[ Despite the blazing violence of the battle beyond, Korra's soft vocalization sinks into Hei's brain like a tiny shock. He glances down at her, and, as the explosion judders through the air, tightens his arm reflexively around her. He doesn't get a chance to speak, though. Asami, taking her slurred question as proof of his untrustworthiness, grabs her and tries to wrench her to her feet. ]

[ Irritated, Hei restrains Korra with one arm. Grabs Asami by the back of the neck with the other -- a matter-of-fact application of brute force. Another explosion reverberates, this one close enough that he can feel the outrushing heat. Scowling, he hunkers low, dragging the two girls with him. All his senses feel dialed up. Over-dialed -- the needle creeping into the red. ]

[ When he speaks to Korra, it's taut and steady as a highwire-act balanced on a tightrope. ]

The Red Lotus laid an ambush. That's all that matters right now. [ Then, to Asami: ] I can cover you until you get Korra indoors. Grab your glove -- then head for the cellar. There's a passage there that leads out of the city.

[ Better for Korra to be nowhere near the vicinity, if the Red Lotus break free. ]