You’ve just opened a portal, rifting across the continent on important business known only to you. Only seconds in, and something sweeps past, nearly knocking you off your feet. Deep, bellowing voices echoed down the road you’d portalled to.

“His accomplice just portalled in!”

What? But you weren’t his—

A hand snaked around you, pulling you into the shadows of an alleyway. A gentle hand covered your mouth so you couldn’t scream. “Shh,” a voice whispered, somewhat frantically. “Don’t move.”