Chapter 14 · Forced Sync

"Get your hands on me. Now!"

Cain didn't wait for an answer. He lunged, grabbing Lyra’s wrist in a grip like a vice and yanking her flush against his chest. The impact knocked the wind out of her. Above them, the ventilation grate shrieked, metal warping under the heat of the explosive charge Cain had rigged.

"What are you doing?" Lyra gasped. "You told me to run!"

"Change of plans." Cain’s eyes were hard, scanning the corridor where red emergency lights pulsed like a dying star. "Exit’s blocked. Victor jammed the signal. I can’t blast us out without a surge, and my reserves are tapped."

He shoved her back against the vibrating wall. He didn't let go. He pinned her there, his body a wall of oppressive heat that smelled of ozone and burnt circuitry. He slammed her wrist flat against the cold metal behind her.

"I need your core, Lyra. Not a trickle. A full sync."

Lyra stiffened. Her breath hitched. "No. You know what happens. I can't control it."

"Then I'll control it for you," he whispered.

He leaned in, his face inches from hers. His voice dropped an octave, vibrating right through her ribs.