Chapter 70: The Kael’seth Pack

**Tactical Deck, Command Wing – Narak’Tharr**

The dim lights of the command post cast a calming glow across the consoles, their screens blinking in a steady rhythm, like a quiet breath. Evelyn sat curled in the chair next to Vykhor’s, a tablet in hand, her fingers dancing across the navigation interface.

“The power reroute for modules B and C is stable. Kryna synced it perfectly.” She paused, tilting her head slightly. “You do realize your ship has logged more maintenance hours than any active war cruiser?”

Vykhor, leaning over the main control panel, replied without looking up.
“And yet it’s never failed.”

Evelyn smiled. He wasn’t just talking about the ship. Not really.

She tapped her screen, accessing the official crew registry.
“Alright. Zeynn is now a registered member. He has an ID number and limited access to the mercenary network. He’s going to grumble about the locked files, but I restricted the sensitive ones.”

“Good call. He might try selling the Narak’Tharr to buy glowing socks.”

She laughed, then turned to him, more serious now.
“You know, Vykhor…” She hesitated, then placed her hand over his. “I’ve noticed… you’re making an effort. A real one. For me. For Zeynn.”

He met her gaze, golden eyes steady. No evasion. No silence.
“I’m not making an effort, Evelyn. I’m doing what must be done.”

“Maybe. But for someone who’s done everything alone his whole life… it looks a lot like love.”

He didn’t answer. But his fingers curled slowly around hers.
In Vykhor’s language, that was a confession.

**Secondary Hallway & Rear Hangar – Narak’Tharr**

Zeynn leapt onto the railing with a laugh, chased by a surprisingly stealthy Blue. Their game was a kind of chaotic hide-and-seek, complete with climbing, rolling, and suspicious noises from scattered storage crates. The blue feline, despite being the size of a small beast, moved like a whisper—just before pouncing to block his path.

“Hey! Furry betrayal!” Zeynn shouted, jumping onto a crate to avoid the pounce.

Blue growled. A low, smug sound rather than a threat.

Zeynn collapsed onto his back, laughing breathlessly.
“You know what, electro-cat? This is the first time in... ever that I’ve played. That I’ve laughed without worrying about what comes next.”

Blue padded over and rested his massive head on the boy’s chest. A soft purr vibrated through his ribs. Zeynn scratched behind his ears, eyes fixed on the metal ceiling.

He thought of Evelyn. Of her eyes when she saved him. Of Vykhor, terrifying but steady. And now Blue, this monstrous feline with a heart.

Maybe he was on a warship…
But for the first time, it felt like home.

**Narak’Tharr Mess – 20:13**

The soft ceiling lights bathed the mess hall in a cozy glow, despite its metal walls and utilitarian furniture. On the table, a simple but tasty meal was served: sautéed vegetables, toasted grains, and a thick stew spiced like something straight out of Iskaara. Evelyn had taken a liking to cooking. And surprisingly—except to Blue—she was getting good at it.

Seated in her usual spot, Evelyn served the portions with methodical calm, a serene smile on her lips. Across from her, Vykhor ate in silence, brows slightly furrowed—not from taste, but from something he’d discovered earlier.

“The main hangar is a mess,” he stated bluntly. “Crates overturned. A cargo strap torn. A maintenance hatch wide open.”

He turned his head slowly toward Zeynn, who tried—and failed—to hide a guilty grin, cheeks stuffed like a busted chipmunk.

“And claw marks. On the wall.”

Blue, curled beside Evelyn, barely lifted his head, tail tapping lazily on the floor. He chewed his meat ration with a focus far too intense to be innocent.

“Oh, that…” Zeynn said, mock-apologetic. “That was training. Agility drills. Gravity checks. You want an improving crew, right?”

Vykhor’s lips tightened. His glare could incinerate a moon.

Evelyn gently placed a hand on his forearm.
“He’s learning. They’re both learning. And the hangar is still intact.”

“It won’t be if your duo keeps bouncing off the walls. Literally.”

Zeynn laughed around a mouthful.
“That was Blue! He jumped onto a crate, it tipped. And well… I happened to be there, so…”

Evelyn sighed, half amused, half resigned, while Blue kept eating as if none of it concerned him. His intelligent blue eyes flicked between them with the calm certainty of someone who belonged—mess or not.

Despite his gruffness, Vykhor eventually exhaled and shook his head slightly. His hand reached for his glass.
“We’ve accepted a contract,” he announced, voice neutral.

Zeynn straightened, mouth still full. Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

“What kind of mission?” she asked.

“Recovery and transport. An ancient artifact. Nothing dangerous.” A pause. “Theoretically.”

Zeynn threw up his hands like he’d just scored a goal.
“First mission of the Kael’seth Pack!”

“It’s not a pack.”

“You say that, but you’ve got two beasts and a mad scientist. You’re adopting us your own way, chief.”

Vykhor closed his eyes briefly, resigned.

Evelyn simply smiled as she stroked Blue’s head. He was still chewing his now-empty bowl. She noted mentally to increase his portions. Blue was growing. Fast.

**Vykhor’s Cabin – 23:49 – Night Mode Activated**

The Narak’Tharr drifted in silent space, systems idling at minimal power. In the main cabin, the lights glowed soft blue, casting a cocoon of rest. The air was quiet, like a moment outside of time.

Blue lay at the foot of the bed, curled against the wall, grumbling in contentment. One paw draped over his cushion, the other half on the floor, already claiming more space. Soon, he’d need the whole room. Vykhor knew. And reluctantly, he accepted it.

Lying beside him, Evelyn rested her head on his chest, drawing invisible circles on his cobalt skin, where the glowing lines of energy pulsed slowly.

“You know Zeynn’s right,” she murmured, barely above a whisper.

Vykhor didn’t reply immediately. His eyes stared at the ceiling. One arm wrapped around Evelyn’s shoulders like a shield.

“We are a pack, Vykhor. Not like the others, no. But a real one. You, me, Blue… and now Zeynn.”