Page 83 of Twist of Fate

“Chicken nuggets.”

Luke blinked. “What?”

“I haven’t had normal food since I was kidnapped. Bring me chicken nuggets.”

Fizzwick leaned closer to Gomez. “What is a chicken nugget?”

“Proof that humans occasionally deserve nice things.”

The pixie’s eyes widened.

“I’ll bring enough for both of you.”

“Now you’re negotiating in good faith.”

They spent the next several hours with Gomez while Tyson secured the location in the human realm. A knock sounded against the doorframe. Tyson stood in the corridor, composed as ever.

“The location has been cleared. We can leave as soon as you are ready.”

Luke looked once more at Gomez.

“Chicken nuggets,” Gomez reminded him.

“Yeah,” Luke said. “I will.”

Tyson stepped aside to let them pass. “I’ll gather the others while you retrieve your equipment.”

Luke and Connal returned to Connal’s chamber. Luke checked the backpack’s contents automatically: laptop, charging cables, clothes, and the few tools that had survived his trip through airport security and two magical attacks.

Everything was where it belonged.

The drive pressed against his waist when he bent to close the bag. Luke checked the small watch pocket anyway.

Still secure.

Connal stood beside him while he prepared. Normally, being watched would have irritated Luke. This time, Connal’s presence reassured him.

“If this becomes a human threat, you follow my lead,” Luke said.

Connal’s brows drew together. “I will not stand aside while you are endangered.”

“That isn’t what I asked.” Luke straightened and hooked the backpack over one shoulder. “I know how Hale communicates. I know what surveillance to look for and what behavior should worry us. If I tell you something is wrong, I need you to listen before you charge at it.”

Connal considered him for a moment. “And if the threat is magical?”

“I listen to you.”

“Immediately.”

Luke’s mouth twitched. “Within reason.”

“Immediately,” Connal repeated.

“Fine.”

Connal placed one hand against the back of Luke’s neck and drew him forward until their foreheads touched. The contact lasted only a moment, but it carried the same quiet certainty Luke had felt when Connal took his hand outside the council chamber.

Then Connal released him.