Chapter 14: Mark | page 8

Coldhand’s first shot, fired as he came around the corner of the boarded up office, caught the first Hadrian just above his right eye as he tried to ask Vyron where he would like to go for the suggested drink. He dropped to the pavement, his head connecting with a sickening crack, but the light was already gone from his eggshell eyes.

The second human bellowed in rage, whirling on the threat as he pulled his own gun. Vyron was backing away and holding up the case of White like a shield. His dark eyes were wide with terror. In an instant, the Arcadian was in the air, beating his wings in a frenzy to gain altitude and pulling a pair of glass daggers from under his coat.

Coldhand pulled back behind the corner of the empty station as the standing Hadrian freed his weapon and began firing. The gangster’s aim was sloppy, but the laser’s noise generator had been removed and the red bolts made no sound. They impacted and burned into the side of the office.

He didn’t dare to stay behind cover too long. Vyron was going to run. Coldhand darted out from behind the office and tucked into a roll to minimize his profile. Molten laser fire flew over him before the Hadrian could lower his aim, but the bounty hunter was already back on his feet, swinging his Talon around and firing two shots in return.

The first clipped the enraged human in the gun arm. He screamed and fumbled with his weapon. The second caught the Steelskin square in the chest. The Hadrian sagged to the ground, jerking as he died. Vyron turned to bolt, dropping his briefcase. The metal clanged on the pavement and Coldhand could hear the shattering of the vials inside. His muscles bunched as he lunged to tackle the Dailon to the ground, but there was a rush of wind and the Arcadian was on him.