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Insufficient against forces like these.

The collar moves closer to my neck. In moments, I'll lose all capacity for resistance. Chemical suppressants will make me compliant regardless of conscious will.

"Wait," I say, desperation making me bold. "The binding. You said hybrid pregnancy. How do you know the child is viable?"

Kain pauses, amber eyes narrowing with interest. "Council sensors detected accelerated development consistent with successful genetic integration. Your offspring represents the first confirmed proof that species barriers can be crossed."

"But you haven't verified neural development," I press, grasping for any delay. "Hybrid brain function could be compromised. The pregnancy might produce a damaged specimen worthless for research."

It's a desperate gambit. Playing on their scientific interests to buy time for... what? Rescue that might not come? Vex sounds increasingly distant, the battle moving away from my position.

"Irrelevant," the Gargoyle states flatly. "Collection protocols specify acquisition regardless of developmental status. Analysis occurs at secure facilities."

The collar moves toward my throat again. This time, I don't have words to stop it.

That's when the mountain explodes above us.

Stone cascades from the cliff face as something massive strikes the peak overhead. Debris rains down, forcing the Council forces to scatter for cover. Through the dust and falling rock, a familiar roar echoes with primal fury.

"SHE IS MINE!"

Vex appears at the ledge above us, wings spread despite his obvious injuries. Blood streams from multiple wounds. His left wing hangs at an unnatural angle. But his yellow eyes burn with focused rage that makes my omega biology sing recognition.

He doesn't hesitate. Doesn't assess odds or calculate tactics.

He simply launches himself directly at the forces threatening his mate.

The first Gargoyle tries to raise his binding weapon, but Vex strikes with devastating precision. Claws rake across stone flesh, shattering specialized equipment before finding the vulnerable wing joints. They tumble together toward the cliff edge.

At the last second, Vex breaks away, using his good wing to arrest his fall while the Gargoyle continues downward. The stone-like Prime's scream cuts off abruptly when he impacts the valley floor far below.

"Council override authority supersedes territorial claim," Kain snarls, drawing his blade as Vex lands heavily on the ledge. "The breeding omega is classified highest-value acquisition target."

"She carries my mark. My seed." Vex's voice drops so low I feel it vibrating through the stone beneath my feet. "No Council override exists for a confirmed breeding pair."

The remaining Gargoyle moves to flank him, but the narrow ledge works against coordinated assault. Vex uses the terrain advantage, tail whipping out while his claws seek vulnerable points in stone armor.

But he's already wounded. Already fighting with one wing barely functional.

When the Gargoyle manages to discharge his binding weapon, Vex's protective instincts override everything else. His injured wing curves around me, shielding my body from the paralytic chains.

Pain flashes across his features as the compound makes contact. Visible numbness spreads through his already damaged wing.

"No!" The word tears from my throat.

"Neural binding successful," the Gargoyle reports with satisfaction. "Wing mobility compromised at seventy percent and declining."

Kain circles closer, weapon drawn. "Last chance, Chimeric. Surrender the omega, and we can discuss terms for your continued flight capability."

Vex positions himself between us despite his mounting injuries. Blood flows from reopened wounds. His paralyzed wing drags uselessly. Yet he stands unwavering between danger and me.

"She is MINE to protect," he growls. "And you will not take what is mine while I still draw breath."

The standoff stretches. Then Kain makes a subtle motion, reaching for something concealed in his tactical vest.

"Very well," he says with cold finality. "If you won't surrender her voluntarily..."

The canister is small, almost innocuous. When activated, it releases fine mist that disperses rapidly through the air—shimmering with unnatural blue luminescence that makes my skin crawl instinctively.