Chapter 15 · The Sister's Rifle

"Drop it, Lyra."

Kess's rifle was already aimed at my chest when I turned. Behind me, Jude stood in the open cell, one hand braced against the sparking console and blood-auth clearance glowing red across the broken screen.

"Kess," I said. "Don't fire."

"You released an enemy asset, destroyed restricted infrastructure, and put yourself between my squad and the prisoner." Her finger rested along the trigger guard. "Step away from him."

I shifted left. Three rifles followed me.

"Drake's the enemy," I said. "Jude's the bait."

Kess's face didn't move. "That line worked better in your head."

"She's running the resets. The blast. The deaths. All of it."

"Director Drake gave me a direct order." Kess jerked her chin toward Jude. "Secure him. Secure you if you interfere."

"She's lying to you."

"You're the one who's been lying." Her eyes cut to Jude. "Six loops of breaking chain of command. Six loops of protecting him. You expect me to call that coincidence?"

Jude stepped closer behind me. Heat pressed through the back of my jacket. His breath touched my ear.

"Lyra," he murmured, "she won't listen."

"You don't talk," Kess snapped.

"Make me."

I shoved my hand into Jude's chest.