Page 4 of Alien Hunter's Prize

"I've accounted for acoustic distortion," I countered, tapping controls on the fussy projector to show comparative analyses. "These patterns remain consistent. They're too complex, too repetitive to be random."

The silver lines beneath my skin warmed slightly. "The messenger's arrival confirms my theory. His words—'mountain groans' and 'Shardwings'—correlate directly. This interference pattern here," I gestured, "I believe it represents the 'mountain groans.'"

Skepticism radiated from the Elders. Why couldn't theyseeit?

The door opened, and the hunter from the gate entered.Silver-streaked braids, deep gold eyes, intricate golden lifelines. He moved with quiet confidence, his powerful tail held low, barely swaying, adding to his aura of controlled stillness.

"Ah, Iros," Lazrin acknowledged. "Jen is presenting her analysis. She believes the Shardwing calls contain structured communication."

He nodded respectfully to the Elders, saying nothing. I felt his skepticism across the room. Another one who wouldn't believe.

"These calls soothe my markings when everything else causes pain. That has to mean something. They're structured, suggesting intentional communication."

"What of your evidence, Iros?" Elder Shyla turned to him.

I stepped back as Iros took the center. He produced samples—curled leaves, soil, a sketch of flight patterns. Methodical. Physical.

"The evidence on the ground is clear," he stated, voice deep and resonant. "Stressed flora, disrupted water sources, vibrations... The Shardwings react as any creature would to a failing environment. Sound echoes."

"With respect," I interjected, "the calls show more structure than simple stress responses. Repeating elements, rhythmic changes correlating with time and location."

Iros looked at me directly. "Patterns exist in nature without intent."

"Not like these," I countered. "These contain information. The messenger confirmed it."

Mirelle stepped forward. "Both perspectives offer value. Jen perceives patterns others cannot. Iros reads the physical signs. Together, they may see the whole picture."

Lazrin nodded. "The arrival of an Aerie Kin cannot be dismissed. Something significant threatens their territory—and perhaps ours."

Elder Rylis spoke then, his voice grave, cutting through the debate. "There is more to consider than animal distress or environmental shifts. The western mountains themselves hold ancient dangers." He looked pointedly between Iros and me. "Generations ago, our ancestors attempted to impose balance there, using resonance harmonics to stabilize the volatile earth. The technology failed catastrophically, amplifying the chaos, shattering minds, consuming lives. That region is forbidden ground, the technology declared anathema."

A chill traced my spine.Resonance harmonics.Failed technology. It fit the interference patterns, the 'mountain groans.'

Rylis continued, his gaze heavy. "If the Aerie Kin face a crisis severe enough to break generations of silence, it may be connected to this ancient failure. The mountain groans, perhaps, with the echoes of our past arrogance."

The hall was silent, the weight of his words settling over us. The stakes were higher than I'd realized.

"The Council has decided," Rylis announced after a brief, silent consultation with the others. "Jen and Iros will journey to the western mountains. Find the Aerie Kin settlement. Learn the truth of their distress. But tread carefully. Do not repeat the mistakes of the past."

My heart leapt. A mission—withhim? The hunter who thought I was hearing illusions?

"Together?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"Together," Lazrin confirmed. "Iros knows the terrain, ensures survival. You perceive patterns he cannot. Both skills are needed."

I glanced at Iros. Impassive face, but tension in his shoulders. He was no happier than I was.

"Find the Aerie Kin," Lazrin repeated. "Learn the truth. Report back."

I nodded acceptance, mind racing. A journey into forbidden territory with a skeptical partner. And yet... a chance to prove my theories. To find the source of the calls, understand why they didn't hurt. To finally be useful.

"We'll prepare immediately," Iros said, tone coolly professional.

As the Council dispersed,I caught his gaze. Cool assessment, maybe resignation. Bound together, like it or not.

I gathered my patched-together equipment, frustration simmering beneath determination. This mission mattered. Iwould find answers. And maybe show this hunter that some things can't be tracked by eyes alone.

IROS

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