Chapter 9 - 09
Chapter 9: A Lie for Their Little Star
Morning light spilled through the cracked greenhouse panes in soft yellow stripes. Zephyr crouched beside the nest crate, lacing a tiny canvas harness around Star's chest and wings. The hatchling wriggled, silver eyes bright, tail flicking across the straw.
"Easy," Zephyr murmured. "The straps keep you close in public. No flying off my shoulder."
Star chirped, clearly proud of his new gear. Fenna knelt nearby, stitching green cloth into a pouch. "This sling clips under your cloak," she said, holding it up so Zephyr could see. "From outside, it looks like you're carrying herb samples."
Zephyr slipped the sling over his ribcage and settled Star inside. A faint glow leaked through the fabric, but when he folded his caretaker coat the light disappeared. Satisfied, he exhaled. "Today we test our story."
Fenna's smile faltered. "Inspection is at third bell. Wren will be there—plus three instructors from Beast Theory. Are you ready?"
He forced a calm nod. "I have to be." Inside, nerves twisted. The Bound Beast System reminded him every hour: Secrecy countdown—six days remaining. Detection penalty—bond strain. He would not let that happen.
They rehearsed the story once more.
Beast Name: Star
Species Claim: Hollowback Hatchkin, an ancient field-scout creature.
Function: Detects subsurface tremors and mana leaks in ruins.