Adam didn't initially realize what was happening, because he didn't imagine that Alec would try again after failing the first time, and his attention was still on Persephone in hopes that she might lead him out through whatever path the cats used to come and go. But when Persephone's attention moved toward the gate again, Adam's did too, and he frowned as he realized what Alec was doing.

"Don't, it'll hurt you," Adam argued, not willing to let Alec batter himself against the gate uselessly. He reached out to stop him, laying a hand on Alec's upper arm, but then the gates released and Alec scrambled backward.

Adam stared at the gate, open and glowing, and he could see his car through the trees on the other side. But he saw also that there was blood on the door handles, and he turned back to look at Alec, disturbed and concerned. "Why would you pay in blood for me?" he asked, brow furrowed because the cost was so high and Alec had given it to him and defied his duty just because Adam asked.