THWACK!
The sound of splintering drywall echoed through the Haven as Kael's body slammed into the far wall like a wrecking ball.
Dust burst outward in a choking cloud, and cracks veined up the plaster behind him like spiderwebs.
He dropped to the ground with a grunt, dazed, a thin line of blood trailing down his temple.
"Kael!" both sisters shouted in unison.
The green-haired girl stood in the open doorway, mouth closed now, breath even—like she hadn't just shrieked with enough force to fling a man across a room.
Behind her, the so-called pizza delivery guy stepped in, tossing aside his cap with a casual flick.
He lifted a walkie-talkie to his mouth.
"Come, it's time to loot."
A haunting pause.
Then a faint crackle of confirmation responded from outside.
With a wide, self-satisfied grin, he stepped fully into the Haven like he owned the place.
Combat boots clicked on the hardwood floor.
