"Hah… hah… hah…"
Each breath tore out of me in ragged gasps, my chest heaving uncontrollably.
Buzz…
A relentless ringing filled my ears, drowning out the world and smothering my senses.
I… I actually did it…
My head lolled upward, impossibly heavy, and the scene before me wavered like a distant mirage. Everything felt out of focus, warped. But through the haze, I could just make out the thrashing figure inside the cage. The siren was in a frenzy, bellowing in rage as he pounded against the iron bars. His fists sent sharp, metallic echoes reverberating through the air, each clash biting into my skull.
Oddly enough, the sound almost lulled me.
I'm so… tired…
My arms hung useless at my sides. I was barely standing, held upright only by sheer determination.
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I need to kill him…
If I don't… I'm dead…
Clang! Clang! Clang!
"You slimy little bastard! You think you can get away with this lowlife trick? Let me out, damn you!"
Damn it… Why won't my body listen to me?
I bit down hard, willing my strength to return, forcing my trembling fingers to curl into fists. But it was no use. My limbs refused to obey, dead weight on a body that was barely hanging on.
And in battle, hesitation is fatal.
The pause lasted no more than a heartbeat, but for a seasoned killer like him, it was all the opportunity he needed.
Fire… I have to light the fire…
My focus was locked on my own trembling hands when I caught a glint of silver out of the corner of my eye.
Too late.
The cage may have held the siren, but it couldn't contain the deadly reach of his weapon.
With practiced precision, he launched the trident, its jagged prongs cutting through the air like a vengeful specter.
By the time I realized what was happening and forced my head up, the weapon was already upon me, streaking toward me with a shrill whistle.
And in my state—weak, slow, barely holding myself together—dodging was out of the question.
Thud!
A violent impact slammed into my chest with the force of a battering ram.