Page 110 of Twist of Fate

“Hale expects me to protect it,” Luke said. “That’s what I’m going to let him believe.”

Koios looked toward Connal. “You should not risk opening another portal from this location. Move beyond the building and put distance between yourselves and this facility first.”

“How much distance?” Connal asked.

“Without knowing the tracking system’s range, I cannot promise any distance is enough. Farther is still safer.”

“We will travel by road before returning to the Unseelie,” Tyson said.

Connal’s displeasure deepened. Every additional mile placed him farther from Luke.

Luke touched his arm. “You need to tell Silenus what we found.”

“I know my duty.”

“I know.” Luke let his hand remain there. “I also know you hate it.”

Connal looked down at him. “There are not words sufficient to describe how much.”

“Try explaining it to Gomez. He’ll find some.”

Asterius made a thoughtful sound. “The human possesses an impressive vocabulary when angry.”

“Then you can help.”

“I withdraw my support.”

Tyson glanced toward the door. “The car has arrived.”

The little humor Luke had managed disappeared.

Connal pulled him close. The kiss was hard and brief, carrying everything neither of them had time to say. When he released Luke, his hand remained against the back of Luke’s neck.

“You will return.”

Luke held his gaze. “Yes.”

This time, it wasn’t a joke or an attempt to reassure either of them. It was a promise Luke intended to keep.

Tyson led them upstairs and through an exit opening onto a narrow service lane. A dark sedan waited beside the curb, its driver watching the mirrors rather than the building.

Luke opened the rear door, then looked back.

Connal stood a few feet away with Asterius beside him. Neither warrior appeared willing to let the car leave without a fight. Tyson remained near the entrance, already watching for anyone who might have followed them.

Luke climbed inside before staying became more tempting than leaving.

The car pulled away. Through the rear window, Connal remained in the service lane until the building hid him from view. When Luke couldn’t see him anymore, he turned and faced forward.

His new mission? Find the weapon that could lead their enemies straight to Connal.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Connal stared down the empty service lane long after the sedan carrying Luke had disappeared.

Luke’s backpack hung from one of his hands. Every instinct demanded that Connal follow the car, stop Luke before he reached the airport, and tear apart any threat foolish enough to stand between them.

You will return.