Chapter 18 · One Last Hunt Vote

The crowd vote flashed across every screen in the arena. Sixty seconds to pick who fights who in the Hunt finals.

Sloane's name sat next to mine.

I didn't need to look at her across the waiting pit to know this was rigged. The producers wanted their breakup arc. Star fighter versus gutter rat. Former allies tearing each other apart for the final slot.

"Mara." Nox pressed against my ribs, cold and tight. "They're pushing you together."

"I know."

"If you lose—"

"I won't lose." I rolled my shoulders and felt the bond hum under my skin. "We sell it. That's all."

Nox went quiet. It hadn't been quiet since the lift ride up from the core. Since it whispered that whatever was down there wearing Mom's voice wasn't her.

I didn't want to think about that right now.

The vote timer hit zero. The screens lit up red and gold.

Sloane Rook versus Mara Voss. Mandatory match. Winner advances to Vessel selection.

The crowd ate it up. Cheering. Betting odds scrolling live. Someone in the box seats threw a drink at the projection glass.

Kade's voice crackled through my ear piece. "Don't do anything stupid."

"Too late for that."