Chapter 24 · The City's Second Beat

Darian's smile didn't move. He stood in the doorway like he owned the air in the room, six guards fanned out behind him, rifles aimed but relaxed. Professional. They'd done this before.

Mara didn't let go of Kade's hand. Her pulse was hammering so hard she could feel it in her teeth, and she knew—God, she knew—that every combat unit in the city could probably feel it too now. The thought made her skin crawl.

"Talking," she said. Her voice came out steadier than she expected. "That what you call six guns pointed at us?"

Darian tilted his head. "Insurance. You've had a rough night, Ms. Vale. People make poor decisions when they're tired." He stepped inside, boots quiet on the clinic floor. One of the guards moved to cover Juno, who'd gone pale and silent in the corner. Another aimed at Kade.

Kade tried to stand. Mara felt his hand tighten, his weight shifting, but his legs didn't hold. He made it halfway up before his knees buckled and she had to catch him, her arm around his ribs. He was shaking.