Chapter 45: Leaving sandworms valley - 2
Max moved.
Dust kicked up beneath his boots as he approached the massive body. The settlers watched, still and breathless.
From his pouch, he pulled the vial of Maxveil. In the pale light, the liquid inside looked like melted shadow.
He climbed the creature's side. The hide gave slightly under his steps, soft and thick like old leather. The worm twitched. A ripple passed down its length.
Max didn't slow.
He found a seam in the armored hide, drove the vial between the plates, and cracked it in one swift motion.
The liquid sank in.
The air held still.
Then the worm lurched.
A scream tore from its mouth—raw, metal and thunder. Its body thrashed, lifting and twisting. The ground heaved. Dust sprayed like water, debris crashing in all directions. Settlers stumbled back. Cries rang out. A few dropped to the ground, shielding their heads.
Ash braced himself, heart hammering.