Zain pulled the trigger.
BOOM!
The bullet screamed through the air, glowing with red-hot force.
It was aimed straight at the back of Scavratt's skull.
But just before it connected—
Scavratt's head twitched.
A reflex? A reaction? Pure animal instinct?
SWIPE!
He shifted—just slightly—but enough.
The bullet grazed his cheek instead of drilling through his skull.
Zain's eyes widened.
"…What the hell?"
Scavratt snapped around with terrifying speed, eyes blazing, mouth open in a feral scream.
His claw lashed forward in one clean strike.
SHRACKK!
The claws tore into Zain's gut before he could react.
It went straight through his coat, slicing flesh and muscle.
THUD!
Zain flew backwards and crashed into the far wall, concrete cracking from the impact.
His body slumped. Blood spilled from his mouth instantly.
"Ghh—ughk…"
He could barely breathe. Every nerve screamed.
What… the hell was that?
His hand trembled as he scanned him once again.
