Chapter 25 · The Empty Blood Room

The blood on the glass is still wet.

Rona stares at the smear. Two words. SHE'S AWAKE.

Her mom's chamber is empty. The pod door hangs open like a broken jaw. No body. No restraints. Just that message dripping red down reinforced glass.

"Back up." Grimm's hand clamps on her shoulder. "Now."

She shakes him off. Steps closer instead. The blood bond hums under her ribs. It's not pulling her forward. It's screaming.

"She was here." Rona's voice sounds wrong. Too flat. "You kept her here."

"Rona—"

"Don't." She whips around. Grimm's face is pale. Sweat on his temple. He looks old. "Don't tell me I don't understand. Don't tell me it's complicated."

He opens his mouth. Closes it.

Behind him, Dax stands in the doorway. Her cousin's got his rifle up but his hands are shaking. He's staring at the empty pod like it might bite.

"Where is she?" Rona's heart is slamming. "Where the hell is she?"

Grimm doesn't answer. He's looking past her at the glass. At the message.

Rona turns back. The blood's still warm. She can smell it. Copper and something else.