Chapter 28 · Ghosts of the Past

“Cain, get your hands off me!”

Lila slammed her elbow into his ribs. It did nothing.

His arm stayed locked around her waist, dragging her backward across the concrete while his other hand held a combat knife against the side of her throat. The blade had not cut her yet. That was the only reason she was still breathing.

“Cain!” she shouted. “Look at me!”

His face was inches from hers. His eyes had gone flat and pale, all the warmth burned out of them. The little red light under his skin pulsed along his neck.

“Target secured,” he said.

His voice sounded wrong. Too calm. Too empty.

Lila twisted hard, driving the heel of her boot down on his foot. “I’m not a target, you oversized idiot.”

He tightened his grip.

Pain shot through her ribs. The knife lifted, its edge kissing her skin.

“Target is compromised,” Cain said. “Remove the handler.”

“Your handler is standing right here, and she’s telling you not to murder her!”

A sharp crack split the air behind them. A round punched through the metal door and sparked off the wall.

Lila ducked on instinct.