Page 46 of Across the Crimson Sands

Gorin’s expression shifted, a calculating look crossing his face. “Well, well. It seems the little human has quite the admirer.” He paused, pretending to consider the offer. “You know, I’m not sure credits alone will suffice.”

Before I could process what was happening, Gorin made a subtle gesture with his hand. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of weapons being primed. Dozens of Krelaxian soldiers materialized from their hiding spots, surrounding us.

My hand flew to the pendant at my throat, fingers curling around the cool metal. Davor’s words echoed in my mind:

“This will keep you safe when Rokan can’t,” he’d said, pressing the necklace into my palm. “It’s a force shield. One touch, and you’ll be protected.”

I’d stared at him, confused. “Why are you giving this to me?”

Davor’s amber eyes had softened. “Because Rokan cares for you. And I care for him.” Then that stupid sarcastic smirk. “And I doubt you’re much of a fighter.”

Now, as chaos erupted around us, I activated the pendant. A shimmering blue field enveloped me, humming with energy.

Rokan’s hand shot to his belt, triggering the pulse disruptors. A wave of electromagnetic energy surged outward, and every weapon in sight went dead. The Krelaxians paused, shocked by their suddenly useless firearms.

Rokan didn’t hesitate. He launched himself at the nearest soldier, his fist connecting with a sickening crunch. The Krelaxian dropped, and Rokan whirled to face the next attacker.

I watched, heart pounding, as Rokan tore through the enemy ranks. His movements were fluid, precise, each strike calculated for maximum damage. A Krelaxian lunged at him with a knife, but Rokan caught the enemy’s wrist, twisting until bones snapped. He used the momentum to throw the screaming soldier into two of his comrades.

“Kill him!” Gorin bellowed from the sidelines. “I want that Vinduthi’s head!”

Three Krelaxians rushed Rokan at once. He ducked under the first punch, driving his elbow into the attacker’s solar plexus. As the soldier doubled over, Rokan grabbed him by the back of the neck and slammed his face into an oncoming knee.

The third Krelaxian managed to land a glancing blow to Rokan’s jaw. Rokan’s head snapped back, but he recovered instantly. His eyes blazed with fury as he seized the man’s throat, lifting him off the ground with one hand.

“Rokan!” I shouted. “Behind you!”

He spun, using the choking Krelaxian as a shield. Another attacker’s fist connected with his comrade’s face instead of Rokan’s. Rokan tossed aside the first opponent and delivered a devastating uppercut to the newcomer.

Bodies littered the ground around him, but more kept coming. Rokan stood in the center of the storm, his gray skin glistening with sweat, chest heaving. Blood - both his and others’ - spattered his clothes.

I glanced at my wrist display. Fifteen seconds until the pulse disruptors wore off.

“Rokan!” I called through the bone conductor. “Weapons back online in fifteen!”

He gave a sharp nod, redoubling his efforts. His fists were a blur as he pummeled a Krelaxian into unconsciousness. Another tried to grab him from behind, but Rokan drove his elbow back, shattering the soldier’s nose.

Ten seconds.

Gorin’s bellowed through the chaos. “You can’t win, Vinduthi! Give up the girl, and I might let you live!”

Rokan’s only response was a snarl as he kicked a Krelaxian’s legs out from under him.

Five seconds.

Rokan’s movements slowed, his eyes losing focus.

Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no.

The poison I’d slipped into his drink back on Guilgar was still affecting him.

I’d been such an idiot.

Then I saw it - a tiny red dot dancing on his chest.

My blood ran cold. A sniper. Waiting for the weapons to come back online.

Three seconds.

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