Chapter 58 · Cain said

She pulled a second blade from her boot and jammed it into the seam.

The hatch shifted.

"Again," Cain said.

"I'm trying."

"Try harder."

"You sound like me."

"It's annoying."

"Now you know how I feel."

The hatch opened six inches.

Lila pushed her fingers into the gap. Cain shoved upward with his forearm. The metal screamed.

A guard reached the ladder and grabbed Cain's ankle.

"Cain!"

Cain kicked once.

The guard flew backward into two others.

"That was close," Lila said.

"You noticed?"

"I notice everything that might kill me."

"Do you notice who's controlling the room?"

"Silas is."

"Not anymore."

Cain slammed his palm against the hatch.

It broke free.

Lila pulled herself through and reached down. "Give me your hand."

Cain hesitated.

His left arm was numb. His right hand shook from the collar pulse. The code kept flashing commands, each one weaker than the last.

Lila leaned farther over the edge.

"Cain. Hand. Now."

"If I fall, don't come after me."

"If you fall, I'll drag you back up just to yell at you."

"You can't drag me."

"Try me."

He reached.

Their hands locked.

Lila pulled with everything she had.