he’s already at his limit and still holding back」Varn raised a brow. ⟦you do have two holes⟧「y-yes… but isn’t that forbidden」⟦only because my generation hated arranged bonds, the second path is undetectable, the tribe wouldn’t know⟧
◽ Meanwhile — Zarek’s Room ◽
Zarek groaned.「damn… you’re good」Raleth chuckled as she straddled him.「I’m honored, Sir Zarek」【so that’s it… no birth tunnel markings, that’s why the Chief’s interested in the Dun'khal Nomads】「Sir Zarek？」Raleth shifted—his essence spilling down her legs.【so they weren’t lying… Mid’cals release a lot】「yes… what do you need」「you know what this means for the princess, right」Zarek paused.「…yes. but can it be proven」Raleth smiled wickedly.「no—but the implication alone should be enough」
Zarek laughed.He lifted her— and seated her back onto him.Raleth moaned softly.
「Sir Zarek…」「I’m not done, I’ve got three more left」Raleth smiled.「then let me handle it」Raleth moved again.
Unseen— Kaleth stood outside the door.I 【tch… embarrassing, but General Rynn needs to know】She turned and left.