Chapter 30 · No Bodies Below

Marcus was on his feet before I could stop him. Bad idea. His leg buckled and he went down hard against the alley wall, breathing through his teeth.

"Don't," I said. "You can't even walk."

"Neither can you." He nodded at my wrist. The makeshift splint was already soaked through, dark and wet. "You think you're going down there alone?"

"I think I'm going down there now." I checked the street. Empty. Vivian's people were gone. Serah was still breathing, curled up against the opposite wall with her arms wrapped around herself like she could hold the thing inside her in place. "Before sunrise. That's what she said."

"She also said the seals were meant to keep something in, not out." Marcus pushed himself upright, using the wall. His face was gray. "Evira. Listen to me. That level's been closed since before you were born. There's a reason."

"My brother's the reason." I turned away from him. "I didn't ask for your opinion."

"You're asking for a death sentence."

"Then it's mine to ask for."

I started walking. My wrist screamed every time I moved but I kept my arm tucked against my ribs and didn't let it show.