Page 58 of Chimera's Prisoner

He's right. Running might extend our survival temporarily, but Council resources are effectively unlimited. They'll keep sending teams until one succeeds. Better to end it here, on terrain we know, with advantages we can control.

"What do you need from me?" I ask.

His expression shifts—surprise, approval, something deeper I'm still learning to read. "Medical assessment of the toxin's duration. Tactical support during approach. And..." he hesitates, his eyes dropping to where our child grows. "Trust that I can protect what matters most."

Our child. The life growing inside me that represents everything we've built together and everything the Council wants to study and control.

"You have it," I say simply.

The sounds of the search operation grow louder. Orders shouted in multiple languages. Equipment being positioned. The methodical approach of forces with time and resources to be thorough.

Vex gathers specific weapons from the cache—lightweight blades designed for close combat, climbing gear that will allow movement across terrain too treacherous for heavy assault teams, and most importantly, a specialized toxin extractor that can drain venom from Chimeric tail spines.

"It's a backup plan," he explains at my questioning look. "If the right opportunity presents itself during close combat."

I select my own equipment—medical supplies that might prove necessary, a crossbow small enough for me to manage effectively, and the last vial of nerve toxin from our emergency stores. If we're going to face Kain again, I want every advantage available.

The waterfall provides cover for our exit, but only temporarily. Once we leave the concealed chamber, we'll be exposed on the mountain face with limited options for concealment.

"Stay close to me," Vex instructs as we prepare to move. "Follow my lead exactly. One mistake out there exposes us both to their search teams."

I nod, checking my equipment one final time. The artificial heat still simmers beneath my skin, but manageable now. My hands remain steady as I secure the crossbow across my back.

We slip through the water curtain into mountain air that tastes of pine and approaching storm. Natural weather moving in from the west—dark clouds building over the highest peaks. If we can survive long enough, the storm might provide the cover we need.

But first, we have to find Kain.

The search pattern becomes clear as we climb higher on the mountain face. Ground teams working methodically through lower elevations while aerial units maintain overwatch. Standard Council doctrine—overwhelming force applied systematically until resistance collapses.

They expect us to run. To hide. To eventually make a mistake that allows capture.

They don't expect us to hunt the hunters.

Vex moves with careful precision despite his injured wing, using natural handholds and concealed paths to climb toward the area where we left the incapacitated Feline captain. His knowledge of the terrain creates advantages no amount of Council equipment can overcome.

Twenty minutes of careful climbing brings us to an observation point overlooking the ledge where the confrontation occurred. Below, I can see the recovery operation in progress.

Kain is conscious again. Still moving carefully, but functional enough to direct the search teams. His tactical vest shows signs of hasty medical attention—field treatment for the toxin exposure. Professional but not comprehensive.

He's wounded. Weakened. Operating at reduced capacity.

But still dangerous.

"He's positioned himself defensively," Vex observes, studying the scene through experienced eyes. "Six guards providing perimeter security. Clear sightlines in all directions. Emergency extraction available on his signal."

"Which means we can't reach him with a direct assault," I conclude.

"Not without eliminating his entire protection detail first." Vex's tail lashes once behind him—sign of growing anticipation. "Unless we can create a significant distraction that forces him to expose himself."

The idea forms as I watch the search teams coordinate their sweep patterns. Council operations rely on hierarchy. Chain of command. If something threatens the operation itself...

"The beacon," I say. "The one calling reinforcements. What if it was compromised?"

Vex's eyes narrow with interest. "Explain."

"You said the dead Gargoyle's equipment is still transmitting. What if the signal changed? Started broadcasting false information that contradicted Kain's direct observations?"

Understanding lights his features. "Create confusion in their coordination. Force him to investigate personally rather than delegating to subordinates."

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