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Jo’Nay’s expression softened, just for a moment, before his focus returned to Skarrp. “You’re a coward,” he said, his voice rising. “You hide behind hostages and your men. Face me like a warrior.”

The challenge hung in the air, and for a moment, the holding bay fell silent. The Marauders exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken by Jo’Nay’s unyielding presence.

“Very well,” Skarrp said, his voice dripping with malice. “But only after I’ve taken what I need from you. Guards, take him to the platform. The buyers will want a closer look.”

As Jo’Nay was dragged toward the auction stage at the far end of the bay, Winn’s mind raced. She had to act soon. Their time was running out, and the odds were against them. But she had seen Jo’Nay fight, seen the fire that burned within him. Together, they would find away.

They hadto.

Chapter 18

THE PLATFORM, raised high in the center of the bay, was ringed with buyers, their opulent clothing and air of detached cruelty amplifying the sickening reality of the auction.

Jo’Nay stared down at them with undisguised contempt. Did they truly believe they could control an Intergalactic Warrior? Apparently, they did, though they’d soon learn differently. No one could imprison him forlong.

No one.

Some of the buyers whispered to one another, their voices carrying snatches of phrases like “prime Vettian stock” and “a worthy addition.” One buyer gestured impatiently, clearly eager to place a bid, while another casually sipped from a jeweled flask, as though this were merely an afternoon pastime.

Skarrp strode onto the stage, dragging Jo’Nay behind him. He went along, still acting the part of someone badly wounded. The Marauder raised his chin with a clawed finger, forcing his face toward the gathered bidders.

“A true Vettian warrior!” Skarrp proclaimed. “Strong, resilient, and utterly lethal! Arare opportunity!”

Jo’Nay’s lips curled into a grim smile. “You are making a mistake, Skarrp.”

The Marauder sneered. “I’ll take my chances.” He waved at two of his men, gesturing toward Winn. “Bring his pet up here. Let’s see how he enjoys watching her sold as a sex slave.”

Laughing cruelly, they yanked Winn from the group of human women and hauled her toward the stage. She fought them, kicking and scratching every inch of the way. Not that it did any good. It took every ounce of self-control for Jo’Nay to remain unmoving. To appear defeated.

“Well, well, well. Such a feisty human,” Skarrp purred once she joined them on the platform. He swept a hand through the air to indicate the buyers, raising his voice to reach the ones furthest from the stage. “Maybe you would like to buy the two of them. Have a little funvexxingthe human pet in front of her previous owner. Have her perform every sort of act, maybe even some our warrior hasn’t thought to try.”

Instantly, all hell broke loose with more and more of the bidders calling out extravagant numbers. Jo’Nay lifted his head, asmall smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Now that he had Winn close at hand, he could act. With a single flex of his arms, Jo’Nay surged forward, his manacles snapping with a sharp, metallic crack that echoed through thebay.

The broken cuffs slammed against the platform and tumbled to the holding bay deck with a harsh, metallic clang. Jo’Nay lowered his arms to his sides and took a menacing step toward Skarrp. His body radiated an aura of power, aforce that seemed to ripple through the air and silence theroom.

Skarrp stumbled back, his grip on Winn loosening as he processed Jo’Nay’s defiance.

“You underestimate me, Skarrp,” he growled, his voice low but carrying across the bay like a thunderclap. “An Intergalactic Warrior is not so easily contained.”

Skarrp yanked Winn closer again, unsheathing the Vettian sword and pressing the blade against her neck. “Think carefully, warrior,” Skarrp hissed. “This is not a fight you can win.”

The buyers, scattered around the edges of the platform, muttered among themselves. Some pointed at Jo’Nay with fascinated greed, others fell back in alarm. He caught glimpses of them—opulent garments and glinting eyes—but his focus remained on Skarrp. He fought to contain his fury, atempest waiting to be unleashed.

Jo’Nay’s gaze didn’t waver. “Let her go,” he said, his voice calm but edged with steel. “Face me like the warrior you pretend to be. Or are you too much of a coward for that?”

“You may fight with honor,” Skarrp sneered. “I have never felt the need.”

“Then coward it is,” Jo’Nay derided, his voice rising, his words echoing through the holding bay, drawing the attention of the other Marauders, who gathered around the stage in a loose circle, their weapons drawn.

He saw fear flicker in Skarrp’s eye, abrief, fleeting moment of vulnerability that Jo’Nay seized upon. “You are nothing but a scavenger, aparasite, preying on the weak,” he taunted. “You don’t deserve to wield a warrior’s weapon.” He gestured towards the sword Skarrp held, its Vettian design a mockery in the hands of the huge Marauder.

Skarrp gave the sword a slight wave. “And yet, Ihave it and you do not.”

“Come on, Skarrp,” Jo’Nay challenged, his voice a low growl. “Let her go. Face me. Man to man. You have a sword while I am weaponless. What are you afraid of?”

Skarrp, his pride wounded, his anger ignited, hesitated, his gaze darting between Jo’Nay and the other Marauders.

“He’s unarmed, Skarrp!” one of the Marauders shouted, his voice laced with mockery. “What are you waiting for? Kill him!”

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