Power struck Rhen’s mind.
It did not command him, but it disrupted the connection between instinct and movement. Pain drove behind his eyes, his tongue went cold, and the alley tilted beneath him for less than a second.
His fingers loosened.
That fraction was enough.
The heretic tore free with a wet gasp and staggered backward. Black-red energy moved through his eyes while the shadows thickened around his body.
Rhen surged after him.
The darkness folded inward.
The heretic vanished into the narrow streets before Rhen could close his hand around him again.
Rhen drove his fist into the wall.
Brick and mortar split beneath the impact, and dust shook loose through the alley. Blood gathered across his knuckles where the stone had opened his skin.
Malakai reached him first and scanned the rooftops and adjoining passages.
His hands moved sharply when Rhen looked toward him.
Where did he go?
Rhen did not answer.
The invasive residue of the attack remained behind his eyes. It had not controlled him, but it had touched his mind and interrupted his body.
That was enough to make him want the entire Quarter emptied and burned.
Cole approached more cautiously.
“You should have allowed us to close the exits before you attacked.”
Rhen turned his head.
The violence in his silver eyes required no spoken threat.
Cole remained where he was.
“He reached your mind.”
Rhen’s jaw tightened.
Cole looked toward the passage where the heretic had disappeared.
“He is stronger than we expected.”
Malakai wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and signed.
We need to move. If there are more of them—
“There will be,” Rhen said.
His voice had become controlled again, rage welded beneath it like iron reinforcing a wound.
“This is not over.”
