Chapter 26: Agony’s Embrace
The corpse of the Xenocrux Lurker lay motionless at the edge of the gorge. Thick ichor pooled beneath its body as life fully faded.
Orion stepped back, gripping his Wraith tight. He didn't trust stillness—not here.
He exhaled sharply, wiping blood off his cheek with the back of his wrist. His arms burned from the fight, his body still humming from the sheer exertion. But now wasn't the time to relax.
This place wasn't safe.
Even if his scouting had shown no apex creatures in the immediate vicinity, that could change at any moment.
This place had night predators. He needed to get back to the shelter.
With each passing minute, the night predators would begin their hunt.
He secured his Wraith to the clasp on his back as he crouched, gripping the Lurker's armored hide before hauling its corpse onto his shoulder. The creature was heavy, but his enhanced musculature allowed him to carry it without faltering. For now.
He needed to move.
By the time Orion reached his shelter, the suns had fully set, and the distant howls of the wild signaled that he had made the right decision.
The cavern he found earlier was still secure, its narrow entrance concealed by twisting roots. He dropped the Lurker's corpse just outside, crouching low to inspect the area.