The moment Kael's blade cleared the scabbard, the alley erupted into motion.
Kogan and Griggs dropped from their positions, boots hitting the ground with heavy thuds. Bren emerged from behind the crates, knives already in hand.
Kael vaulted down from the rooftop, landing in a crouch. His Qi stirred in his core, warm and ready.
The two figures facing Silas moved fast. The first lunged, hands reaching for Silas's throat.
Griggs was faster. He stepped between them, shield raised. The man's hands slammed into the steel with a dull thud. Griggs planted his feet and shoved forward, throwing him off balance.
Kogan surged past him, war hammer already swinging. The hammer came down like a thunderbolt.
Crack.
The first man's skull caved inward. Bone shattered. Brain matter sprayed across the snow. He dropped like a sack of meat.
The second man spun toward Kogan—
