Chapter 22 · Cracks in the Contract

“Get your hands off me, Cain!”

I slammed my shoulder back, trying to wrench my wrist free. He didn't budge. He had me pinned against the humming bulkhead of the containment bay, his fingers like iron bands digging into my skin.

“Stay still, Lyra. We move now,” he rasped. His voice was raw, stripped down by an hour of hell.

“Move where? Back to your leash?” I spat, glaring up at him. “Victor told me about the silver coin. He told me you were there the night Leo was taken. You didn't just find me—you were part of the deal!”

Cain’s eyes darkened. He didn't deny it. That was the worst part. He just leaned in, his chest nearly brushing mine, his body heat clashing with the sterile chill of the room.

“You think it’s that simple?” he whispered, breath ghosting over my lips. “You think I’d let you walk into a trap just to play some long game?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore!” I yelled. The sound bounced off the metal walls, harsh and ugly. “Leo is in that machine.