Page 37 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

I moved silently through the maze-like corridors, straining my senses to track the elusive hunter. Every reflective surface became both a potential hiding spot and a tool. I caught glimpses of her rippling form in broken mirrors and shattered viewscreens.

The game of cat and mouse stretched on, each of us trying to outmaneuver the other. I led her deeper into the outpost, towards a section I knew to be particularly unstable.

Finally, I spotted an opportunity. As she passed a partially open doorway, I lunged. My hands closed around somethingsolid despite her near-invisibility. I hurled her into the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

With practiced efficiency, I overrode the door controls, sealing her inside. The grinding of metal on metal told me the room’s structural integrity was already compromised. I allowed myself a grim smile as I turned away. Let the collapsing outpost deal with her.

Two down. But how many more remained? And how long before they found Samira?

The Volek’s scent lingered in the air, luring me outside again, a musky trail leading me through the earthquake-ravaged landscape. My muscles burned from the previous fights, but I pushed on. I had to end this.

There he was.

The Volek darted between jagged rock formations, his bulky form surprisingly agile. I gave chase, leaping over fissures and ducking under fallen debris.

“Come on, you overgrown squid,” I muttered, pushing my tired body to its limits.

The Volek led me on a winding path, using the treacherous terrain to his advantage. He bounded across a narrow chasm, tentacles flailing for balance. I followed, my longer stride barely clearing the gap.

We danced a deadly waltz across the unstable ground. The Volek’s heavy steps sent tremors through the earth, dislodging rocks and widening cracks. I used my lighter frame to my advantage, darting across precarious ledges and using falling debris as stepping stones.

But the prolonged fight was taking its toll. My reactions slowed, muscles protesting each movement. The Volek sensed my fatigue, pressing his attack with renewed vigor.

A vicious blow caught me off guard, sending me stumbling backward. I teetered on the edge of a deep crevasse, armswindmilling for balance. The Volek charged, intent on pushing me over the edge.

At the last moment, I dropped flat. The Volek’s momentum carried him forward, and I grabbed one of his flailing tentacles. With a grunt of effort, I redirected his charge, using his own strength to hurl him into the chasm.

The Volek’s bellow of rage echoed as he plummeted, cut short by a sickening crunch.

I collapsed to my knees, chest heaving. My body screamed for rest, but that wasn’t an option. Not yet.

With shaking hands, I activated the tiny communicator in my ear.

“Samira?” I whispered, straining to hear her voice over the hammering of my heart.

“Arkon!” Her relief was palpable. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I lied, ignoring the burning in my muscles and the blood trickling from a dozen small cuts. “How’s the counteragent coming?”

“Almost there. I’ve got the last drone prepped and ready to launch.” There was a pause, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. “Please be careful, Arkon. I... I need you to come back to me.”

My chest tightened at her words. “I will,” I promised. “Just stay safe. I’ll be there soon.”

I cut the communication, forcing myself to my feet. One more to go.

As if summoned by my thoughts, a roar split the air. Gorak, the massive brute, emerged from the ruins of the outpost. He lumbered towards me, each step shaking the ground.

I retreated, leading him away from the lab and Samira. My mind raced, searching for a way to take down this mountain of muscle.

Gorak’s fist smashed into a crumbling wall beside me, showering us both with debris. I ducked and weaved, staying just out of reach. But I couldn’t keep this up forever.

My back hit something solid – a partially collapsed section of the outpost. Gorak advanced, a predatory grin spreading across his face.

“Nowhere left to run, Vinduthi bastard,” he growled.

I glanced at the unstable structure behind me, an idea forming. It was risky, but I was out of options.

“Who’s running?” I taunted, baring my fangs in a feral grin.

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