Klaz

KLAZ

T he stench of damp concrete and mildew invaded my nostrils as I blinked away the fog clouding my vision. A single light bulb swung overhead, casting eerie shadows across the dingy walls. I flexed my muscles, only to find my wrists bound tightly above my head, the cold metal of shackles biting into my skin, a thin cloth tied around my hips. At least that was something.

“Cinta,” I whispered, my eyes searching the dimly lit room. Relief washed over me as I spotted her lying unconscious on the floor nearby, a similar cloth draped over her. She was alive, but for how long?

I cursed under my breath, angry at myself for letting my guard down. The gas in our room - how could I have been so careless? Years of training, countless missions, and I’d fallen for such a simple trap.

Footsteps echoed from beyond the door, growing louder with each passing second. I tensed, readying myself for whatever was to come. The rusted hinges creaked as the door swung open, revealing Mama Raza flanked by two burly Nazok guards.

Gone was her friendly demeanor, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. She stepped into the room, her eyes locked on mine.

“I see you’re finally awake,” Mama Raza said, her words dripping with false sweetness. “I do hope you’ll forgive the rather... unconventional accommodations.”

I remained silent, my mind racing through potential escape scenarios. Had my friends received the message I’d sent from the research station? How long would it take them to arrive?

Mama Raza circled the room, her fingers trailing along the exposed pipes. “I have a proposition for you. One I think you’ll find quite... compelling.”

“I’m listening,” I growled.

She smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes. “The Suraisu Casino. You might have heard of it. More importantly, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Larain Diamond.”

I kept my expression impassive, but my jaw tightened involuntarily. “The energy amplifier. What’s it doing in a casino vault?”

Mama Raza’s laugh was sharp and cold. “Oh, you haven’t heard? The Suraisu is hosting the game of the century. The diamond’s the prize.”

“A high-stakes game,” I muttered, my eyes narrowing.

“The highest,” Mama Raza confirmed. “Warlords, CEOs, even a few planetary leaders - all putting up astronomical sums for a chance to win that rock. I had another plan, but since you so eagerly waltzed in on us, I want you to retrieve it for me,” she continued. “Your skills are... well-known in certain circles. The famous Renka. Vinduthi warrior, bounty hunter, and security expert. I have no doubt you can bypass their security systems.”

I scoffed. “And why would I do that for you?”

Mama Raza’s smile widened as she gestured towards Cinta. “Because if you don’t, your little human pet will suffer the consequences.”

Rage boiled within me, but I forced it down. I couldn’t let her see how much Cinta meant to me. “She’s not my pet,” I spat.

“Oh? Then I suppose you won’t mind if we use her as... collateral.” Mama Raza signaled to her guards, who approached with what appeared to be an exquisite piece of jewelry.

Its delicate golden chain was studded with glittering sapphires, but I when she pulled a small black remote from her pocket and grinned, my chest clenched.

I’d seen something like it before.

I’d bet anything that the large, oval-cut diamond at its center housed a deadly secret. An explosive anklet, disguised as a fancy accessory

I struggled against my chains, the metal cutting into my wrists. “Don’t you dare touch her!”

“A little insurance policy,” Mama Raza purred, her eyes glinting. “It’s quite becoming, don’t you think?”

I watched helplessly as they fastened the bejeweled chain around Cinta’s ankle. The clasp clicked shut with a finality that made my stomach churn.

Mama Raza’s laughter echoed through the room.

“Now, now, . There’s no need for theatrics. As long as you cooperate, no harm will come to her. But if you try to escape, try to break the circuit that runs through the chain... well, I’m sure you can imagine the outcome.”

I glared at her. “If you hurt her, I swear I’ll-”

“You’ll what?” Mama Raza interrupted, her tone mocking. “Face it, . You’re in no position to make threats.”

Just then, Cinta began to stir. I called out to her, trying to keep my voice calm and reassuring. “Cinta? Can you hear me? It’s alright, I’m here.”

Mama Raza’s eyes narrowed. “Remember, . One wrong move, and she pays the price.”

She gestured to a guard, who put a tablet on the table next to me. “Everything you need to know about the casino is on here. Study it well. You have two days to prepare.”

I nodded, my mind already formulating a plan. If I could just buy some time, maybe my friends would arrive. Maybe I could find a way to get that anklet off Cinta.

The guards unlocked my shackles, and I immediately rushed to Cinta’s side. I helped her sit up, quickly checking for any visible injuries. Her eyes were wide with fear and confusion.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

I leaned in close, my lips brushing her ear. “It’ll be okay,” I murmured, acutely aware of Mama Raza’s watchful gaze. “Trust me.”

Not that I had a plan yet, but I’d come up with something. Anything, to get Cinta out of this.

Standing up, I faced our captor, feigning resignation. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I want your word that Cinta won’t be harmed.”

Mama Raza’s smile was all teeth. “Of course, dear . As long as you play by the rules, your little friend will be perfectly safe.”

I caught Cinta’s eye. The determination I saw there matched my own. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.