Chapter 18 — The Weight of Quiet Choices (Ash Zenith Arc)

◽ 3240.12.19 ◽
The transport rumbled steadily as it cut through the barren stretch toward the former Crimson Faith base.Phipher sat on Carlton’s lap, comfortably tucked into his chest.His arms were wrapped around her without effort—natural, familiar.
She smiled, tilting her head slightly.「you know… this is way more comfortable」Carlton glanced down at her.「what is？」「sitting here while traveling」 she said, smiling again.「it’s comfortable… nice」He chuckled softly.「yeah… you right」
Without thinking, Carlton tightened his hold.His arms shifted, hands resting against her stomach.Phipher placed her hands over his, a quiet gesture of trust.A moment passed.Then—
「hey… Carlton」Her voice wavered, guilt slipping through.He noticed immediately.「yeah？ what is it」She hesitated.「when my tribe arrives… please prove to the Chief Elder that you’re truly capable」Carlton sighed.「so that’s what you meant by a political crap storm」He paused, tone softer.「you’re arranged to marry someone else, aren’t you？」「yah…」Phipher lowered her head.「you must hate me… don’t you？」He laughed lightly.「actually？ no」She looked up, confused.「what？」A smirk formed on his face.「like you said before—I already ruined your ability to pair-bond with Calzors」He leaned closer.「so you’re stuck with me」Her voice dropped to a whisper.「…thank you」「don’t mention—」He stopped. Warm drops landed on his hands.【that’s been eating at her since the start】
Carlton pulled her closer, arms firm but gentle.Phipher didn’t hold back anymore.Her tears fell freely.He didn’t speak.He just stayed there—silent, steady reassurance that he wasn’t leaving.
◽ On the Dun’khal Nomads Ship ◽
Zarek stood alone in his private quarters.A call pinged.Before he could respond, a hologram activated.Zarek froze—and dropped to his knees.
⟦I hear you are doing quite well where you are, messenger⟧? #01’s voice was calm. Too calm.Zarek cleared his throat.「compared to how strong our tribe truly is… I fall short」⟦good⟧ A low laugh followed. ⟦it would be unfortunate if you forgot your place⟧Zarek swallowed.「do you… have any orders for me？」⟦yes, it has been decided that the condition of the Dun’khal princess is irrelevant, as long as she remains alive⟧Zarek frowned.「and why is that, sir？」The air turned cold. ⟦you do not need that information, remember your station⟧Zarek trembled.「my apologies」⟦good⟧
The call ended.Zarek remained kneeling.Fear chained him to the floor.
◽ Outside the Vortex Lanes ◽
Tor’Vyrr hunted with his pack when shadows closed in.Rouge Skycrushers.⟨tch… what do you want⟩ He shifted into a defensive stance.Skycrusher Rouge #01 laughed. ⟨the Pack Leader wants to know if you’ve decided⟩⟨you mean your pack leader⟩ Tor’Vyrr’s voice hardened. ⟨and my answer hasn’t changed⟩The rogue sighed. ⟨then next time… we won’t leave you alive⟩
They dispersed.Tor’Vyrr exhaled.Lyss’Rei immediately tucked herself beneath his wing, trembling.He covered her fully.
⟨don’t worry⟩ he said softly.⟨it was an empty threat⟩She looked up, unsure. ⟨really？ I don’t want you hurt, father⟩Tor’Vyrr chuckled. ⟨if I were easy to hurt, your mother wouldn’t have chosen me⟩Lyss’Rei laughed faintly. ⟨that’s true… mother hates weak stuff⟩
◽ At One of the Crimson Faith Bases ◽
Metal screamed as the tower came apart.Phipher sat atop Kraal’Thys’s head, watching Carlton work.Muscles flexed as he lifted heavy beams.Relaxed as he set them down.Again.And again.She barely blinked.
⟨so… are you going to help him？⟩ Kraal’Thys asked dryly.No response.⟨PHIPHER⟩She jolted. ⟨what! ？⟩⟨Ash Zenith is only days away⟩ Her tone turned teasing. ⟨you looked ready to skin that human⟩Phipher’s antenna flushed red. ⟨did I really look that desperate？⟩⟨half an hour desperate, so… gonna let him do it？⟩⟨do what？⟩⟨breed you⟩Her blush deepened. ⟨Kraal’Thys！⟩⟨it’s obvious⟩ she replied calmly. ⟨the way he looks at you… the way he restrains himself, he wants you to be the mother of his children⟩Phipher covered her face. ⟨children？ no—Carlton isn’t like that⟩⟨he’s one mistake away, ever seen him drunk？⟩She lowered her hands, eyes fixed on Carlton. ⟨are you saying I should… let him？⟩⟨yes, and if he says no, at least you’ll know⟩ Kraal’Thys with reassurance.Phipher steadied herself. ⟨…yah, you’re right⟩

⟦Carlton, may I ask a question⟧ Morr’Khei rumbled.Carlton slid another beam into the cargo sack.「yeah—go ahead」⟦you and Phipher have been mating, yet the markings of a claimed woman are absent, why？⟧Carlton sighed.「damn, Morr’Khei—ever heard of being mindful？」⟦I am a Varrak Titan, we lack social cues⟧He chuckled.「yeah… figures」He paused.「she’s scared of the political fallout」Morr’Khei didn’t hesitate. ⟦and you？what do you fear？⟧Carlton looked away.「that it won’t work, that I’ll hurt her, that our biology clashes」His voice lowered.「that a child might suffer because of me」
The sun edged closer toward its zenith.And everything waited.