Page 39 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

I saw my chance. The terminal was just a few steps away. If I could delete the last of the data, it might slow him down, even if only by a little. I had to try.

I lunged for the console, typing as fast as I could. The final command appeared on the screen. Just one more keystroke and?—

Pain exploded across my body as Dr. Zhen’la’s massive arm connected with my torso. The world spun as I flew through the air. I crashed into a bank of servers, the impact driving the air from my lungs.

Dazed, I struggled to push myself up. My vision swam, and I tasted blood in my mouth. Dr. Zhen’la’s towering form advanced on me, his clawed hands flexing with murderous intent.

Suddenly, a figure burst through the doorway as Arkon stormed into the room. He was battered and bruised, evidence of the fierce battle he’d fought outside. But as he took in the scene before him, a terrifying snarl ripped from his throat.

Arkon’s gaze locked onto Dr. Zhen’la, and I saw murder in those crimson depths. Without hesitation, he charged forward, his powerful form coiled for attack.

I knew, with bone-deep certainty, that Arkon would kill Dr. Zhen’la.

As Arkon charged towards Dr. Zhen’la, a traitorous thought flashed through my mind. Part of me still clung to the image of my mentor, the brilliant scientist who’d given me a chance at a better life. But I knew I had to let go of that illusion. It was time to grow up and face the harsh reality.

Dr. Zhen’la’s upper arms moved with lightning speed. He produced a strange-looking weapon, sleek and somehow making me shiver, just looking at it.

Arkon skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in recognition.

“You recognize this, don’t you, Vinduthi?” Dr. Zhen’la’s mandibles clicked in amusement. “I let those fools play with it earlier, but they still couldn’t stop you. No matter. I’ve made some... improvements.”

Arkon snarled, his muscles coiling to spring. “You bastard. You’re the one behind all of this.”

“Clever boy.” Dr. Zhen’la aimed the weapon. “Let’s see how you handle the upgrades.”

A brilliant pulse of energy erupted from the barrel. Arkon tried to dodge, but the beam caught him in the shoulder. He stumbled, his face contorting in pain.

“Arkon!” I cried out, struggling to my feet.

Dr. Zhen’la fired again and again, each shot connecting with brutal precision. Arkon’s movements grew sluggish, his Vinduthi speed and strength clearly compromised. He staggered forward, determination etched on his face.

“Stay... back... Samira,” Arkon growled between labored breaths.

I couldn’t just watch. I had to do something. As Arkon collapsed to one knee, I lunged forward, desperate to reach him.

“Foolish girl,” Dr. Zhen’la hissed.

I felt a searing pain across my back as the weapon’s energy slammed into me. My vision swam, darkness creeping in at theedges. The last thing I saw was Arkon’s face, twisted in anguish and fury, before everything went black.

ARKON

Iwoke to pain. It crawled through my body, searing every nerve ending. My muscles spasmed, and I bit back a groan. The anti-Vinduthi weapon. I remembered now. That bastard Zhen’la had used it on us.

I tried to move, but heavy shackles bit into my wrists and ankles. The familiar weight of my weapons was gone. I was trapped, helpless. Rage burned through me, hotter than the pain.

My senses kicked in, and I took stock of my surroundings. A prison cell. Small, maybe ten feet by twelve. Bare metal walls, no windows. A single door, thick and solid. The air reeked of disinfectant and fear.

And then I saw her. Samira. She lay unconscious on a cot across the cell, her chest rising and falling steadily.

What had they done to her?

I strained against my bonds, the metal cutting into my skin. It was no use. These shackles were designed to hold a Vinduthi. I couldn’t break free.

“Samira,” I called, my voice hoarse. “Samira, wake up.”

She stirred, her eyelids fluttering. A soft moan escaped her lips as she regained consciousness.

“Arkon?” she mumbled, blinking in confusion. “Where are we?”

---