Chapter 35 · Because I might believe you

"Why?"

"Because I might believe you."

"Good."

"Cain—"

The floor bucked.

A blast boomed beneath them. The corridor split along the center seam. Lila lost her footing, and Cain caught her before her knees hit the metal. A section of ceiling collapsed behind them, showering the passage with sparks and broken panels.

Silas's voice sharpened. "Last chance. Leave him."

Lila looked at the open shaft.

Then at Cain.

"You really think I can fit through there with you?" she asked.

"You can if you stop arguing."

"That has never worked for me."

"Try it once."

Another explosion punched through the lower level. A section of floor dropped away near the shaft. Heat blasted up from below.

Cain grabbed Lila's hand and pulled her toward the opening.

"Wait! The data server!"

"The chip is enough."

"The chip is useless without the decoder."

"You said you had it."

"I said I stole it. I didn't say I understood it."

Cain stopped so fast she crashed into his back.

"You lied?"

"I edited the truth. Keep moving."

"You took me into a death trap with a decoder you can't use?"

"You were unconscious when I found you. I had limited time.