Chapter 24 · There it is

She went still.

Riven's expression sharpened. "There it is."

"You know something."

"I know enough to be afraid of the people who do."

"You said you had never seen my file."

"I said I never had your full file."

"That's not the same thing."

"No. It isn't."

Tessa shouted from below, "Stop fighting on the stairs!"

Mara shoved Riven forward. "We are talking about this."

"If we survive."

"You keep using that word like it's a favor."

"It is."

They reached the bottom.

The passage opened into a stone chamber packed with shelves, copper pipes, and sealed cabinets. A metal door waited on the far side. Tessa was already turning the lock.

Behind them, something struck the green fire barrier.

Once.

Twice.

On the third hit, the flame went out.

Tessa swore. "That should have held longer."

"You said five seconds," Mara said.

"I was optimistic."

Riven pushed Mara behind him.

"Don't," she snapped.

"Stay behind me."

"I am done hiding behind you."

"Then stand beside me."

She moved to his side.

His shoulder touched hers. Heat rolled off him.