The doors close and the glider rumbles gently as it lifts off high above the street and swiftly travels towards Draxxi. My muscles loosen, knowing we’ve finally slipped Zyraxis and his warriorsand we will soon be safely back home amongst my own clan. It was not unheard of for a clan to march on another in hostility, but such an action would need to be called by a clan’s chieftain, and Gorexius was away off world, hopefully dying somewhere in the Nebian war.

Pebbles sprawls out on the expansive leather seats at the front of the glider. “This taxi is enormous, and these seats are so comfy, I could sleep right now.” She reclines for a moment, as if she were in our bed, before bouncing back up. “Oh, a window!” She hurriedly shifts over to peer through the slanted, tinted window at the front. “It’s too dark. All I can make out are trees speeding by,” she sighs, sinking back into a nearby chair by the window.

“We’ll get a better view tomorrow,” I assure her, offering a comforting smile.

Pebbles stifles a yawn. “That would be nice.” She rummages through her bag once more.

As the glider hurtles through the night, my thoughts focus on my next move. It was foolhardy to return to Klendathor without a better plan. But what choice did I have? It’s inevitable I will be called before the Council of Elders for questioning. Without old Astraxius’s words and studies, it will be neigh on impossible to convince the Council my actions to date have been just. Had Astraxius survived, it would still be near impossible. These elders are the same cowards who sided against my father. They already chose slavery over freedom once before, and they’ll do it again.

“Do you three want any dumplings?” Pebbles offers looking back at Xandor, Zelana and Logarn in the back seats.

“No… no thanks,” Zelana stammers innocently while Xandor raises a hand, shaking his head. Logarn shows no sign he even heard, his swollen face completely motionless.

Pebble’s eyes narrow in suspicion. “Xandor, I hope you keep your hands to yourself. I’m looking after Zelana now,” she declares with a nod.

A flash of irritation prompts me to defend my lifelong war brother. “Come now, Pebbles. Xandor is a warrior of honor,” I interject firmly.

“It’s fine, Krogoth, she’s clearly a lightweight.” Xandor smirks towards Pebbles before he gazes at Zelana. “You have nothing to fear from me, Zelana,” Xandor says reassuringly.

Pebbles sulks quietly before extending a plump, golden dumpling towards me. “Here, try it.” She is already savoring one, her eyes twinkling with delight as she chews. I accept the offering and take a bite. The dumpling bursts with a rich, flavorful explosion as I devour the rest of it quickly, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts.

“Aren’t they delicious! Sooooo good.” Pebbles grabs another one from the bag. “You know how many calories there are in these things?” She examines the bag with a playful hint of concern. “What if I put on weight?” Her voice shifts to a more serious tone. “Korgy, do you think I’m… fat?” she asks suddenly. Her beautiful smile becomes worried, almost fearful.

My heart swells with affection for her. It touches me to see her vulnerability, making her even more endearing in my eyes. I grab both her hands and look at her deeply so she can have no doubts as to my feelings for her. “You are and always will be the most beautiful female I’ve ever laid eyes on,” I reassure her, squeezing her hands tenderly.

Her eyes brighten with joy. “Aww, that’s so sweet, Korgy,” she responds, moving closer to where I’m seated. As she nestles against me, I’m enveloped in her softness, and her warmth becomes a soothing balm for my troubled mind.

I enjoy the quiet rhythm of the glider’s engines and the soft breathing of Pebbles next to me for a few moments. It’s a brief respite before my mind returns to the pressing matters at hand.

Perhaps Pebbles is the key. If we can complete the Mortakin-Tok together, we would achieve something which hasn’t been accomplished in many centuries: to bond successfully and receive the blessings of our Gods.

This triumph could show the elders there’s hope. That everything Astraxius said is true. And even if it doesn’t convince the elders, it might persuade the other chieftains and their clans that fighting back against the Scythians is better than the slow death of our people.

“I love you, Korgy.” Pebbles’ voice carries a gentle openness as she looks up at me, her eyes half-closed with drowsiness

“I love you more than life itself,” I reply instinctively, gently caressing her soft brown hair.

Her hair feels like silk under my fingers as I continue gently brushing. It’s not long before I hear her snoring softly. She looks so beautiful and innocent curled up next to me. It’s hard to fathom how far we have come in such a short space of time. In the beginning, she only wanted to return to Earth, but soon we will be bonded, if the Gods are kind.

As the glider’s hum shifts to a more subdued tone, I rouse from my brief slumber. Its controlled descent shows that we’ve arrived at our destination. With utmost care, I cradle Pebbles in my arms, mindful not to disturb her peaceful rest. Stepping out of the glider, quietly wishing Xandor, Zelana and Logarn a good night, I make my way towards the door of my house.

The purple glow of the large purple moon above is the only source of illumination, casting a beautiful hue over the landscape. The late hour has lulled the other residents into slumber, their homes shrouded in darkness. I have a burning desire to do the same; it has been a long day for both of us. ButGods, it feels good to be back home with my female in my arms after so many years of fighting in wars.Wonder if much has changed.

The grandiose wooden doors swing open smoothly, their sophisticated sensors recognizing me as the rightful owner. I proceed through into the hallway, moving carefully and quietly in an effort to not awaken the sleeping beauty in my arms. A familiar voice, the Artificial House Intelligence (AHI) calls out, “Welcome home, Krogoth.”

I whisper a curse under my breath, feeling Pebbles stirring in my arms. “Engage silent mode,” I murmur.

Thankfully, the house is tidy or I might have tripped over something in the darkness. As I enter my bedroom, I tenderly place Pebbles on my bed, ensuring she’s cocooned in the comforting embrace of my furs. My heart skips a beat with concern when she stirs, muttering something about dumplings. I hold my breath, waiting until she drifts back into slumber. Quiet as a shadow, I slip into the bathroom, shedding my armor with careful precision before returning to the bedroom, sliding under the furs beside Pebbles.

I listen to her soft snores beside me as I close my eyes. Finally, I have her in my bed. My thoughts wander, blending into the realm of dreams as sleep embraces me at last.

It feels like I closed my eyes just moments ago when I stir from my slumber as Pebbles nuzzles closer, her hand finding its way to my chest. Her touch is gentle, a warm presence against my skin. As I slowly open my eyes, I find her looking at me. “Korgy, you awake?” she asks, sounding less intoxicated now.

“Yeah, are you well?” I inquire, pulling her closer into my embrace, cherishing the warmth she brings. The first rays of dawn filter through the windows, casting a soft, purple glow across the room.

She kisses me lightly on the neck as she moves her hand lightly caressing until resting it on my cock. Her pleasing affections elicit a soft moan from me, my desire already stoked, my member becoming engorged.

As I move to take control and begin hunting for the sweetness between her legs, she stops me with her hand. “I want to try something new if you’re up for it?” she says before giggling. “A little Dutch courage is all I needed.” I’m unsure of what that expression means, but the way things are progressing, I definitely approve of this ‘Dutch courage.’