Page 20 of Twist of Fate

Luke wasn’t reacting. He was choosing.

Choosing to fight by Connal’s side. His mate would not yield, and neither would Connal.

“Zer.”

Connal didn’t need to turn when he spoke his brother’s name. He waited for his brother’s take on the situation. Connal couldn’t see the bigger picture with his focus narrowed solely to Luke’s safety.

Zer surveyed the attackers before answering, his voice low and controlled. “The Queen's magic led us here. This attack is tied to the breach.”

Connal’s fists tightened. His mate was somehow connected to all of this, which meant the danger for him was much worse than Connal had first feared.

Nothing about this was random.

This place was compromised.

Winning the fight mattered less than getting Luke out.

These creatures would keep coming. The alley was already far more dangerous than a contained skirmish. It wouldn’t end cleanly.

Connal didn't hesitate. He stopped driving forward and angled back toward Luke. He had to get his mate out of danger.

“I’m ending this.”

Connal didn’t give Luke time to argue. He closed the distance in a single step and caught him, one arm locking around Luke’s waist and pulling him back against his chest.

Luke reacted instantly, twisting and trying to break free. He turned with practiced precision as he attempted to slip Connal’s hold. “Hey! What are you⁠—”

Connal tightened his grip, anchoring Luke in place. “Enough.”

Luke drove his elbow back, sharp and controlled, forcing Connal to brace against the impact without losing his hold.

“I said I’ve got this!”

“You do not.”

Another attacker lunged toward them, forcing Connal to adjust his position. The creature hit hard. Connal braced, taking the impact and driving the creature off-balance, but more were already closing in.

Luke surged again, still trying to break free, but Connal held him fast, refusing to give ground.

“I’ve got to get him out of here!” Connal glanced over his shoulder and met Zer’s gaze.

Zer nodded his agreement.

The air thickened, pressure building in a way that had nothing to do with the attackers closing in. Sound warped, stretching too thin in some places and crashing too loud in others.

Luke stilled for half a second in Connal’s hold.

“What the hell⁠—”

The ground beneath them seemed to tilt—not physically, but in the way distance stopped behaving correctly. The far end of the alley stretched, shadows bending where they shouldn’t.

Avaneel’s wings snapped sharp in the air, her movement turning erratic as she darted back.

“Connal,” Zer said, sharper now. “Now.”

Luke twisted again, more forceful this time. “What are you doing? Let go⁠—”

Connal didn’t.