Chapter 6 · The Traitor's Signature

"Don't touch that."

Elias's hand clamped around my wrist like a vice before I could reach the dead officer's data-pad. He didn't just stop me—he yanked me back, slamming me against the cold, vibrating wall of the lift shaft.

Ozone and burnt circuitry filled the air. I could taste it. My heart hammered against my ribs, and Elias was so close I could feel the heavy, steady thrum of his chest through the tactical vest.

"I can fix the encryption," I hissed, twisting my arm. "If Mia's out there, we don't have time for your damn protocol, Vane."

"Protocol is the only thing keeping us from being executed for treason," he muttered.

He wasn't looking at me. His eyes scanned the corridor, jaw tight, but he didn't let go. His thumb pressed hard against the pulse point of my wrist. He knew I was terrified. He could feel me shaking.

"Treason?" I let out a jagged laugh. "You're bonded to a slum-rat fixer. You're already halfway to the gallows."

Elias finally looked at me. His gaze was dark, heavy, and focused way too long on my mouth.

"Shut up," he murmured. "And stay behind me.