Chapter 26 · Blood Sync: The Forbidden Frequency

“Get your hands off me!” Lyra screamed.

She didn’t pull away. Her fingers stayed buried in the fabric of Cain’s tactical vest, clawing at the blood that wouldn't stop.

Cain let out a jagged, wet laugh. His head lolled against the damp brick of the alley wall. “Told you... to run, kid. Why the hell are you still here?”

“Shut up. Just shut the hell up and breathe!”

Lyra looked down. The puddle between them wasn't just red. It was pulsing. A ghostly blue-white light flickered inside the crimson, swirling like a dying nebula. It was the exact same frequency humming inside her own chest.

“What is this?” her voice trembled. “Cain, your blood... it’s glowing. Why is it glowing?”

Cain’s pupils were blown wide. He tried to shove her back, but his arm was dead weight. “Don’t look at it. Don’t touch it. Get out before the Council drones pick up the signature.”

“I’m not leaving you to bleed out in a gutter!” Lyra grabbed his collar, yanking him closer.

As her skin brushed his neck, a spark leaped between them. Not static. Something heavy.