Crimson Heart

32

William wandered away from the Stellaron Hunters' ship as they refueled on the planet. The surroundings were quiet, and his thoughts drifted, taking in the unique flora and alien terrain.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared in the corner of his vision. Before he could react, Psylocke blinked behind him, a purple trail tracing her swift movements. Her psionic butterfly wings glowed as she closed the distance, and with a swift, precise chop to his neck, William fell unconscious. Psylocke caught him before he hit the ground, hoisting him over her shoulder.

She began making her way back to her ship, a silent figure against the alien backdrop. In her haste, though, William's spell book slipped from his pockets and landed in the dust, unnoticed.

Back at the Stellaron Hunters' ship, Kafka was finishing a final check of their supplies when she caught sight of William's spell book lying on the ground, open and covered with dust.

Kafka: "His spell book? He wouldn't leave this behind. Not for anything."

She crouched down, a sense of urgency sparking in her gaze as she reached for the book. As she held it in her hands, a sinking feeling confirmed her fears.

Kafka: "Blade! Silver Wolf! Sam! William's been taken!"

Silver Wolf glanced up, immediately alert.

Silver Wolf: "Are you sure? He might've just-"

Kafka interrupted, her expression firm.

Kafka: "William doesn't go anywhere without this. Someone's taken him, and we're not leaving here without him."

Blade clenched his fists, his tone a low growl.

Blade: "Whoever took him is going to regret it."

Sam, as calm as ever, nodded.

Sam: "I'll locate any ships that recently took off from this area. Let's move fast."

They gathered at the edge of the ship, a renewed determination flickering in their eyes as they prepared to track down their missing teammate.

William stirred, his head pounding as he regained consciousness. His eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of his cell, and he quickly took in the cold, metallic surroundings. He recognized the Inquisitor's ship from briefings he'd seen before-he was deep in enemy territory.

Wasting no time, he summoned a glowing crimson chaos orb, hurling it toward the reinforced bars. But the orb rebounded off the bars and erupted in a shockwave that sent him stumbling backward. He groaned, realizing that these bars were designed specifically to contain his powers.

As he steadied himself, the shadows outside the cell shifted, and the Grand Inquisitor stepped into view, a smug grin spreading across his face.

Grand Inquisitor: "Well, well, you're awake. It's about time. I was beginning to think you were going to sleep through your own demise."

William met his gaze, glaring.

William: "You won't get away with this. The rest of the Stellaron Hunters are going to come for me-and when they do, they'll wipe the floor with you."

The Inquisitor chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a predatory delight.

Grand Inquisitor: "Let them come. I've faced down far stronger opponents than your ragtag crew. When they arrive, I'll relish in tearing them apart, one by one. You see, boy, you're nothing more than bait."

William clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with defiance.

William: "You underestimate them. You may have caught me, but you won't stand a chance against the others."