Chapter 11
The First Setback
Malakor unleashes a pack of velociraptors with surprising tactical skill. The team is overwhelmed, forcing a hasty retreat, Thorne taking notes on their coordinated attacks.
The air crackled with an energy that was decidedly not festive. Dr. Aris Thorne, clutching his battered notebook like a shield, squinted at the blur of teeth and claws that was currently attempting to dismantle a perfectly good, albeit somewhat dented, police car. “Remarkable,” he muttered, scribbling furiously. “The coordination. It’s almost… intelligent.”
Rexy ‘The Roar’ Sterling, ever the professional, had managed to find a relatively intact lipstick in the glove compartment of said police car and was applying a fresh coat of ‘Apocalypse Red’ with unwavering focus. “Intelligent? Darling, they’re just trying to get a better angle on us. Honestly, the lack of professional lighting is just appalling for a chase scene this dramatic.” She paused, tilting her head. “Nibbles, darling, could you possibly get a tighter shot on my pout? The lighting’s just not doing me any favors.”
Nibbles, currently perched precariously on Thorne’s shoulder, gave a series of indignant squeaks, his tiny paws scrabbling at the paleontologist’s tweed jacket. He nudged Thorne’s ear, then pointed a determined claw towards the rapidly approaching pack of velociraptors. These weren’t the lumbering, easily distracted beasts of Malakor’s earlier, more artistic displays. These were lean, mean, and terrifyingly efficient. They moved like a well-oiled, reptilian machine, their sickle claws glinting in the afternoon sun.
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