Page 56 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

“Arkon,” Zhen’la chittered, mandibles clicking. “How predictable.”

SAMIRA

My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched Arkon fight his way through the chaos below. The glass vial in my pocket dug into my thigh, a constant reminder of the desperate plan I’d concocted.

Kreshnar sat beside me, silent and still. His fur rippled in patterns, but if there was a meaning, it was a mystery to me. My fingers fidgeted with the vial, its contents our only hope if things went sideways.

“Quite the spectacle, isn’t it?” Dr. Zhen’la’s mandibles clicked with amusement. “Your Vinduthi is putting on quite a show.”

I gritted my teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. My eyes locked onto Arkon’s muscular form as he dispatched another opponent. A mix of pride and fear churned in my gut.

“He fights well,” Kreshnar rumbled, breaking his silence. “But for what purpose?”

Before I could formulate a reply, a collective gasp rippled through the arena. The fighters below had turned on the guards, swarming towards us like an unstoppable tide.

“What is the meaning of this?” Dr. Zhen’la screeched, his exoskeleton plates rattling in agitation.

Alarms blared, adding to the cacophony. Guards rushed to defend our box, but they were quickly overwhelmed.

“It appears your control is slipping, Doctor,” Kreshnar observed, his tone maddeningly calm.

Dr. Zhen’la’s compound eyes swiveled wildly. In a flash, one of his arms shot out, wrapping around my waist and yanking me against his armored body. The cold muzzle of a blaster pressed against my temple.

“Everyone stay back!” he shrieked. “Or the human dies!”

My breath hitched as I saw Arkon burst through the door, his eyes blazing with fury. He froze at the sight of me in Zhen’la’s grasp.

“How predictable. One more step, Vinduthi, and I’ll splatter her brains across this room,” Zhen’la hissed.

Arkon’s jaw clenched, his muscles coiled tight. “Let. Her. Go.”

“Why should I?” Zhen’la taunted. “So you can kill me? I think I can avoid that.”

I locked eyes with Arkon, trying to convey a silent message. My hand inched towards my pocket, where the vial waited.

“You’re finished, Zhen’la,” Arkon growled. “Release her, and maybe I’ll let you live.”

Zhen’la’s laughter rang through my ears. “Empty threats from a-”

His words cut off as Kreshnar’s massive form suddenly loomed behind us. With lightning speed, one of his hands knocked the blaster away from my head.

I didn't hesitate. The vial felt cold in my palm as I drew it from my pocket. With all my strength, I hurled it at Zhen'la's thorax, where his exoskeleton was thinnest. The glass shattered on impact, and the acidic gel exploded across his armor plating. The effect was immediate - a violent hissing filled the air as the substance ate through his protective shell.

Zhen’la screamed, his grip on me loosening. I twisted free, stumbling towards Arkon as Kreshnar’s guards swarmed Zhen’la.

Arkon’s arms enveloped me, crushing me against his chest. I breathed in his scent, my body trembling with relief and residual adrenaline.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re safe now.”

The world blurredas Kreshnar ushered us into an elevator. My legs wobbled, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Arkon’s arm around my waist steadied me, his solid presence an anchor in the chaos.

The elevator ascended smoothly, its soft hum contrasting the mayhem we’d left behind. I leaned into Arkon, inhaling his scent - a mix of sweat, blood, and something uniquely him. My fingers traced the contours of his arm, reassuring myself he was really here, alive and whole.

The doors slid open, revealing a hallway that screamed luxury. Plush carpets muffled our footsteps, and ornate light fixtures cast a warm glow over intricately patterned wallpaper. Kreshnar led us to a door at the end of the hall, his fur rippling with iridescent patterns.

“Your accommodations,” he announced, sweeping a hand toward the entrance.

The room beyond was opulent, to say the least. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Larakis’s glittering skyline. A massive bed dominated one corner, draped in shimmering fabrics I couldn’t even name. A sunken livingarea boasted plush seating and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

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