Chapter 24 · Milo, let it go!

"Liar."

The core pulled again. Lena's hand slipped from my jaw to my shoulder. I grabbed her belt and dragged her down with me as the floor split where she'd been standing.

Stone fell into the shaft.

The sound went on too long.

Lena landed across my chest, one knee braced beside my hip. Her hair came loose from its tie and brushed my mouth. She pushed herself up, but the red bond snapped toward her.

I caught the glowing strand with my free hand.

Pain blasted through my arm.

"Milo, let it go!"

"No."

"It'll take you both!"

"Then move!"

"I'm not leaving you here!"

"You said you wanted me dead."

"I said I wanted the engine dead. There's a difference."

"You keep making those sound the same."

The strand wrapped around my wrist and Lena's palm at once. Red light ran over her glove. She hissed and tried to pull free.

"Damn it."

"You touched the bond."

"I noticed."

"Cut your hand loose."

"You first."

"Lena."

"Don't use that voice with me."

"What voice?"

"The one where you pretend this is a choice."

The chamber doors slammed shut behind us.

A lock engaged.