Page 56 of Primal Bond

The Borraq’s muscular frame moved with a predator's grace, and behind him, a human slave trailed on a chain. Finn's breath hitched.

His pulse quickened, a mix of fear and rage swirling inside him. Memories of captivity flooded his mind — Rivek's cruel laughter, the endless days of pain and humiliation. He clenched his fists, nails biting into his palms.

Zanik stiffened beside him, his eyes narrowing into icy slits. His hand moved instinctively to the blade at his hip, fingers curling. Finn could see the fury etched in Zanik's features, the lip curling in a silent snarl.

Rivek hadn't seen them yet. In just a moment, as he passed, Zanik was going to stand up, blade in hand…

Finn's gaze darted to the human slave walking beside Rivek — and his breath caught in his throat.

He reached out, grabbing Zanik’s wrist, guiding his hand away from the blade. Zanik's head snapped down, eyes wide with confusion and anger.

“What are you doing?” Zanik's voice was a low growl, barely audible.

Finn shook his head subtly, his eyes pleading. “Not now,” he whispered, his voice tight. “It'shim!”

Zanik followed Finn's gaze to the boy by Rivek's side—

Asher.

Chapter twenty-five

At the end of Rivek’s chain, a broken-looking Asher stumbled, his once-bright eyes now dull and lifeless. Finn’s heart clenched painfully at the sight.

Rivek sauntered to his seat, dropping into it like he owned the place. He hadn't noticed Zanik — not yet. He would soon, though.

Rivek yanked the chain, forcing Asher to his knees beside him. "Sit," he commanded, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. Asher obeyed, his movements mechanical.

A wave of fury and helplessness surged through Finn. His hands trembled, fists clenching at his sides. He wanted to scream, to rush at Rivek and tear him apart. But he knew better. One wrong move, and everything would be lost.

Zanik might be able to kill Rivek — but running away with Asher, too? No-one in the club would let them get away with that. If the place tolerated patrons killing each other for theirslaves… Well, it wouldn't have much of a client base for long. The place would become a bloodbath, and then a ghost town.

He felt Zanik’s subtle touch on his shoulder, a grounding presence that kept him from losing his act. Finn glanced up, meeting Zanik’s gaze — already icy and calculating. The Borraq’s expression was a mask of ruthless determination. Finn drew a shaky breath, feeling a surge of relief.

This time, he wasn’t alone.

This time, he had Zanik.

Finn’s thoughts raced, memories of his last encounter with Rivek flooding his mind. The man had taken everything from him — his freedom, his dignity. But now, he had a chance to set things right. He just had to keep it together.

"Keep your head down," Zanik murmured, his voice barely audible. Finn nodded, lowering his gaze. He needed to focus, to stay in character. He was a slave, meek and subservient.

For now.

Zanik rose to his full height, confidence radiating from him. "Stay."

That command given, he strode toward Rivek. The other club patrons fell silent as they watched him move, ready for confrontation.

“Rivek,” Zanik called out, voice low but laced with challenge.

Rivek’s attention snapped to him, surprise belatedly flickering across his features. The shock didn't last for long, though, before a sly grin settled in. “Zanik, huh? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Finn watched with bated breath as Zanik approached Rivek, his heart pounding in his chest. Zanik's swagger oozed confidence, a stark contrast to the fear churning in Finn's gut.

"Well, well," Zanik drawled, his voice dripping with arrogance. "If it isn't the self-proclaimed king of the sector. Slumming it with us commoners tonight, Rivek?"

Rivek's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I'm surprised to see you here. And with..." His gaze flicked over to Finn. "...company. I didn't think you were the type to keep pets."

Finn's breath caught in his throat. This was it. Rivek would recognize him, would taunt Zanik with all the cruel things he'd done to Zanik's pet before casting him off like trash.

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