Chapter 6 · Grind, Loot, Survive - Chapter 6: The Unwanted Bodyguard

"Get your hands off me before I decide your fingers are optional," Selene snapped.

She didn't just pull away; she shoved Milo back with a gloved palm that felt like a slab of reinforced steel. He hit the dirt hard, the air leaving his lungs in a pathetic wheeze. The blade of her combat knife was still humming, a sliver of moonlight dancing on the edge that had almost taken his throat out ten seconds ago.

"I was helping!" Milo gasped, clutching his chest. The pain from the level-jump was still there, a dull, throbbing heat that felt like he'd swallowed a handful of hot coals. "I literally just saved your skin. A little gratitude wouldn't kill you. Or maybe a thank-you note?"

Selene stepped over him, her boots crunching the gravel. She didn't look back. "You didn't save me. You stumbled into a fight you weren't equipped for and got lucky. Now you're a liability with a glitchy signature."

"Lucky? I ripped the power out of that thing!" Milo scrambled up, brushing dirt off his jeans. He stepped into her space, his voice rising. "You saw the numbers, Voss. I’m not some rookie who needs a diaper change.