OWNED BY THE DEVIL
Dominic stepped between us without hesitation.
Not tactical.
Instinctual.
“Predictable,” Vale said gently, and fired.
Observer One hit Vale’s wrist mid-shot, deflection strike, the bolt scorched ceiling instead of flesh.
Observer Two moved then, finally choosing, disarming Vale completely with brutal efficiency.
Decision made.
Sides chosen.
Too late to pretend neutrality now.
Vale looked at his empty hand, then at them, and smiled.
“Yes,” he said softly. “That’s the fracture I came to measure.”