Page 51 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

Kreshnar’s ear flicked dismissively. “We shall see, Dr. Zhen’la. Your previous reports have been... optimistic. But the disaster on Kervant-9 was a disappointment.”

I watched the exchange with growing interest. The power dynamic was clear - Kreshnar held all the cards, and Zhen’la was desperate to impress. This could be useful information.

As Zhen’la launched into a detailed explanation of our research, my thoughts raced ahead, tripping over themselves in their haste. If Kreshnar outranked Zhen’la in the Consortium, could he be a potential ally? Or at least a way to leverage our situation?

The sudden roar of the crowd pulled me from my thoughts. My heart leapt into my throat as I saw Arkon enter the arena below.

His gray skin gleamed under the harsh lights, the black markings stark against it. As he surveyed his surroundings, his red eyes glinted with predatory focus.

My fingers dug into my palms as I watched, torn between fear for his safety and awe at his raw power. The door on the opposite side of the arena opened, revealing his opponent - a massive, scaled creature with wickedly curved claws.

The fight erupted as Arkon swiftly sidestepped the creature’s initial lunge. His fist connected with its jaw, the impact echoing through the arena. But the creature was fast, its tail whipping around to catch Arkon in the ribs.

I bit back a cry as Arkon stumbled, only to roll away from the creature’s follow-up attack. He sprang to his feet, a snarl revealing his pointed canines.

As the brutal combat continued, I noticed movement to my left. A lean reptiliod had joined our group, his eyes fixed on the fight below.

“Impressive specimen,” he hissed. “Such raw potential.”

Kreshnar nodded. “Indeed. The Vinduthi continues to exceed expectations.”

Zhen’la rattled his exoskeleton. “Yes, yes! A successful result of our experiments.”

I fought to keep my expression neutral. Zhen’la was lying through his mandibles. Arkon’s skill came from years of experience as a bounty hunter. And his compliance in the arena was because I was being held hostage, not because of the success of the mind-control drug.

As I watched Zhen’la preen and posture, a realization struck me. Kreshnar didn’t seem entirely convinced by Zhen’la’s boasting. If I could get proof of Zhen’la’s corruption to Kreshnar, it might be enough to turn the tables.

A particularly vicious blow from Arkon’s opponent snapped my attention back to the fight. Blood streaked Arkon’s chest, but he fought on with unwavering determination. With a move almost too fast to follow, he feinted left, then drove his fist into the creature’s throat.

The arena fell silent as the massive beast crashed to the ground. Arkon stood over it, chest heaving, victorious but clearly battered.

As the crowd erupted in cheers, I clenched my fists. Somehow, I would end this nightmare. For both of us.

ARKON

Istepped into the common room, my senses immediately assaulted by the stench of sweat and pheromones. The fighters lounged on worn couches, their bodies a patchwork of scars and cybernetic enhancements. Conversations died as I entered, replaced by wary glances and barely concealed hostility.

A Krelaxian spat on the floor near my feet. “Look who decided to grace us with his presence. Zhen’la’s pet Vinduthi.”

I ignored the taunt, scanning the room for Renak. The Mondian sat in a corner, nursing a drink that glowed an unnatural shade of green. His scales glinted under the harsh fluorescent lights as he watched me approach.

“Renak,” I said, staying quiet. “We need to talk.”

He snorted, a plume of smoke escaping his nostrils. “About what? How you’re going to crush us all in the arena?”

I leaned in closer, my words for his ears alone. “About getting out of here.”

Renak’s eyes narrowed, but I detected a flicker of interest. He gestured to an empty chair. “Sit down, Vinduthi. Let’s hear what you have to say.”

I took the offered seat, acutely aware of the eyes boring into my back. “I have a plan,” I said. “But I need allies. Strong fighters who can hold their own.”

Renak laughed, a harsh, grating sound. “And why would I want to leave? I’ve got it made here. Three square meals a day, all the fights I can handle, and no one trying to collect on old debts.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you’ve given up, Renak. I never took you for a quitter.”

His scales rippled, a sign of agitation. “Watch your tongue, Vinduthi. I could snap you in half without breaking a sweat.”

“Could you?” I leaned back, a smirk playing at the corners of my mouth. “From where I’m sitting, it looks like you’ve gone soft. Too many easy wins against weak opponents. When was the last time you faced a real challenge?”

---