Page 39 of Sixth
“No. Voss.”
She went still beside him. “Why would he come here?”
“Because he thinks he can take what isn’t his.” Apex turned toward the hatch. “Stay behind me.”
The veil rippled as Voss approached, his weapon raised. “Come out, Apex! Ican’t hit what I can’t see.” His voice echoed through the clearing, the words vibrating likebait.
The mark burned against Apex’s chest. “He doesn’t realize the Predator hunts echoes,” he murmured.
Emmy’s eyes widened. “He’s making noise.”
“Exactly.”
Outside, the glow of the veil caught Voss’s faceplate as he stepped closer. He smirked, lifting his gun to fire—but the air behind him twisted. The forest seemed to inhale. Asoundless shadow uncoiled from the trees.
The Echo Predator returned.
Apex saw it before Voss did—aripple of living darkness sliding through the mist, drawn to his voice, to the pounding thunder of his heartbeat amplified by fury. The creature closed the distance in a breath.
Voss’s head snapped around. He froze.
The Predator leapt.
