Page 119 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
I have to make a choice in seconds. Trust this temporary ally who clearly wants to protect Sam, or distrust the enemy responsible for murdering my best friend.
I might have several allies in the stands. But down here in the arena? I’ve only got one possible partner.
If some Sentinels managed to sneak into the festivities, I doubt they could smuggle in pistoblasters. They’re probably only carrying a few composite blades—stealthy but deadly.
Instinctively, I scan the arena for Sam. She’s there, tense with fear. This night’s just as hellish for her. My eyes drift toward the grandstand above the “master’s” balcony.
Vlad’s there, ready to back her up. Huge relief. I trust him completely to get her out when the time comes.
“Well?” Noviosk presses me in a low voice.
Decision made. God, I hope I don’t regret it.
“Yes, he’s with me. He’s here for her,” I add for emphasis.
“Partial… truth,” the Srebat notes.
Damn it—I forgot about that!
“Listen. When everything kicks off, you’ll have one choice. You’re either with us or against us. But we’re winning this. We’re getting her out!”
“He’s not strong enough!”
“He’s not alone!” I grin.
“Truths,” Noviosk murmurs, eyes now scanning the crowd more intently.
“My dear friends!” Danuk booms, arms wide as he rises. “Break time is over. Place your bets! For round two, I’ve decided to spice things up. The twenty fighters who survived round one will now battle… all at once! A free-for-all brawl! Exciting, isn’t it? The last one alive wins the tournament… and the lovely Human girl. Minimum bet: five hundred credits!”
A roar of excitement rolls through the crowd.
Noviosk and I freeze. A free-for-all… pure chaos. No rules. Backstabbing guaranteed.
“I’m in,” Noviosk growls. “Just until we get Sam out safely. After that, I never want to see you again—your face or your people!”
“Works for me. We don’t need to be friends to survive this.” I glance at him. “You know how to fight back-to-back?”
He frowns. “I know the concept. Never used it. A Srebat faces his enemy alone.”
“Blah, blah. You don’t know the kind of chaos we’re about to be dropped into. So here’s the deal—back to back, no blind spots. We cover each other’s rear. No betrayal. No screwups. If you turn, I turn.”
He nods solemnly.
“Got it.”
“Preferred weapon?”
“My claws are enough,” he says with way too much pride.
“Of course they are. Typical Srebat,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “I’ll aim for a long dagger or a short sword… if I can grab one.”
“Weak little Human,” he scoffs. “A Sre—”
“Yeah, yeah, I got it the first time,” I cut him off.
One last glance toward the crowd. Pherebos is staring at me, looking a bit surprised. Oh right… those two have a bit of history.
“One last thing,” I warn, my tone turning arctic. “If you go after any of my friends—including Pherebos—you’ll regret it.”
