The world went white, a pulse of raw ether roaring through the lab like a storm that had lost its name. Papers and instruments rattled across tables, sparks leapt from the lighting rigs, and Connor cursed loud enough to echo.
Elias could feel that the backlash would throw him across the floor of the lab, and he braced himself for the recoil.
Victor's arms closed around him in the instant before the surge burst outward. The alpha's scent flooded the room, smoke and heat, sharp enough to burn through the chaos, while a shield of crimson energy expanded from his back like wings snapping open. The surge hit it head-on, splintering into harmless sparks that evaporated in the air.
Elias clung instinctively, blinking against the afterimage burning his retinas. "Victor…"
