Chapter 14 · Trial by Frequency

"Don't fight it, Sloane. You fight that frequency, it'll shred you before you even see the first ghost."

Kael's got me pinned to the obsidian. Cold bleeding straight through my back. His gloved hand locked on my shoulder like a vise.

"Wow. Since when are you my life coach?" I jerk against his grip. Nothing. He doesn't move an inch. "Thought you didn't care if I come out brain-dead."

"I don't." His breath hits my ear. Hot. Close. Leather and ozone and blood. "Augustus wants a show. You drop dead in ten seconds, he'll just find a worse way to break you. So stay conscious. Play the game."

"I'm always playing, Kael. You're just the only one who noticed."

I let my eyes drop. Just for a second. To his mouth. Then back up. Smirk.

"Maybe you're just scared you'll miss me."

His fingers dig harder. Fabric bunches under his grip. Chest almost touching mine. He doesn't smile.

"Get in," he says, and shoves me toward the veil. "Before I throw you in myself."

I step through.

The world doesn't shift. It shatters.

One second — stone room, his heat at my back. Next — my old office. Glass walls.