Chapter 52 · Cain's fingers closed around hers again

She didn't answer.

Silas's smile widened. "Ask her what happens when the bond settles. Ask her what happens when the system decides only one of you can survive the transfer."

Cain's fingers closed around hers again. "Lila."

"Don't listen to him."

"Answer me."

"I don't know."

"You knew enough to make the pact."

"I knew enough to keep you from killing everybody in this room!"

"You used me."

"You were going to use me as a shield. We're even."

His face was inches from hers now. His breath moved against her cheek. Anger burned in his eyes, but his hand stayed careful around hers.

"Let go," he said.

Her throat tightened. "I can't."

"You can."

"No. I can't."

The band pulsed between them.

A thin line of light traveled from Cain's wrist across his palm and into hers. Lila gasped. Heat flashed up her arm. Cain bent forward, jaw clenched, as if invisible wires had hooked into his spine.

Silas took one slow step closer.

"The bond is locking," he said. "In thirty seconds, neither of you will be able to break it without killing the other."

"You're lying," Lila said.

"Ask the machine. He can feel the countdown.