Page 42 of Venomous Lust
“Hazel!” Zaxis called and she turned to see him cradling Celaith against his chest. The Arvak female was unconscious, her features slack and her skin a sickly pale pink. “We have to get out of here.”
“We’re not leaving Khal!”
To her left, the brown creature was moving fast, opening cell after cell while prisoners stepped out. Never before had she seen so many various life forms, from long, spindly creatures with limbs made of soft looking, smooth skin to squat, tree-like creatures with skin that looked like bark.
And each of them was staring at Gerkin with deadly intent.
Then the door to the jail opened and a group of three Eok warriors pushed in, taking in the scene with wide, disbelieving eyes. One of them spoke into the communication device at his wrist, his face set in resolve and anger, no doubt alerting the rest of the garrison.
Our time is up.
A roar of pain and disbelief sounded from behind her and Hazel pivoted in time to see Gerkin fall to the floor. Khal towered above him, his talons extended, blood marring his handsome face, his perfect chest.
There was so much blood, it made pools on the dirt floor. Something rolled toward her and Hazel’s stomach lurched to her throat when she recognized a severed hand.
Shouts and screams filled the crowded space, the coppery smell of blood mixing with the overpowering stench of the jail. Gerkin stayed down, cradling the stump of his arm close to his chest. He shouted orders accusing Khal as more Eoks crammed into the space. Khal turned to face the warriors, death in his eyes, rippling down his limbs, but he was only one warrior.
They’re going to kill him.
Someone far above her head called Khal’s name over and over again. The strain in her throat told her it was she who was calling, but it was like her body was possessed. Like her voice was an extension of herself.
Khal straightened, his shoulders tense and his talons stained with blood. He turned to meet Gerkin’s now feral gaze, ready to finish what he had started. Only he didn’t have the chance. Prisoners overran the commander of Garana like a wave, attacking with their claws, their fangs, their bare hands, all in total, focused silence.
Gerkin was barely visible as he fought them with his one remaining arm. Hazel stared at the display of violence, her mind a blank, her body frozen stiff.
Then Khal moved, fast. He was on her before she could realize what had happened. Arms like tree trunks closed around her body and she was shoved over his shoulder without further ceremony. Khal ran after Zaxis, passing groups of Eoks bent on saving their commander until they were up the stairs and in the garrison, then outside under the red planet’s constant dusty winds. Still, Khal ran with Zaxis just in front of him, carrying Celaith’s unconscious body. Hazel twisted to see ahead, but Khal jerked her back into place and all she could see was the door to the garrison banging open as they left it behind.
Until they both came to an abrupt stop.
Her feet met the red sand and Hazel twisted to see the young Eok from before, Hayro, standing in their way, an ionic gun pointed directly at Khal.
“I can’t let you leave, Commander Khal.” The young Eok’s voice shook, but his hands were steady as he stood between them and the Myrador. “You have committed a grave crime and you will need to answer for it.”
“There was no crime.” Khal quietly herded Hazel just behind his back and she had to contort her body to see what was happening. “Your commander is mad. At first, I thought his soul was lost to the bloodlust, but not anymore. He’s a dishonorable male, only interested in his own profit. Look what he did to this Arvak female. No Eok warrior should abide treatment like that. Now let us pass.”
“If this is so, then you will be able to prove it to the martial court.” Hayro shook his head, his mouth set in a stubborn line. Eoks were loyal to the bitter end, and his loyalty still lay with his commander. “Until then, I will keep your bloodmate safe. You have my word.”
“You are a young warrior and you have honor. It would pain me to send you to the Midnight God, but for the sake of my mission, I will.” Khal spoke low, but there was no mistaking the seriousness in his voice. “Prime Councilor Aav tasked me with retrieving something that could plunge the entire Ring into civil war, something that could cost billions of innocents their lives. Ask yourself this: is Gerkin’s greed worth your life? Your family’s life? Your tribe’s? Because that is what’s at stake here.”
Hesitation flickered in the young Eok’s face and he opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. Hazel’s blood turned cold as Khal’s talons extended again, and she knew he would kill the younger warrior.
Too much death. There’s just too much.
From somewhere behind them, other voices rang out. The troops would be on them in a few seconds. The time for talk was past.
“They will judge me for this.” The young warrior shook his head, then lowered his ionic gun. Acceptance settled in his features and when he moved aside, Hazel’s entire body filled with ice.
“Come with us.” Hazel spoke low, but Hayro heard her.
“I will get you as much time as I can.” His lips lifted in a sad smile and he shook his head. “Now go.”
“I will send a message to my brother, chief of the Erynian tribe.” Khal nodded to the young Eok. “Your bravery will not be forgotten.”
Then Zaxis ran into the Myrador, cradling Celaith against him like a sleeping toddler. Like she was precious. Khal grabbed Hazel’s hand and pulled her along. As the loading dock door closed behind them, Hazel turned to see Hayro one last time. He stood, his ionic gun raised, facing his brothers in arms. She knew the young Eok had saved their lives.
And had likely lost his in the process.
The Myrador shook and whined as Khal piloted it through the red clouds above Garana’s sand. Hazel sat in the back of the control room, cradling Celaith close as the ship shot out of the red planet’s atmosphere at an ungodly speed.
