Chapter 20 · Then make it open before it gets the chance!

"Then make it open before it gets the chance!"

The dead engine surged inside him. Its pulse matched the mark between their wrists.

Milo clenched his teeth. "If I do this, what wakes up?"

"I do not know."

"You knew enough to bring me."

"I knew enough to be afraid. That is all you get."

A soldier appeared on the far platform, rifle raised. "Inspector Voss! Release the suspect and step away from the seal!"

Lena looked toward him. "You first."

The soldier aimed at Milo.

Lena twisted, putting her body between the rifle and Milo. "Shoot me, and the seal falls into the furnace."

The soldier hesitated.

Milo felt her arm shaking. "You are bluffing."

"I am not."

"You would burn your family’s key?"

"I would burn anything before I let the Guild take it."

He looked at her again. Her face was inches from his. Her breath came fast against his mouth. The oath mark held their wrists together, hot and bright.

"You really are the worst person to trust," he whispered.

"Then trust me for thirty seconds."

"That is a terrible sales pitch."

"Milo.