Chapter 19 · Because my family sealed it

She looked at him, and for the first time since he had met her, the cold mask slipped. Not fear. Recognition.

"Because my family sealed it," she said.

The words hit harder than the engine.

"Your family?"

"Do not make me repeat it."

"The Voss family sealed this place?"

"The Guild did."

"You said your family."

"I said enough."

"No, you said the part that matters."

Milo pushed against her hold. The red line around his wrist tightened. "Your family buried the disaster under the city, and you brought me here because the dead machine can unlock it."

"I brought you here because the Guild is hunting you."

"Same difference."

"Not even close."

"Then tell me what is behind the door."

"A mistake."

"That is not an answer."

"It is the truth."

The stairwell door above them slammed open.

"Inspector! Move away from the prisoner!"

Lena’s pistol came up. She fired once.

The shot cracked through the corridor. Metal screamed as the bullet struck the railing above. Someone shouted and fell back.

"That bought us maybe ten seconds," she said.

Milo’s wrist burned hotter. "You could have shot them."

"I do not shoot people I can use.