Chapter 35 · Apex Loop: Glitch Evolution - Chapter 35: Hunter vs. Observer

"Get away from my console." Vivian’s voice cut through the alarm as three steel limbs slammed into my back.

The impact drove me across the lab floor. My claws scraped sparks from the metal plates. A restraint arm hooked around my throat and hauled me up until my feet kicked uselessly above the ground.

Vivian stood ten steps away, one hand pressed to the side of her white coat. Blood ran between her fingers. Her other hand held a black control key.

"You broke the glass," she said. "You tore through two security teams. You ruined my specimen chamber. And now you want my console?"

I twisted against the arm. The metal tightened around my neck.

"I want your head. The console is just closer."

Her mouth curved. Not a smile. Not quite. She always looked at me like I was an answer she had been waiting to hear.

"Still so dramatic."

"Still so alive. That must piss you off."

"It fascinates me."

"Try calling it fear. You might like the sound."

She tapped the control key against her palm.

The arm threw me into the wall.

My body struck hard enough to crack the panel behind me.