Page 9 of Primal Bond

Zanik's face flashed in his mind — sharp angles, intense eyes that seemed to see through him. Finn could almost hear the authoritative commands, issued without a hint of emotion. No yelling, no threats, just cold, hard control. It was infuriating.

The first time Zanik had caught him trying to escape, on that first hour onboard, Finn had braced himself for a beating. He had expected cruelty from someone who looked as imposing as Zanik. Instead, Zanik had merely restrained him and then locked him in here, no more forceful than necessary.

There had been no punishment, no demeaning comments. Just a silent, stoic presence that left Finn confused and wary.

Why doesn't he hurt me?Finn wondered, biting his lip.He keeps me locked up, but he doesn't take advantage of me. Doesn't even seem interested in it.

Finn had thought that all Borraq wanted from humans was one thing.

Now he didn't know what to expect, and that was unsettling.

Finn rolled onto his side, his gaze falling on the locked door of his quarters. The metal surface seemed to mock him, a constant reminder of his captivity.

Every Borraq he'd encountered had treated him like property, a thing to be used and discarded. Zanik might be different in his methods, but Finn couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just another form of control. A more insidious one, perhaps, designed to lull him into a false sense of security.

No, he couldn't trust any of them. Not Urlek, not Zanik, certainly not any of them. They were all cut from the same cloth, weren't they? Brutal aliens who saw humans as nothing more than commodities to be traded. Justthings.

Finn's hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms. The face of his original captor burned in his memory, fueling a fire of rage and determination that refused to die.

"I'll find you," Finn whispered to the empty room, his voice barely audible. "Rivek, I'll make you pay."

The vow of revenge was a constant presence in his mind, a driving force that kept him going when everything else seemed hopeless. It was the reason he kept trying to escape, why he endured the humiliation of failed attempts.

Without it, what did he have left? A life of servitude? A future as someone's property?

The thought made his stomach churn.

The door slid open with a soft hiss, and Zanik's imposing figure filled the doorway. Finn shot up, his heart thudding against his ribcage, fear and defiance swirling in his chest.

Zanik's cold, piercing eyes scanned the room, landing on Finn with a look that sent a shiver down his spine.

Here we go. Today’s the day he shows his true colors…Finn stood up, his jaw set, ready for whatever brutality Zanik had in store.

But Zanik barely spared him a glance. Instead, his expression was as unreadable as ever. “Get up,” Zanik ordered, his tone commanding and brooking no argument. “We’re moving.”

Finn's hackles rose. What did he mean, 'moving'? Panic flickered in his veins, but he forced himself to stand his ground. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever was coming.

Zanik’s cold demeanor filled the room, making the air feel heavier. Finn’s defiance flared. He would not be cowed by this alien, no matter how intimidating he seemed. But Zanik’s lack of interest was unsettling. It was as if Finn were no more than an inconvenient piece of luggage.

“Get going,” Zanik repeated, his voice cutting through Finn’s thoughts like a blade.

As they walked through the ship’s corridors, Finn’s thoughts churned.What does he plan to do with me? Why now, after so long spent keeping me locked up?

He glanced at Zanik, trying to read the stoic alien’s expression. But Zanik’s face remained impassive, his gaze focused ahead.

Finn’s gaze flickered to the blade that Zanik was wearing on his hip today. Finn had seen many Borraq wearing blades like those — they were some kind of ritual thing. He didn't know any more, and he didn't care.

And right now, this one was glinting in the dim light, tantalizingly close.

Desperation surged through Finn. Before he could second-guess his decision, he lunged for it.

His fingers barely brushed the cool metal before Zanik moved, swift as a viper.

In an instant, Finn found himself pinned against the wall, Zanik’s forearm pressing against his chest. The Borraq’s icy stare bore into him, their faces mere inches apart. Finn’s breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum. He tried to push back, but Zanik’s strength was unyielding, his grip like iron.

“What’s the matter?” Finn wheezed. “Afraid of a little human?”

Zanik’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of something crossing his features. But his voice remained cold and controlled. “You’re testing my patience.”

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