Breaking the Cage

Crystalline particles shimmered across the battlefield, a deadly web pulsing with strange, interconnected energy. My hypercognition flared, pinpointing each one—a map of bombs suspended in the air. I didn’t know Abdu’s next move, but the advantage was mine now. Sword in hand, I charged, weaving through the glittering haze, my blade aimed for his heart.

Then, a jagged pain erupted in my back.

It struck like a razor, slicing deep, tearing through muscle and bone. I stumbled, gasping, the world tilting as blood gushed down my spine. My vision dimmed, strength leaking away with every heartbeat. Dropping to one knee, I gripped the crystalline spear embedded in me and yanked it free. Blood poured, warm and relentless, pooling beneath me.

“You’re in my cage!” Abdu’s voice thundered, thick with triumph. “There’s nowhere left to run!”