Chapter 281: Old Allies Part 1

Traxpire explosions blast overhead.

Shouts echo behind me and then Werzo falls to his knees. I race past him, whip in hand and slow down the moment.

Five Vermix rush forward, springing out from the first compartment. But they're moving in centimeters, taking forever to cross the space, snarls etched into their nearly-frozen features. Another orange blast erupts, inching its way closer. I send the whip flying, slicing into the explosion and redirecting its course. Rearing back, I bring the whip over again and slash at all five Vermix at once. They pause mid-run and fall to their knees, each gripping the red canal carved across their throats. Traxpires hit the ground followed quickly by their owners.

I let out a breath.

Time speeds up.