Chapter 19 · Apex Loop: Glitch Evolution - Chapter 19: Blood Bath

"Move, Kane!" Grimm's claws slammed into my back and drove me through the security door.

The door bent around my body. Metal screamed. My feet left the floor, and the corridor flashed white as my skull cracked against the wall.

"You wanted the crown," Grimm snarled behind me. "Take it."

I twisted before he could hit me again. His arm swept past my face, thick claws shaving sparks from the wall. I caught his wrist with both hands and pulled hard.

Grimm was bigger. He had the longer reach, the heavier frame, and three fresh genetic shards burning under his gray hide. Every time he moved, the floor shook.

But I had something he didn't.

The access code Vivian had forced into me still crawled through my cells, hot and sharp. The lab's system answered whenever I reached for it. Doors unlocked. Cameras went blind. The red emergency lights stuttered like they were afraid of me.

So I dropped the floor under Grimm's left foot.

A steel panel snapped open beneath him.

"Cheating," he barked.

"You started it."

He caught the edge with one hand. I kicked his fingers loose, but he swung his other arm and clipped my ribs.