Page 45 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

“If that’s the case,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady, “then you need to take better care of your leverage. Humans are frail. Samira needs proper living quarters, food, medical attention.”

Zhen’la’s head tilted, considering. “And why should I accommodate such requests?”

I met his gaze unflinchingly. “Because a dead hostage is useless. You want me to cooperate? Keep her healthy and unharmed.”

“Arkon, no,” Samira whispered behind me. “Don’t bargain with him.”

I reached back, squeezing her hand. “Trust me,” I murmured.

Zhen’la’s antennae waved, processing the situation. After a moment, he nodded. “Your logic is sound. Very well. The human will be moved somewhere more suitable for her needs. Under guard, of course.”

“I go with her,” I demanded.

“Absolutely not,” Zhen’la snapped. “You’ll remain here, where we can... continue our research.”

A growl rose in my throat, but Samira’s gentle touch on my arm held me back. Zhen’la gestured with one of his secondary arms, and two guards entered the cell.

“Take the human to the medical bay, then to guest quarters in sector 7,” he ordered. “Ensure she’s fed and cared for... but watched at all times.”

As the guards approached, I turned to Samira. “I’ll find you,” I promised, my voice quiet enough that only she could hear. “Stay strong.”

Her dark eyes met mine, filled with a mix of fear and determination. “I will,” she whispered. “Be careful.”

I pressed my forehead to hers for a brief moment before the guards pulled her away. As they led her out, Zhen’la’s chittering laugh filled the cell.

“How touching,” he mocked. “Rest assured, Arkon. As long as you cooperate, your precious human will remain safe. Resist, and... well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

With a final, menacing click of his mandibles, Zhen’la turned and left the cell, the door slamming shut behind him.

I stood alone in the silent cell, my hands clenching into fists. Samira was gone, but she was alive. For now, that had to be enough. I’d play along with Zhen’la’s game, but the moment an opportunity presented itself, I’d tear this entire facility apart to get her back.

I paced the cell, my muscles taut with frustration. Two days had passed, if the meals from the crude replicator were any indication. The isolation gnawed at me, but worse was the separation from Samira. Her absence left a void that threatened to consume me.

The cell door hissed open. Zhen’la’s stood tall, his mandibles clicking.

“Arkon, prepare yourself. It’s time to fight.”

I lunged forward, stopping inches from his face. “Where’s Samira? I need to see her.”

Zhen’la’s antennae twitched. “Patience, Vinduthi. You’ll see your precious human at the fighting pit.”

“No. Now.” I growled, my fists clenching.

“Such fire,” Zhen’la chittered. “Tell you what - win your fight, and I’ll grant you ten minutes alone with her.”

Hope and suspicion warred within me. “And if I refuse?”

Zhen’la reached into a pouch, withdrawing something that made freeze. He tossed it at my feet - a braid of dark hair. Samira’s hair.

“Then perhaps next time, it won’t be just hair,” he said, his mandibles spread in a grotesque grin.

I snatched up the braid, my hands shaking with rage. As I tied it around my wrist, I made a silent vow. I would play along for now, but Zhen’la would pay. Slowly. Painfully. For every moment of fear he’d caused Samira.

“Fine,” I snarled. “Let’s get this over with.”

Zhen’la gestured, and two guards entered, carrying what looked like a large, translucent egg. Before I could react, they shoved me inside. The material hardened instantly, trapping me in a cocoon-like prison.

Darkness enveloped me as I felt myself being moved. The egg tumbled and rolled, leaving me disoriented. A foul stench permeated the air - decay and something else, sickly sweet.

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