Claimed by the Hunter

The Hunter's Serenade:>>EP8

Concealed by his armor, Sev settled into the cockpit of the ship, while Serina took her turn to refresh herself. Activating the ship's computer console, he began scanning for any messages he might have missed during his leisure time with his woman.

"Kira," he called out to his AI.

"Yes, boss?" Kira's response was swift and attentive.

Sev inquired, "How much longer until we reach the Conclave?" as his fingers danced across the console.

"Approximately 20 minutes until we exit jump space," the trusty AI informed him. Sev acknowledged her with a nod and continued reviewing his messages, engrossed in the tasks at hand. A tense silence settled between them. Sev was focused on catching up and preparing for the impending reunion.

"Boss?" Kira's artificial voice carried a hint of anxiety. Sev made a non-committal hum in response. "Do you think they will accept her?" Her question hung in the air, causing Sev to abruptly halt his activities and gaze at the console.

"They will accept her... I know it," he replied, his voice unwavering, laced with conviction.

Kira expressed her concerns, "How can you be so sure? It's been a while since you've been back. You might be seen as estranged. Will your words still carry enough weight?"

Sev did not respond immediately, choosing to resume his tasks. However, Kira persisted. "It's been two years since you left. Will they even accept you back?"

Her words seemed to strike a chord, causing Sev to pause once more. "Once a Valkorian, always a Valkorian," he asserted. "Elder Remus understands why I left. He'll be pleased to welcome one of his sons back into the fold."

"And Serina. What about her?" Kira reiterated her point.

Sev responded with confidence, "She's the strongest person I know. She'll be accepted, I'm sure of it. And if she has to prove herself, she will. I have no doubt in my mind."

"Understood, boss. I'll do what I can to support you," Kira responded, acknowledging his determination.

As they exited jump space, an ominous-looking planet dominated the view from the cockpit window. Its atmosphere was heavy with turbulent gray storm clouds, and a fractured moon loomed in the distance. A ring of debris from the shattered moon had coalesced in orbit around it.

"We have arrived at Aurelianus Majoris," Kira reported, setting the stage for the forthcoming events.

"Sending encrypted comms message," Sev announced, swiftly inputting frequencies on a nearby console.

"Sending encrypted message," Kira echoed in protocol.

With the ship under his control, Sev guided it toward the planet. As they entered the planet's atmosphere, the vessel quaked and shuddered, thrashing its way through the turbulence of the stormy skies. As Serina struggled to fasten her boots, the ship's violent movements caused her to stumble.

"Gah! What the hell??" she exclaimed, as she fought to regain her balance.

Laboriously making her way toward the cockpit, Serina clung to anything she could find for support. Upon reaching the cockpit, she firmly grasped Sev's pilot seat from behind.

"Um, hey. Where are we, exactly?" she inquired urgently, her eyes widening as she peered out of the pitch-black cockpit window. The skies were intermittently riven by lightning strikes; the rain battering the windscreen sounded like a hail of bullets.

"We are heading to the Conclave," Kira informed her. Serina raised an eyebrow. She had heard Sev mention this 'Conclave' in conversations with Kira, but until now she had never asked about the place or its significance.

Serina saw that Sev was completely focused on navigating the ship through the turbulent skies. Despite the vessel's violent movements, he remained resolute. No matter how intently she scrutinized the navigation screen, Serina was unable to discern their destination; it flickered intermittently, displaying little beyond bursts of static. Despite the chaotic conditions outside, Sev's dedication to his course was unwavering.

However, Serina's anxiety was peaking. "Sev??" she called out to her Valkorian lover with deep concern. "You're not eyeballing this, are you??"

Sev responded hesitantly, "It's been a while since I've been back here. So ...maybe?" His less-than-resolute answer did little to ease her distress. Serina's eyes hardened, and she smacked the top of his helmeted head.

*Bonk!* The loud ring of the Hyperium alloy echoed through the cockpit.

"Augh! I know where I'm going. I'm just pulling your leg," Sev retorted, rubbing the top of his head. Serina's strength was undeniable.

"Both hands on the controls, tiger," Serina commanded with a stern tone. If she was going to be his bonded woman, she intended to arrive at their destination in one piece.

"Our ETA is 2 minutes," Kira relayed, as the intense journey through the turbulent skies drew to its end.

As they emerged beneath the thick cloud cover, the rocky, mountainous terrain of the planet came into view. Although the sky remained dark and gloomy, there was just enough visibility to make out their surroundings. As Serina squinted to discern the details, she noticed a long platform extending from the side of a massive mountain.

Sev deployed the landing gear as they approached the platform, guiding the ship into a smooth landing. The once-roaring engines gradually fell silent, leaving only the patter of rain on the ship's hull to break the quiet.

Serina made space for Sev to exit the cockpit, watching as he crossed to his weapons locker to equip himself with his gear and armaments. "Get your things ready," he instructed Serina, as he secured his railgun on his lower back.