Iris didn't argue, and she slid into the gap Pete left without a wasted motion. One hand going firm to Sarah's shoulder, the other reaching for Catalina's trembling wrist.
This act wouldn't save Catalina, but it could buy her minutes to hours, depending on the situation.
Pete straightened fully and turned his face to the dark garden. He took in the situation, assessing exactly how bad the situation had become.
It was good to see that the situation had improved rather than worsened, making Pete breathe a sigh of relief.
Which was his first mistake.
Because at the far edge of the grounds, where Colonel Vane stood alone and stubbornly kept the centaur-bodied zerg that carried Ethan and the unconscious Neville—
Pete's eyes widened and trembled. His eyes refused to miss anything that would happen right there and then.
Because he saw the barrier flicker.
Not all of it, just one part.
However, that part stuttered unusually at that one hit.
