ra

is massive body against the invisible b

, but the ancient containment wards flared blue, violently repelling h

ressure of a high-tier aura pressing down from the upper levels. Whoe

o trigger the automated lethal-force defenses, or

assive, muscular foreleg. "Stop! Kaelen, stop!"

rojecting as much calm as I could muster. He took a reluctant step back from the barrier,

had to intercept them. Keeping the threat outside the n

over my shoulders, clutching the shredded front together with one hand. I scooped up

o Kaelen, holding my

as I slipped past the barrier and hurried up the st

was stale and cold. The dim

white trench coat that practically glowed in the gloom. It was Cassian, one of the ruling Consuls. I recog

ned in absolute shock as he took in my mud-caked face, t

voice laced with disbelief. "Th

cords to scrape together, producing the same rou

grunted. "Hid

he closed, the crushing weight of his Alpha aura pressed down on my lungs

othes. I forced my breathing to stay steady, but behind my back, my finge

assian's ha

long, elegant fingers clamped hard around my jaw. He jerked

owly across the shar

coat meant nothing. The sweet, heavy scent o

chin as if my skin had burned him. He stumbled a hal

tunnel wall. I crouched slightly, my muscles coiling tig

ath. The shock in his eyes har

said, his voice d

nsul," I rasped, clinging de

chief. He methodically wiped the fingers that had touched my face. It was

is amber ey

ronouncing every word like a judge deliv

pletely from my face.

olted for the tunnel le

laced with a loud crack, and suddenly he was standing dire

ipped out the jagged piece of glass, and held it

shaking glass in my hand. There was no murderous

id softly. "If I wanted to

what exact