Claimed by the Hunter

The Hunter's Serenade:>>EP10

Serina was visibly relieved to see the imposing figure return a respectful nod after Sev gestured towards her. As the Valkorian leader approached her, she felt a natural impulse to draw her weapon, her nerves still on high alert. The imposing armored figure stood uncomfortably close to her, casting a shadow over her.

The figure spoke an unintelligible language. Serina flinched at the unfamiliar words but, almost immediately, she detected a hint of welcome in the depth of his voice. He repeated his words, but Serina remained puzzled. In the distance, she heard Sev say something in the same language, prompting the tall Valkorian to nod.

"What is your name, girl?" he inquired, switching from whatever he was speaking - presumably Valkorian - to the common galactic dialect. It took Serina a moment to process his question.

"What? Oh, Serina Markson," she replied, feeling slightly taken aback. She then mustered the courage to ask, "And may I ask what yours is?"

The Valkorian introduced himself, "Darius. Darius Ovidius Trajanus Nero." Serina couldn't help but be surprised by the length of his name. Darius then noted, "So you're the woman who wants to become one of us."

Serina nodded slowly, acknowledging their intent "Yes, I am to become Sev's..." she hesitated, feeling a bit anxious, but continued, "...Sev's woman."

"Heh, so I've heard," Darius chuckled. "You must be quite the person for someone like Sev to choose you. For a mere human, you should feel honored." Serina didn't appreciate the insinuation. She knew her humanity, but the condescending tone grated on her.

"For a 'mere' human?" Serina retorted. Darius tilted his head back in surprise. "With all due respect, I can more than hold my own out in the field," she declared firmly.

"Is that so? Do you truly believe you have what it takes to be one of us?" Darius challenged. Serina nodded confidently.

"That's why Sev chose me," she asserted. Darius slowly nodded in approval.

"Hmm, let's hope you're right," the authoritative Valkorian replied. "I believe it's time we head inside," he announced to the group.

As the group proceeded through the entrance, Serina took in her unfamiliar surroundings. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the halls resembled a fortress or bunker, evoking a sense of ancient history she couldn't quite decipher. Sev had been walking beside Darius, but now Sev dropped back to walk with Serina and stayed close, concerned about her feelings.

"How are you holding up so far? What's your first impression?" Sev inquired, attempting to gauge Serina's thoughts.

Pulling back her hood, Serina ran a hand through her short hair and responded, "Well, it seems the big guy has taken a liking to me. I'm not so sure about the others, though. The way they stare at me makes me feel uneasy. Don't they have any manners?" Sev let out a small chuckle.

"Hmm, if Darius is on your side, you're off to a good start," Sev replied. "And don't worry about the staring. You're an outsider, and they're just making sure you're not up to any mischief," he explained.

"What? I'm behaving, aren't I?" Serina protested.

Sev pointed out, "You had your hand on your gun." Serina's eyes widened in surprise that he had noticed such a detail. He knew her well enough to recognize her every mannerism.

"What? I did not..." she half-heartedly objected; she was unwilling to admit he was right, so she playfully jabbed his side with her elbow.

The sounds of clinking armor and the rhythmic thud of wet boots on the floor reverberated through the hallway. Other Valkorians, who had been loitering around, halted their activities and fixed their gazes on Serina. She kept a watchful eye on them from the corner of her vision as they assessed her presence. Striving to leave a favorable impression, she maintained a composed and confident stride.

Passing on down the corridor, Serina had the opportunity to glimpse vast chambers designed for training and shooting ranges. As she walked by an open entrance, she peered into a room where Valkorians were engrossed in hand-to-hand combat training. She marveled at the swiftness and precision of their movements. A few of them paused their practice upon spotting an outsider intruding into their domain.

Arriving at a formidable pair of doors, with flickering pyres flanking them, Darius brought the group to a halt and turned to face them. "Elder Remus is awaiting you inside," Darius informed them.

"Is he pleased to hear of my return?" Sev asked cautiously.

"He's happy that you've returned, yes. However, as for your decision to bring an outsider into the sect, particularly a human, he's not entirely certain," Darius replied with a touch of humor. "No disrespect, Serina." Serina nodded in understanding.

"She is deserving. I can vouch for that. If I didn't believe in her, I wouldn't have offered her a place by my side," Sev assured. Darius nodded slowly.

"Hmm, I trust your judgment. I can see it in her eyes. They exude strength and seriousness, valuable qualities in a Valkorian," Darius responded. "But she'll have to prove herself, just like everyone else." Sev nodded slowly and turned to Serina, who flashed a reassuring smile, signifying her readiness for what lay ahead.

"Very well," Sev agreed. He motioned for Serina to follow him, and they proceeded toward the imposing doors. As they drew near, the doors slid open, unveiling a dimly lit room with a mysterious blue light emanating from its depths.

Upon entering, the door sealed shut behind them, plunging them into an eerie darkness, with the only source of illumination being the enigmatic blue light at the room's center. Serina followed Sev closely, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings, her grip on his coat betraying her unease.