The hotel hall burned in flickering red light. Vox and Alastor faced each other the air crackled, as if two worlds collided on the same frequency. Velvette fought with Husk, while Valentino aimed his gun at you. Alastor noticed. For a brief second, his eyes shifted toward you his ears pinned back, his gaze sharp and tense.

“Stop,” He said. His voice was no longer playful, nor amused. “Let’s make a deal. Take me but leave the others.”

Valentino hesitated, then released you. Vox’s eyes narrowed. He’d realized the truth Alastor was protecting you.The tension between them vibrated like overlapping broadcasts fighting for the same signal.