Chapter 27 · The Throne Wakes

"You're bleeding through the interface."

Carson's voice cuts through the roar in Evelyn's skull. Silver light leaks from beneath her fingernails as she grips the core controls. The burn crawls up her wrists, cold and bright.

"I know," she says.

"Then let go."

"Can't."

The rift seal bucks under her palms. Every crack sends another shockwave through the command deck—and through her blood. Red warnings flood the diagnostic screen.

"How long?" Carson asks.

"Minutes. Maybe less."

His hand closes around her wrist. "The crown protocol kills the caster."

"I read the archive."

"Then read it again."

She tears free. His fingers leave a cold band around her skin, right where the control ring had sat before he broke it two days ago.

"Grayhaven sinks if this seal fails," she says. "You got a better answer?"

"I got a plan that doesn't end with you in a grave."

"You had seven days to find it."

His jaw locks. "Seven days ago, I had a blade at your throat because I thought you were the threat."

"And now?"

He looks at her instead of the screen. "Now I know I was wrong."

The core slams against the seal. The deck tilts.