Page 51 of Klaz
“That’s stretching things,” I grumbled.
As we finished securing the last of Mama Raza’s gang, the howling wind began to die down. The storm was finally breaking.
“So,” Cinta said, leaning against a chunk of debris. “What’s our next move, oh great strategist?”
Movement caught my eye. Dark shapes emerged from the storm, resolving into large humanoid figures approaching our position.
“Down!” I hissed, pulling Cinta behind cover.
“Friends of yours?” she whispered.
“Doubt it,” I replied, straining to make out details through the clearing storm.
A familiar voice carried on the wind. “Well, well. Looks like Klaz has been busy.”
CINTA
Igrabbed a twisted metal rod from the debris, my fingers curling around its cold surface. My heart pounded, adrenaline surging through my veins. I’d survived worse odds before, and I wasn’t about to back down now. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to spring into action.
Klaz’s hand touched my arm, his grip firm but gentle. “Wait,” he murmured, his eyes fixed on the approaching figures. “I know them.”
I lowered the makeshift weapon but didn’t let it go. “Friends of yours?”
He nodded. “My old team. Davor, Arkon, Tharion, and Kaelith.”
As the storm cleared, I made out four distinct silhouettes emerging from the mist. The leader, a tall Vinduthi with long silvery hair, called out. “Klaz! You war dog!”
Beside him stood a mountain of a man, easily eight feet tall and built like a fortress. Two others flanked them, weapons at the ready but pointed downward.
Klaz stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. “Davor,” he greeted the leader. “Wasn’t expecting a reunion so soon.”
Davor’s gaze shifted to me, curiosity evident in his expression. “And who’s this?”
“Cinta Longdon,” I said before Klaz could answer. “Pleasure to meet you all.”
Klaz shot me a look that was equal parts exasperation and admiration. “She’s... a recent acquaintance.”
Davor narrowed his eyes. “Must be some acquaintance to have you blowing up warehouses together.”
“About that,” Klaz began, but Davor held up a hand.
“Save it. We picked up your message and came to help. Rescued the cruise ship passengers, captured the pirate crew.” He paused, sighed. “Then we wondered what you two were up to down here. Should’ve known to just follow the explosions.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “In our defense, the explosion wasn’t entirely our fault.”
Klaz sighed. “It’s a long story.”
A sharp pain shot through my shoulder, and I stifled a cry. The adrenaline that had kept me going was wearing off, and the reality of my injury hit me full force.
Klaz’s eyes snapped to me, concern etched across his face. “Cinta, your shoulder. We need to get you to a clinic immediately.”
I waved him off, trying to mask the pain. “I’m fine, it’s just a scratch.”
“No arguments,” he growled, his tone brooking no dissent. “You’ve lost blood, and that burn needs treatment. Davor, is there a medical facility nearby?”
The pain throbbed, and I had to admit, albeit reluctantly, that Klaz was right. As much as I hated showing weakness, especially in front of strangers, I knew I needed help.
Davor’s amber eyes flickered to my shoulder, then back to Klaz. “We’ll treat her on the Phantom’s Wake. Our med bay is better equipped than any clinic on this backwater planet.”