Chapter 91: Return to Iskaara

**Planet Iskaara – Allied Ship Landing Zone**

The Narak’Tharr pierced the pale orange clouds of Iskaara, its hull darkened by successive jumps, but still as imposing as ever. The ship began its descent over the rocky plateau where Tarn Vesik had set up an improvised but efficient base — a mirage of order in the midst of wilderness.
A few metallic modules, a mobile infirmary, a domed common room, and a training area marked by beacon lights. All around, Iskaara’s wild nature: slender trees with translucent leaves, cliffs in the distance, and warm wind heavy with golden pollen.

The ramp lowered.

Vykhor stepped out first, flanked by Blue. His expression was as hard as ever, though his stride betrayed a hint of fatigue. Behind him, Evelyn carried Marn’s case, now wrapped in a modified security field. Zeynn followed, a bruise under his eye but a determined look on his face. Skye, cigarette between her lips and a light rifle slung over her shoulder, came next.

And finally... Rax Ulthor.

A massive shadow. Footsteps like distant thunder. Reinforced gloves pulsing with energy. His gaze swept over the camp and its surroundings in silence before he nodded slowly.

"Quiet spot. The question is, for how long?"
"Until we decide to shake the foundations," Skye replied with a wink.

A man approached quickly.

Tarn Vesik. Still as severe as ever in his reinforced medical suit, with a rough beard and a permanently furrowed brow.

"You’re finally here. The kids have been waiting. Some refused to sleep since we told them you were coming back."

Evelyn gave a soft smile.

"Are they doing okay?"

"As well as can be. Some have nightmares. But they’re holding on. Thanks to you — all of you — they have a future."

He locked eyes with Vykhor, then with Rax.

"I suppose you’re not here just to hand out stuffed animals."

Vykhor answered simply:

"We’re here to build a war."

Silence.

Tarn sighed.

"Then come in. I’ve set up quarters for everyone. Even your blue beast."

Blue gave a low growl.

"He’s judging you," Zeynn said as he passed Tarn.

Quiet chuckles. Despite everything. Despite the grief.

**Later – Central Dome Command Room**

Marn Sevil’s case was placed at the center of the circular table. A holographic display activated. Lines of encrypted data scrolled by, locked behind a Crypterion seal resistant to all decryption attempts.

Evelyn, leaning over the case, was already whispering theories. Skye sharpened her blades in a corner. Rax silently repaired one of his weapons. Zeynn trained outside, again and again.

And Vykhor watched. Silent. But always ready.

**Iskaara – Training Zone, Dusk**

Iskaara’s sky turned its trademark gold-bronze hue, every leaf glowing with spectral light. The training zone’s beacons had switched off — no need for simulators tonight.

A low rumble echoed from the heart of the camp.

Not an alarm. Not a threat.

A proclamation.

Everyone looked up.

Vykhor was the first to rise. His warrior instincts had felt it before his mind caught up.

"It’s him," he murmured.

Zeynn froze mid-strike, sweat dripping down his forehead. Drawn like by gravity, he moved closer.

Evelyn descended the dome’s steps slowly, her fingers tight on the railing. Her heart beat fast — not with fear, but with something ancient. As if she were stepping into a temple.

And there, in the clearing behind the modules…

Blue.

Or what he had become.

Taller. Broader. A myth come to life. His shoulders formed a massive arc, his chest looked sculpted from living alloy. His deep blue fur shimmered with a metallic sheen in the twilight — part moonlight, part sacred fire. Phosphorescent ripples ran down his spine, pulsing with each slow, thunderous breath.

His eyes.

Blue. Luminous. Hypnotic.

They opened, and in that instant, the entire camp understood: he could see in the dark as in the light. He saw everything.

He turned toward Evelyn. For a moment, time stopped. Then he moved forward, each step a muffled explosion in the earth of Iskaara.

He stopped two meters from her. Bowed his head.

Then, with infinite gentleness, he pressed his forehead to her shoulder.

Evelyn didn’t hold back her tears.

"You were already perfect, she whispered. Now… you’re just truly you."

Vykhor approached, locking eyes with the creature.

He nodded slowly.

"You’re a warrior now."

Blue let out a low growl — deep, resonant, almost regal.

Zeynn whistled, impressed.

"Okay… So if I mess with you now, are you gonna eat me?"

Evelyn laughed.

"He already wanted to before."

An emotional silence followed. Skye broke it with a whisper:

"We’re becoming a real living legend, aren’t we, kids?"

And for the first time in a long while... no one dared to disagree.

**Iskaara – Hanging Terraces, Nightfall**

The camp had quieted. The modules purred softly. The stars here, closer than anywhere else, stretched like silver veins above Iskaara’s cliffs. A warm breeze kissed the skin, carrying floral scents like childhood memories.

Evelyn had slipped away from the central dome. She had followed one of the natural cliffside paths to a small observation deck made of recycled wood and dark glass. She sat there, knees drawn to her chest, chin resting on her folded arms.

Her eyes searched the horizon. But her heart… it wandered elsewhere.

She felt the presence before hearing it.

Heavy but smooth footsteps. A warm breath behind her.

Blue.

He didn’t growl. Didn’t purr. He simply walked around the platform and lay beside her in a peaceful rumble.

Evelyn turned her head slowly. He was looking at her. Not blinking. Not like a pet. Not like a bodyguard. Like an equal.

She reached out.

Blue leaned in without hesitation and rested his massive head on her thighs. A deep sigh escaped from his chest, vibrating against her.

"I don’t know what you are, she whispered. But I know what you represent."

Her hand stroked his fur — soft, dense, almost warm despite the night.

"You chose me. You were always there."

A shiver passed through her. She rested her forehead against his.

"And now look at you. A free creature. Majestic. A force of nature."

She smiled through silent tears.

"And yet, you stay. You still choose me."

Blue closed his eyes. A deep, resonant growl rose from his throat — a promise in vibration.

He would never speak. But she understood.

Always. He would be there. No matter what. No matter who she became.

Always.

**Iskaara – Private Cabin, Module 3 – After Midnight**

The rain fell softly on Iskaara’s domes. A warm, soothing curtain. The base slept. Even Skye. Even Zeynn. Even the memories of Marn Sevil seemed quieter.

In the private cabin they shared, Evelyn slowly adjusted the blanket over her legs, nestled against Vykhor’s bare chest, wrapped in his arms. Their bodies still damp from their last embrace, their breathing calm and intertwined.

There was nothing left to prove between them. They had long since found comfort in each other’s intimacy. Since she had accepted to be his My’Lari. Since he had known he was her Tav’Ren — the sacred bond a Kael’tarian only formed once in a lifetime.

But tonight… something felt different.

Evelyn slowly lifted her gaze to him. Her eyes searched his, serious and steady.

"Would you still follow me... even if I lost my way?" she asked softly.