Chapter 73: Blue Grows

Evelyn froze.

Blue let out a low, guttural sound—more a reflex than a true growl—and dropped from the bench in a jerky movement. His paws trembled. His breathing sped up.

“Blue!” Evelyn was already on her knees beside him.

Zeynn jumped to the floor. “What’s happening?”

Evelyn ran her hands along the feline’s flank. His skin felt like it was vibrating, as if something was agitating him from within. The natural energy lines in his fur pulsed in irregular waves.

Then she understood.

Her pupils dilated in shock.

“This isn’t an attack... It’s a growth surge.”

Blue let out another, more painful, groan.

“Felines of his kind... their growth isn’t linear. It’s brutal, sudden, and... extremely painful.” Evelyn spoke more for Zeynn’s benefit than her own, steadying herself with each word. “I... I studied the process. I knew it would come. But not this soon.”

Zeynn glanced at Blue, whose muscles twitched in spasms. “So what now? We just watch him suffer?”

Evelyn looked up, determination flaring in her eyes. “No. We take him to the infirmary. I’ve prepared a protocol with Kryna. There are sensors, neural modulators, and a relaxation field tailored to his biology.”

Zeynn nodded. “I’m with you.”

Between the two of them, they lifted Blue—not without effort. He already weighed more than a grown dog. His body was expanding, his muscles lengthening before their eyes.

“Hang in there, Blue. We’ve got you,” Evelyn whispered.

**Infirmary – Minutes later**

The feline was laid on a soft energy field calibrated to his metabolism. Kryna, already online, initiated the programmed protocol.

Growth protocol activated. Neuro-muscular pain modulation in progress. Cardiopulmonary stabilization underway.

Zeynn wiped his forehead with his sleeve, watching Evelyn adjust the settings with near surgical precision.

Blue let out a faint whimper, but he no longer trembled.

“It’s working,” Evelyn whispered, placing a hand on the feline’s side. “It’ll pass, sweetheart. You’ll grow big, strong. But not alone. Never alone again.”

Zeynn looked away. It was silly, maybe—but that promise... he’d heard it too.

**Cockpit – Narak’Tharr**

Vykhor looked up from the screen.

A shiver. A shift in the air.

Nothing alarming at first glance. The ship’s systems were stable. Daily operations running smooth. But still... something nagged at his instincts.

He casually scanned internal logs—a habit he’d developed since Evelyn moved in with him. Knowing where she was, always.

But this time, her biometrics weren’t pinging anywhere.

His brow furrowed. He opened a feed from the internal cameras, checking the room where she had been working earlier. The screen showed... emptiness.

Evelyn wasn’t there.

She’d left her tools behind, components of the transmitter still laid out. Everything arranged just as she always did—neatly, methodically. But unfinished. Interrupted. Like she’d vanished mid-thought.

That wasn’t like her.

Vykhor didn’t hesitate.

He closed the display, stood in one fluid motion, and walked out, heavy steps echoing in the metal corridors.

He followed the rhythm. The instinct. And the bond.

Since Iskaara... he could feel her.

The infirmary. Of course.

He pushed the door open without slowing.

**Infirmary – Narak’Tharr**

There was no drama.

Just a scene.

Evelyn, her hands resting on Blue’s flank, eyes reddened but peaceful. Zeynn, leaning against the wall, fangs slightly bared, visibly impressed.

And Blue... was no longer a cub.

He was now the size of a large hunting dog, an alien Great Dane—broader chest, more powerful limbs. His blue fur was denser, with sharper metallic highlights. His eyes still golden, but deeper. Older.

He turned to look at Vykhor.

And Vykhor looked back.

No words.

Just a nod.

A greeting between two predators.

Then he looked to Evelyn. “Is everything alright?”

She nodded slowly. “He’s growing. Faster than expected. But he’s fine.”

Zeynn, still awestruck, grinned. “He’s huge! Have you seen his fangs? I could sleep inside one of them!”

Evelyn smiled, tired but relieved.

Vykhor, ever the stoic, replied, “Then he better eat more. He’ll need the energy.”

But behind the clipped tone, a glint shone in his eyes. He had seen Evelyn’s fear—then watched her conquer it.

He crossed his arms, eyeing Blue critically. “He’s less of a plush toy now.”

Blue gave a low grunt. Half-annoyed, half-exhausted.

Evelyn laughed. So did Zeynn.

Vykhor gave a faint snort.

Evelyn stepped closer and placed a hand on his chest. “You came.”

“I felt it.” Two words. But they said everything.

Still admiring Blue, Zeynn added with a wide grin, “Next time he grows again, I want a front-row seat. At this rate, he’ll be able to crush me in one leap.”

“He already could,” Vykhor said flatly.

“...Charming,” Zeynn muttered, mock-offended.

Evelyn stroked Blue’s head. He was finally falling asleep, his breathing deep and slow again.

The protocol had worked.

And in the soft glow of the infirmary, the Kael’seth pack stood. United. Unusual. Improbable.

But whole.

**The Next Day – Narak’Tharr Equipment Bay**

Evelyn’s hands moved with precision. The transmitter lay open on the workbench, its components carefully reassembled. Final adjustments buzzed in quiet harmony—diagnostic beeps and the gentle whir of micro-tools.

Zeynn crouched nearby on a crate, watching with a curious tilt of his head, amber eyes tracking each movement.

“What exactly is this supposed to do?” he asked, suspicious.

“It broadcasts a very old, very specific, and totally obsolete signal... still used in some academic circles.” Evelyn grinned. “Basically, like trying to catch a forgotten radio station with a DIY antenna.”

He shrugged. “As long as it doesn’t blow up in my face.”

Once reassembled, Evelyn locked the transmitter in a coded security case. She sealed it, tapped the surface like closing a confidential file.

Blue, sprawled nearby like a giant living plush toy, raised his head and let out a low groan, as if he knew she was leaving. He started to get up... then flopped back down, lazy.

Evelyn knelt by him, fingers buried in his thick fur. “You’re staying here, big guy. Kryna will look after you while we’re gone.”

Blue squinted, a resigned rumble escaping him. Loyal as ever. But not thrilled.

**En Route to Trovia-6**

The shuttle glided through the dense atmosphere of Trovia-6, barely buffeted by the tropical currents. Through the viewport, a lush jungle stretched below—almost unreal, glowing with violet and gold under the local sun.

Zeynn wrinkled his nose, scowling. “Seriously? It’s a thousand degrees in here.”

Evelyn stifled a laugh. “Not a fan of tropical climates?”

“I hate sweating. I hate crawly things. And I really hate bugs bigger than my hand.”

Vykhor, unfazed, checked his weapon. “You’ll survive.”