Chapter 25 · The Cadet Between

"Marcus." Reina's voice hit the corridor at 00:01. "Stop."

I was already moving, boots slamming across the tile. Twenty-six doors stood shut behind me. Twenty-six cadets were supposed to be breathing inside them.

Danny Locke's door was open.

Reina caught my arm before I reached it. I tore free and crossed the threshold.

His bed was empty. The sheets were smooth. No blanket on the floor. No blood. No sign he'd ever been there.

"Where is he?"

"I don't know."

My hand went to my sidearm. "Try again."

"Marcus—"

I drew and pressed the muzzle beneath her jaw, driving her into the frame. Her back struck the wood. Her breath caught, but her eyes stayed on mine.

That calm made my finger tighten.

"You made the deal," I said. "You spoke to Shadow. Where the hell is Danny?"

"I traded my life for the reset. Not his."

"Then why isn't he in that bed?"

"Something went wrong."

"What went wrong?"

"I don't know."

"Liar."

Her pulse jumped against the gun. She swallowed and lifted her chin.

"Go ahead," she said. "Shoot me. Maybe Danny will crawl out of the wall."

"Don't tempt me.