Chapter 16 · Blackout Ledger - Chapter 16: The Backup Host

"Raina, stop moving."

Kael's voice cut through the haze, sharp enough to drag me back. My hand was halfway to the exit panel, fingers splayed like I'd forgotten how they worked.

I hadn't told my hand to move.

"I'm not," I said, and my voice came out thin. "I didn't—"

My arm jerked forward again, slammed the panel. The door groaned, started sliding open. Cold air rushed in from the corridor beyond, reeking of burnt wiring and something worse.

"Raina." Kael stepped in front of me, blocking the exit. His hand closed around my wrist, firm enough to stop the next lurch. "Look at me."

I did. His jaw was tight, eyes scanning my face like he was reading a map he didn't trust.

"It's not me," I said again. The panic climbed higher. "Kael, I'm not doing this."

"I know." His grip shifted, steadying me. "The system flagged it two seconds ago. Someone else is in the network."

"Who?"

"Your brother."

The words hit like a fist to the gut. I tried to pull away but my legs locked, froze mid-step. My whole body went rigid, puppet-string tight.

"No," I whispered. "No, he's offline. He's been offline for months."