Chapter 19 · Blackout Ledger - Chapter 19: Below the Dead Grid

"Move." I grabbed Kael's arm and yanked him toward the back wall.

"There's no exit—"

"Then we make one." The knocking stopped. I heard the lock override start to cycle. Whoever was outside had building-level access.

Kael pulled his arm free and slammed his palm against the wall panel. "The maintenance shaft drops three levels. We go down."

"Into a dead grid?"

"You have a better idea?" He was already prying the panel loose. The screws were rusted shut. He swore and used the edge of his badge to wedge it open. Metal shrieked.

The door behind us blew inward. I didn't look back. I shoved Kael through the open panel and followed, pulling it shut behind me just as boots hit the floor inside.

The shaft was narrow, hot, and pitch black. I felt Kael move below me, his breath harsh in the confined space.

"Ladder's broken," he said.

"Then we drop." I let go.

I hit the bottom hard enough to crack my teeth together. Kael caught my shoulder before I went down, his hand tight and too warm through the torn fabric of my jacket.

"You good?" His voice was close. Too close.

"Fine.