Page 47 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

I wanted to vomit. To scream. To claw that smug look off Zhen’la’s insectoid face. But I remained still, my eyes never leaving Arkon.

The fight raged on, a brutal dance of violence and survival. Arkon’s gray skin glistened with sweat, streaked with blood - both his and the creatures’. His red eyes blazed with determination, his lips pulled back in a snarl that revealed his pointed canines.

I lost track of time, my world narrowing to the ebb and flow of the battle. Arkon seemed to anticipate each attack, his movements precise and deadly. But the creatures were relentless, driven by hunger and rage.

Just when I thought Arkon might falter, he unleashed a series of strikes so fast I could barely follow. The spine-covered beast fell first, its legs giving out as Arkon’s blade found a weak spot in its armored hide. The tentacled horror followed, its mass of appendages reduced to twitching stumps.

The reptilian creature, however, proved more resilient. It circled Arkon, as they faced off, predator against predator, neither willing to give ground.

In a burst of speed, Arkon charged. The creature’s jaws gaped wide, ready to deliver a fatal bite. But then, Arkon dropped and slid, using the slick floor to his advantage. His blade flashed, and a spray of dark blood erupted from the monster’s underbelly.

The arena fell silent. Arkon stood, chest heaving, surrounded by the fallen bodies of his opponents. His red eyes swept the crowd, and finally, our gazes locked. Even from this distance, I felt the intensity of his stare, the promise in those crimson depths.

Zhen’la’s voice broke the spell. “Back to your cell, fighter. You’ve earned your rest.”

Arkon’s jaw clenched, but he obeyed, disappearing through the gate he’d emerged from earlier. I sagged against the railing, relief and fear warring within me.

“Come,” Zhen’la said, his mandibles clicking in amusement. “Let’s go see your champion.”

He led me through winding corridors, past crowds of spectators still buzzing with excitement from the fight. Their words washed over me, but I caught snippets here and there.

“Did you see how he moved?”

“Incredible!”

“That Vinduthi is worth every credit.”

My hatred for Zhen’la grew with each step. This creature, who I had once respected as a fellow scientist, loved as my mentor, had revealed himself to be a monster far worse than those in the arena.

We reached a dimly lit holding cell, and I gasped in shock. Arkon stood there, battered but alive. His imposing frame filled the small space, making it seem even more cramped.

I didn’t think. I didn’t hesitate. I ran to him, throwing myself into his arms. He caught me effortlessly, his strong arms enveloping me in an embrace that spoke of desperation and relief.

“You have ten minutes,” Zhen’la clicked, amusement clear in his tone.

I crashed into Arkon, my lips finding his with desperate urgency. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as we kissed. The taste of blood and sweat mingled on his lips, a stark reminder of the brutality he’d just endured. But beneath that, I tasted him - that unique flavor that was purely Arkon. My hands roamed over his muscular back, feeling the raised marks of fresh wounds.

We broke apart, both breathing heavily. I pressed my forehead against his chest, listening to the rapid thump of his heart.

“What have they done to you?” I asked, my voice quiet. “I was so afraid...”

Arkon’s large hand cupped my cheek, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. “I’m fine,” he said gruffly. “But you - have they hurt you?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m being treated well enough. They’re keeping me in some kind of house. It’s comfortable, but...” I trailed off, biting my lip.

“But what?” Arkon prompted, his brow furrowing.

“I’ve been searching for anything that might help us escape,” I admitted. “But I can’t find any way to contact the outside world. No communications devices, nothing. It’s like a cage.”

Arkon’s jaw clenched. “Don’t take unnecessary risks,” he growled. “Focus on staying alive. I can handle the fighting.”

I pulled back slightly, frustration bubbling up inside me. “And what about you? How long can you keep this up? Those creatures-”

“I’ve faced worse,” Arkon cut me off. His tone softened as he added, “Don’t worry about me, Samira. I’ll find a way out of this.”

I shook my head, tears pricking at my eyes. “How can I not worry? You’re out there risking your life while I’m trapped in a comfortable prison. I love you, Arkon. I can’t just sit by and do nothing while you’re in danger.”

Arkon’s eyes widened, a look of wonder spreading across his face. It was as if he’d never expected to hear those words. His lips parted, about to speak-

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