Chapter 30 · Julian Vale

He didn't.

The lead hunter lifted a weapon. Its core spun with enough energy to punch through the station.

"Julian Vale," the hunter called. "Step away from the traitor."

Julian's blade lowered an inch.

The hunter smiled behind the mask. "Your contract can be removed. We can clear your name. You walk away, and she dies alone."

Julian glanced at me.

There it was. The choice they wanted.

His name, his rank, his life on one side.

Me on the other.

I shoved his shoulder. "Take the deal."

His eyes sharpened. "Don't."

"They want me dead. You want your reputation back. Everybody wins."

"You don't get to decide that I leave you."

"I absolutely do. I'm the one being hunted."

"You're the one who saved my life three times tonight."

"Don't make it sound sentimental. It was practical."

"You jumped in front of a blast."

"You were standing in the way."

"You broke my ribs getting me out of the tower."

"You're welcome."

The hunter raised the weapon higher. "Last chance, Champion."

Julian's fingers flexed around his blade.

I leaned close enough that my shoulder brushed his. "Listen to me. When I say run, you run."

"Not without you.