Page 130 of Third Offense

“Auric…” Layla said, a note of warning in her voice. “I don’t like that look.”

“They need a distraction,” I told her, voicing my thoughts out loud. “It’s the only way.”

“Auric, no.” She reached for me, but I stepped to the side, already searching for Novak. There was no time to debate this. Her life mattered most. And if this meant they could escape, so be it.

Because they needed to go now before it was too late.

The palace was already burning, the walls threatening to buckle, the lower floor filled with Nora.

They would expect us to fly. To try to escape in the air where our wings can beat freely.

And if I went first, they would assume my party would follow.

They would preemptively come after me, wanting to take out the perceived leader, to leave them all without direction.

Becausethatwas the sort of attack I’d taught them to do.

I flew to Novak’s side, catching his gaze and telling him without words what needed to be done.Keep her safe. And fucking survive.

His gaze narrowed, his jaw tightening. He didn’t quite understand what I intended to do, but there was enough substance between us for him to grasp that I had a plan. One he knew on principle that he didn’t like.

It’s the only way, Novak.

It’s not, he seemed to be saying, but his expression told me he wasn’t as certain of that as he wanted to be.

“Protect her,” I growled. “She knows the way.”

His brow furrowed.

“Ask her,” I demanded. “And do it quickly. Before they realize my intent.”

He grabbed my arm, but I shook him off.

“Take her and run,” I told Novak in a breath.“Fucking run.”

That wasn’t the voice of a mate or a friend. That was the order of a commander.

And Novak acknowledged it with a nod, running straight for Layla.

I met her gaze for a brief second through the fight, my soul leaving my being to rest within her heart.My heart.

“I love you,”I mouthed to her.“Always.”

Layla’s eyes widened, her mouth parting on a scream.

But it was too late.

I was already flying.

Soaring.

Ripping through the room and bursting through the glass to take this fight to the sky.

A roar echoed behind me, the squadron furious that I was escaping. That I was leading another army. That I was flyingawayfrom them, notwiththem.

They wanted retribution in the form of my blood.

And I was going to give them their best chance at it.