Page 118 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
Slowly, he raises his hands. He places a closed fist against his chest. Then opens that hand into the shape of a heart, palm facing himself, and pushes it gently toward me. Finally, he crosses his wrists in front of himself, fists clenched.
I love you. Stay strong.
I freeze, holding my breath. That simple gesture, silent but full of meaning, cuts right through me. That he remembers, after all these years… a few signs from our old language…
I nod back at him, barely, while tears stream silently down my cheeks.
The fights go on, but I barely register them.
Noviosk is the only one who took down his opponent with the first blow—without even picking a weapon.
His sharp claws were enough. The gamblers who bet on him are thrilled.
Danuk claps, laughing loudly, clearly delighted.
“My friends, round one is over! Time for a short break. Snacks are available for a few credits—don’t hesitate to grab something to eat!”
He pauses, then adds with a knowing wink:
“And for those who prefer more intense pleasures… our famous Zebulon is ready for you! Twenty-five credits a dose… one hundred for five. But don’t wait—stocks are limited!”
I feel sick.
To him, snacks and drugs are exactly the same. Just two ways to turn a profit.
28-Ayden
It’s break time. Our oh-so-revered master of ceremonies still hasn’t deigned to announce the rules for the second round. The display board is as empty as his explanations.
But that’s not what worries me.
I’m pretty confident I can beat most of the fighters still standing. Only the Penubian and Noviosk might give me real trouble. If Noviosk wins, he’ll claim Sam, and I’m pretty sure he won’t harm her.
But I seriously doubt Danuk will let a rival steal the spotlight in his own arena. There’s a reason he had us bound all day in painful positions. Since yesterday, he’s done everything he can to weaken both of us.
I can’t just count on Noviosk to protect Sam. And no matter how hard I look, I can’t spot Vlad or any of my other allies.
“You’ll let me have the Penubian,” Noviosk mutters through gritted teeth.
I glance at him, raising an eyebrow like he just offered me his last piece of chocolate.
“Sure, be my guest… but did you forget we don’t get to pick our opponents?”
“All that matters is one of us wi—”
He cuts himself off, eyes locked on the stands, a lethal glint in his gaze.
I follow his stare and scan the crowd for a second before I spot him. The Asgarnian—Pherebos! He gives me a subtle nod.
Finally. Reinforcements. It’s about damn time.
Next to me, Noviosk hasn’t missed a thing.
“By the Stars, he’s with you!” he accuses.
“Who?”
“Don’t test my patience, Human! I’m fresh out!”
