Bloodlust

by Jodie Becker

  Luke.

  Dressed in only a loincloth, his hair fell in disarray over his swollen features. Lips, once so sensual, were now distended and caked with blood. His cheek sported an ugly bruise, and one eye was swollen shut. Her heart sank at his wretched state, so bad that even from where she stood, she could see he struggled to remain upright.

  The Prime's mouth rose in a cocky grin as she saluted. He counted on her being distracted by Luke so she'd be unable to concentrate on the upcoming fight. Kira repressed a knowing smile and merely grinned before turning toward the large latticed gate. The masses hushed as the slow beatings of drums began. An eerie sound against the backdrop of the stadium that, for once in her life, filled her with a sense of dread.

  Michael drew up beside her, his spear banging up against the metal rim of his shield. “What's going on?"

  Before she could answer, the gates opened and the first to emerge were four little Camia underlings. The stout four foot beasts were a macabre version between a human and a warthog. Standing upright, they tottered forward, their grunts filling the air. In cloven hands they carried short axes, and Kira immediately acknowledged that this would work to her advantage.

  The problem wasn't the Halflings, though, but the Camia-beast. At that moment, the crowd cheered and pounded against the walls as, from the shadows of the hall beyond, the beast finally emerged.

  Standing eight feet high, the beast possessed the characteristic features of a sloth, but Kira knew it was in no way anything like the peaceful mammals back on Old Earth. Matched with its ferocity, it was fast and could kill a man with one swipe of its claws.

  Thin lips drew back upon its black face, revealing a row of jagged teeth. Carnivorous and very hungry, judging by the feral look in its eyes. The beast's white coat was stained with what she suspected was blood and waste, shining a sad light onto the animal's existence. But sympathy wasn't an emotion that would benefit her. It would sooner kill her than look at her twice.

  Grounding her feet, she glanced over at Michael. “Get ready. Whenever those beasts get within reach, you know what to do."

  He nodded, grim determination marking his features.

  The little pigs lurched forward with a cry, and Kira surged into action. With only three meters of give between her and Michael, she had to ensure she didn't compromise their fighting ability. She met the first beast head on, her mace swinging high as she brought it down with a yell against its skull. Blood splattered as the metal ball broke through bone with a crack.

  Stepping back, Kira swung her net out against the other beast as a spear whizzed passed her and embedded itself in a Halfling's chest. Her manacle jerked her hand that held the net backward, and she stumbled. Taking advantage of her loss of balance, the warthog beast charged with a squeal. Falling back, she pushed her feet out and up; using the animal's weight against it, she pitched it over her head.

  Regaining her feet, she swung her mace with cruel accuracy into the Halfling's neck. Michael drew back with a spear in hand and let it fly into the remaining swine. Elated at the efficiency with which they had dealt with the Camia minions, Kira knew their greatest battle was still upon them.

  The large beast let out a roar that almost deafened, his arms hitting the ground in anger and spraying sand everywhere. Holding out her arm against the granules, she stepped back to the line of weapons in the sand and picked up two swords. Swinging them, she held her ground as she quickly settled on a plan.

  "We're going to have to go in."

  Michael stared at her, aghast. “Are you joking? I've still got two spears left."

  Kira nodded. “All right, aim for the eye."

  Michael drew back, took aim, and then let the spear fly. The Camia-beast ducked and it flew by, harmlessly sending with it the high hope Kira had of blinding it.

  Without another word, he picked up the final spear, and this time his aim was true. The tip embedded itself in the right eye, and the beast lurched back with a high-pitched roar of pain, knocking the weapon from its eye.

  Blood poured down along its cheek and only served to infuriate it. The animal charged, and Kira ground her feet in, preparing for what might come. Its claws drew back, and she ducked the swipe and surged forward with her swords, striking out against its abdomen. Another arm struck out, and Kira could do little as she was flung from the beast.

  Pain burst through her wrist, and the popping sensation in her shoulder sent agony shooting along her arm. Landing on her injured shoulder, a scream of agony ripped past her lips, and she rolled off her injured side to her feet. Michael wobbled to his feet, apparently dazed by the turn of events.

  Behind him, she noticed the Camia-beast break into a run, its arms pounding into the ground as it ate the distance between them at breakneck pace. The feral gleam in its eyes spelled out death, and Kira jerked on the chain with her uninjured arm.

  "Look out!"

  Michael twisted around just as the Camia drew abreast of them, its claw coming down and ripping into its unsuspecting victim. He stumbled back, blood spewing from his mouth as he attempted to hold his ripped torso together.

  Kira could only pass him a horrified glance as movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention. She dove away from the sweeping strike of the beast. Hitting the sand, she spat out the granules in her mouth and rolled away from another blow before pushing to her feet.

  Agony throbbed up and down her arm as she gritted her teeth against the pain and forced herself into action. A glint of metal caught the light, and she lurched toward it, grasping the handle and coming up in a commando roll. With only a three-meter leeway, she knew she wasn't going to last. After dodging another blow, she brought the blade of the sword down upon the manacle on Michael's wrist.

  It came apart with surprising ease. Jerking on the chain, she swung it over her shoulder, then charged toward the beast. Relying on the lack of depth in its vision, she slid under another swipe and came up behind it. With a grunt, she launched herself into the air, and with her uninjured arm, grasped onto its back.

  The beast shrieked and swung around, its claws reaching to no avail at its back. Gaining leverage on the animal's fur, she hooked the chain around its neck and pulled. Pushing her feet against its shoulder blades, she screamed at the agony that rode through her arm and embraced her will to survive.

  The Camia gagged and stumbled sideways, its movement becoming slow and disorientated. Then finally with a groan, it gave out and tumbled forward. The crowd fell silent for a space of five seconds, then broke out in cheers and clapping as Kira stumbled off the dead beast.

  Hobbling from her fallen foe, she turned an exhausted eye over the crowd before facing the Prime, whose mouth was pinched in displeasure. Saluting him, Kira shuffled from the stadium, intent on finding a healer to repair what she was sure was a dislocated shoulder.

  As Kira disappeared down the hall, she pondered on the repercussions of her survival. One thing was certain. She and Luke weren't going to live much longer.

  Chapter 9

  Kira woke with a jolt, a hand muffling her mouth. In the darkness, she struck out against her assailant with her good arm. The hard planes of his muscles gave her pause as he gave her a little shake, sending shards of pain along her shoulder. Undeterred, she kicked for leverage, but found nothing but air.

  Her attacker gripped the back of her head, forcing her face close to his as his stagnant breath wafted over her cheek. Gagging, she stared up at glowing yellow eyes that shone with maliciousness. With a rough jerk, he pulled her from the bed and onto her feet. Still befuddled from being woken in the middle of the night and the painkillers in her system, her legs buckled beneath her. Much to her shame, she grasped onto the offending wrist to hold her upright.

  The door to her abode swung open, a shaft of light hit her face, and she squinted against it. The silhouette standing within the threshold was unfamiliar, but filled her with a sense of dread. The figure marched into the room and angled toward her as a flash of light slanted across
his features. She drew in a harsh breath at whom she beheld.

  It was the man who'd ordered her death.

  "Do you know how much trouble your meddling has caused me?” he asked, eyes glinting dangerously.

  Kira struggled to stifle the helplessness that surged within her. Behind him, two more guards appeared holding shock rods, the aqua energy pulsing ominously.

  He turned and stalked the length of the room before stopping in front of her. Hands clasped behind his back, he stared at her contemplatively. “It is a shame you chose to align yourself with him. But I can see why he would think you worthy."

  He ran the back of his knuckle against her cheek. She jerked from him, and he chuckled.

  With a smile, he indicated to the guards behind him. They stepped forward, and with malicious laughter, slammed the shock rods into her abdomen. Blazing pain seared along her muscles and to the bone as her body jerked uncontrollably in response. Her jaw clenched shut, muffling a cry that broke forth, the taste of blood running down her mouth. Spikes of agonizing electricity surged through her system until blessed oblivion came.

  * * * *

  Water splashed over Kira's face. She was drowning. She had to break for air. With a gasp, she broke past the surface of oblivion to find herself seated on the floor of the arena. Squinting, she tried to draw her arms over her chest, but the familiar weight of manacles sent a stab of apprehension through her. Glancing behind, she found herself chained to a wooden pole.

  A shadow slashed across her, and she glanced up at the Corthian. “Well, well, welcome to the world of the living."

  Kira's lips curled in disgust. “Fuck you."

  He chuckled. “I just might. But first, let me show you our special audience."

  He stepped back, and she craned her head to see Luke restrained on a similar pole ten feet from her. From this distance, the fire in his eyes promised retribution as he glared at his uncle. Flanking Luke stood half a dozen guards, their shock rods held at the ready.

  "Leave her alone, Fiakali,” Luke ordered.

  Fiakali laughed. “And why should I listen to you? You are chained to a pole while I...” he held out his arms for observation.

  Luke's features hardened. “If you hurt her..."

  "You'll what? Kill me? Overthrow me? Come, come, my boy. I would be a fool to listen to you. And as you know, I am no fool."

  Luke's eyes filled with despair. “What do you want? I will give it, just leave her alone!"

  "What do I want? I want you to die. But first. I'll break this bonding once and for all."

  Luke jerked on his restraint with a cry of fury, and Kira was filled with a deep sense of terror at the sight of horrified dismay in his eyes. Three of the guards stepped toward her, and her gaze rose to Fiakali as he turned to face her, a leer on his features. The cold clarity of her situation dawned with sickening disbelief, and she jerked on her chains anew. Pain shot through her shoulder, but she bit down upon it, holding back a sob of fear.

  "Leave her alone!” Luke screamed, misery riding his voice.

  The three men approached, forked tongues lashing out to taste the air. The first came within striking distance of her foot, and she kicked up, hitting nothing but air as he lurched back.

  "Bitch,” he growled, and then surged forward.

  She kicked out again and clipped his chin, but it did little damage as his long fingers grasped her ankles and pulled them apart. Crying out, Kira tugged against her restraints with all her might, tears of terror burning her eyes.

  Rape.

  Another guard moved to grab hold of her other ankle while the remaining man stood between her legs, the lust in his eyes disgusting her. Jerking her legs, she twisted her hips in an effort for freedom, yet it did her little good against the strength behind the men. The guard kneeled between her legs.

  "No! No, no, please!” she cried, for the first time since becoming a gladiator resorting to begging.

  Fingers dug painfully into her upper thighs, and the sound of fabric ripping as he tugged on her underwear sent tears along her cheeks. The roar of a Mercat broke through her screams, and the guards restraining her paused to glance over at the intruder. Mirn.

  Three of the guards abandoned Luke and charged toward Mirn. Falling forward on her arms, she broke out into a run. Leaping off the ground, she lifted her claws and came down on the first attacker. With amazing ferocity, she broke through his jugular, blood spraying forth and staining her usually pristine fur.

  With two more coming in, Mirn growled and launched off the dead guard. Her legs lashed out and clasped around the shoulders and neck of one before she back flipped with a twist, snapping his neck and sending him over her in one smooth motion.

  Dodging the first blow of the shock rod, she grasped onto the handle and kicked out. The guard stumbled back, losing hold on his weapon. Mirn threw the staff aside and stalked toward him. With a sudden velocity of movement, she came forward with several slashes of her claws. With a gurgle of death, the man fell back, and Mirn marched toward Luke. Crouching behind the pole, she released him from his cuffs.

  The three that held Kira glanced at the Corthian, whose gaze burned with fury. “Well, don't stand there! Deal with that feline."

  Kira breathed a sigh of relief as the men abandoned her, and she jerked against her bands. The sounds of grunts and growls from Mirn broke the stiff silence while Kira struggled for freedom. She gritted her teeth against the chafing of the metal on her skin, causing her skin to break and bleed.

  The Corthian was by her side, pulling her loose from her chains, his eyes glowing ominously. Striking out with her foot, she hit him in the upper thigh, just missing her intended target. With a growl, he backhanded her, sending light behind her eyes and her world into a spin.

  "Bitch!” He pulled her to her feet, holding his arm around her shoulder and forcing her to become his shield.

  Kira groaned and could do little but follow him as she slowly regained her equilibrium.

  "Let her go!"

  Kira opened her eyes to find Luke standing several feet away, his body tense with repressed rage. Mirn drew up beside Luke, her chest heaving from exertion, but her eyes blazed with hatred. Behind her, his uncle pulled her tighter against him and scuttled back, forcing her to follow. “If you don't want to see her pretty head on a pike, you'll know what's good for you."

  Luke's gaze snapped between her and his uncle, his eyes filled with confliction. Goddamn it! She was as good as dead if she didn't do something about the situation. As though sensing her intent, a sharp blade pressed against the center of her back, the tip digging in and forcing her to arch away from it.

  "I would've let you live,” he whispered harshly, hot breath hitting her ear. “Don't think for one second I won't take your life, gladiator. So now you have a choice."

  "What do you mean?” she gasped.

  His tongue touched her earlobe, and Kira shivered against the revulsion that churned her stomach. “I can break the bond, and you will live. Or you can die along with your lover."

  Kira's eyes widened at the two choices that left her without pride or courage. She had a decision to make. Words previously spoken echoed in her head. In order to kill me, you must die also. If Luke were to survive, she would have to submit to his uncle. Then he would come for her. Luke stepped forward, but the cruel twist of the blade in her back caused her to cry out, and he stopped, his golden eyes burning with hatred and despair.

  "So what's it to be? Life or death?” Fiakali asked.

  Kira swallowed hard, her gaze imploring Luke to understand. “Life,” she rasped.

  Luke's forlorn stare sliced through her, and he collapsed to his knees, defeat written on his features. Beside him, Mirn gripped his shoulders in an attempt to draw him upright.

  Fiakali shifted his arm, and a soft beep registered behind her. A moment later, a beam of mauve light broke beside them as a wormhole opened. Gales of air hit her face, the cold air frigid and almost painful in its force. Aghast, she st
ared at the whirling pool, then glanced at Luke, the desolation upon his face filling her with anguish.

  "Come for me!” she cried as she was launched into the spiraling mass.

  Chapter 10

  Luke jerked at her cry for help and blinked at the swelling vortex in which she'd disappeared. His heart rose from the ashes of despair, and he lurched to his feet. She hadn't chosen life over him. She'd chosen life for him. He wasn't about to let Fiakali steal his beloved.

  Breaking into a sprint, he launched himself into the disappearing placement hole and screamed. Nausea rose against the surge of power that displaced his body and sent him spiraling through a tunnel of light with enormous g-force. Light broke out at the end of the mauve and blue passage. With a scream, he was hurled from the wormhole and landed with a thud against the muddy ground.

  Groaning as the world continued to spin, he drew himself up on shaky arms and peered around him. The muddy trail in which he lay stood just outside a small village, the bronze domed homes lining the street dirty and seemingly abandoned.

  Behind him, another scream broke through the eerie silence, and he turned as the feline woman broke through the ebbing rays of the portal. Twisting in the air in a natural reflex, she landed on her hands and feet with a feral glint in her eyes. Luke stood and turned toward the north. The rose gold alloy pyramids peaked over the horizon, reflecting the afternoon sun.

  The familiarity of the central city filled him with a sense of relief, but also determination. He had missed the exit point and landed too far from the palace to be of any use to Kira at this moment. Fiakali would've ensured they were ejected at the palace steps in order for him to take his place as lead council. By the setting of the sun, if he didn't get to them, his hold would become void and so would his life.

  Turning toward the small village, he hurried through the town, searching for a hover vehicle. Peering into the homes, his suspicion that the town had been abandoned was confirmed. Home after home was empty. Eerily so. Frustration grew with each pass of the abodes, his search fruitless.