Page 59 of Alien Healer's Touch

"I recognize this formation," I said as we emerged into more open terrain. "The settlement isn't far."

Selene stopped, pointing to disturbed earth ahead. "More tunnels."

Fresh mita burrows pockmarked the ground, but these appeared normal—individual entrances spaced appropriately for their territorial nature. The influence causing swarm behavior had diminished here.

"The settlement's protection stones may buffer the effects," I suggested. "The elders placed resonating crystals along the perimeter generations ago."

As we approached the invisible boundary marking Nyxari territory, rustling from vegetation to our right made us freeze.

"Movement," I whispered, positioning myself slightly before Selene.

Three figures emerged from the forest edge—tall, powerful Nyxari warriors carrying readied spears, their golden eyes gleaming in fading light.

"Who approaches?" called a deep voice I recognized as Terith's, one of Lazrin's hunt-brothers.

"Kavan, healer of the Eastern Settlement," I responded formally. "I return with Selene Carter of the human enclave."

The warriors lowered their weapons immediately, moving forward.

"Kavan?" Terith stepped closer, copper-hued hair catching late afternoon sun. "We've searched the territories for three days. Lazrin feared you both lost in the great shaking."

"We found shelter," I explained, "but the return path was... complicated."

Terith nodded, but his eyes narrowed as he studied me. "Your energy signature has changed, healer."

I tensed, wondering how much was visible. The connection Selene and I formed was personal, private.

"The journey was difficult," I answered simply.

Terith accepted this with a nod, asking nothing more. "Come. The settlement prepares for nightfall, and the elders will want news of your return."

As we followed the patrol homeward, Selene caught my eye, a silent question in her expression.

"Nothing concerning," I murmured. "Our people sense energy patterns, but such changes aren't uncommon after intensive healing work."

She relaxed slightly but stayed close as we walked. The warriors led us along paths that skirted the areas most affected by recent seismic activity, eventually bringing us to the familiar approaches of the Eastern Settlement.

The sight of the living-stone structures of my home brought unexpected relief. With all we had experienced, all we had learned, I had wondered if this place would feel different.

It did—but not as I had feared. Rather than feeling constrained by its boundaries, I now saw it as a starting point for something new.

SELENE

Lazrin caught me in his arms when I stumbled across the settlement boundary, his golden eyes flashing with surprise.

"Selene! Kavan!" He set me down quickly but kept one hand on my shoulder to steady me. "We thought?—"

"You thought we were dead," I finished. My legs trembled from our final dash through the forest. "We nearly were. Several times."

Kavan moved closer, sunlight playing across his emerald skin. "The seismic disturbances exceeded our expectations. We found refuge in underground chambers."

Lazrin's tail flicked with clear agitation. "Underground during a seismic event?"

"Not by choice," I said.

Mirelle pushed through the gathering crowd, markings shimmering faintly along her collarbone. She wrapped me in an embrace that squeezed the air from my lungs.

"Don't ever disappear like that again," she whispered against my hair. "Hammond's men returned without you. We feared the worst."

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