"All of you, backs against the wall," Kyle Valenti ordered, his voice harsh. "Now!"

Michael Guerin obeyed, pulling Kevin DeLuca over to the bedroom wall along with him. He didn't know what that silver disk in Kyle's hand was, but Michael had seen its power. One blast from it had thrown him across the room and made the Stone of Midnight-the most powerful energy source on Michael's home planet-go dark and useless.

He positioned Kevin and himself between his brother, Trevor, and his best friend, Max Evans. He still felt the need to keep the two of them separated, even though Michael figured Max and Trevor were through trying to kill each other. For now at least, they had a common enemy.

Michael tightened his grip on Kevin's shoulder when he realized the kid was trembling. "Don't worry," he said softly. "We can take this guy."

Which was so true-usually. Usually Michael could take down Kyle without even using his powers. But with that weapon in Kyle's possession, who knew what Kyle was capable of?

"I said all of you." Kyle pulled Maria DeLuca out of the hallway behind him and shoved her into the bedroom. She raced over to Michael and squeezed in between him and Kevin, grabbing their hands.

"Kevin, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault," she said as Alex Manes, Liz Ortecho, Isabel Evans, and Adam rushed over and joined the line across the bedroom wall. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Michael hated hearing the fear in Maria's voice. Maria shouldn't have to feel afraid with him around. It was just… wrong.

"I'm okay," Maria's little brother answered.

Michael squeezed Maria's hand. "Kevin's fine," he promised her.

"Yeah," Kevin agreed weakly. "Fine."

"See? He can handle himself," Michael added, smiling at the little guy. Kevin was ten years old, and even if his words were brave, he was totally freaked. Michael figured the kid needed as much macho pride as he could muster to deal with this nightmare.