Megatron lay sprawled on the cold floor of the Nemesis, his massive frame heaving with exertion. One clawed servo gripped his stomach, a dark smear of energon visible between his fingers where an incision had been aggravated by Optimus's earlier strike. Despite his attempts to rise, his servos trembled under the strain, the toll of his incomplete recovery finally catching up to him. His crimson optics blazed as he glared up at the Autobots, who stood a few paces away, weapons at the ready.

Optimus Prime stood at the forefront, his posture commanding but not triumphant. "This battle is over, Megatron. Your strength has failed you."

Megatron let out a low, guttural growl, his claws scraping against the floor as he forced himself into a slightly more upright position. His free servo briefly pressed harder against the wound on his abdomen, a flicker of pain crossing his face. Though his body betrayed his weakness, his voice carried the same venomous bite. "You mistake this moment for weakness, Prime," he hissed. "Do not delude yourself into thinking you've won."

"You're done," Arcee shot back, her tone sharp as her narrowed optics fixed on him. "Where's Anna?"

Megatron's expression twisted into a sinister smirk. "Ah, yes. The human child you so desperately seek. It's almost endearing how much value you place on such a fragile creature." He chuckled bitterly, the sound echoing through the corridor. "But then again, you Autobots always did have a soft spot for the weak."

Bulkhead took a step forward, his fists clenched tightly. "Cut the slag, Megatron! Where is she?"

Megatron's optics flicked to Bulkhead, his grin widening as if feeding off the Autobot's frustration. "Such impatience," he mocked, his tone dripping with condescension. "But even if I were inclined to answer, you would not like what you'd hear."

"Enough games!" Arcee snapped, raising one of her blasters. "Tell us where she is!"

Megatron leaned back against the wall, his exhaustion evident despite his attempt to maintain an air of superiority. His servo remained pressed against his stomach, and energon seeped through his claws, staining the floor beneath him. "And what if I do? What then? You rush to her side, only to find her clinging to life by a thread?" His optics glinted with malice as he continued, "You failed her once, Autobots. How long before you fail her again?"

Bumblebee buzzed angrily, his tone rising with urgency as he shifted on his pedes. Optimus raised a hand to steady him, his own optics never leaving Megatron's.

"If she is alive, we will find her," Optimus said firmly. "Your words will not shake our resolve."

Megatron chuckled darkly, though the sound carried less strength than before. "Bold words, Prime. But you overestimate your chances. She has already endured more than any human should. Perhaps... she is no longer the same fragile creature you remember."

Arcee stepped closer, her blasters aimed directly at him. "You better hope we find her alive, Megatron. Because if she isn't—"

"Spare me your threats," Megatron cut in, his tone icy. "Do what you will, but know this: every moment you waste here brings her closer to the end. So by all means, continue your righteous posturing. It will only serve to prove my point."

Optimus exchanged a glance with his team before turning back to Megatron. "We will not waste time. Your refusal to cooperate only ensures your defeat."

He gestured for the others to follow, and they began to move down the corridor, leaving Megatron behind.

As they disappeared from view, Megatron slumped further against the wall, his frame trembling with exhaustion. His servo tightened against his abdomen as another wave of pain coursed through him. Despite his weakened state, a bitter smile tugged at his lips.

"Run while you can, Autobots," he murmured to himself, his voice laced with quiet malice. "You may find her... but not before it's far too late."

The sounds of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor, opposite to where the Autobots had retreated. Megatron, still gripping his stomach with one servo, slowly turned his head toward the source, his optics narrowing with seething frustration.

When he saw it was Starscream, his expression softened, but only slightly. On the other hand, a brief flicker of surprise crossed the air commander's face. He froze, his posture rigid, then quickly scrambled to close the distance.

"Lord Megatron!" Starscream exclaimed, his voice laced with panic as he rushed to help.

Megatron glared at him, his voice a low growl. "Starscream... you're late." His words were strained, though the venom remained, his pride still intact even as the pain of his injury gripped him.

Starscream hesitated for a fraction of a second, his optics flicking between the massive Decepticon leader's bleeding form and the urgency in the air. "I will get you to the medbay, my lord," he insisted, his tone more genuine than it had been in a long while. "This cannot wait."

With a swift motion, Starscream moved to support Megatron, guiding him into a shaky stand.

Megatron scowled but didn't resist. His words, though quieter and raspier, still carried an edge. "I don't need your help, Starscream," he growled, his voice strained as he fought to stay upright. "But I'll tolerate it for now... Do not think for a second this changes anything."

Starscream tightened his grip, guiding Megatron forward with renewed urgency. Megatron's scowl deepened, but even in his weakened state, his burning hatred for the Autobots was unmistakable. "The Autobots... They'll pay for this," he growled, a dark promise simmering beneath his words.