Chapter 10 · Run to the Market

"Don't use it." Kade's hand snapped toward the black limiter ring at his throat, but the motion died halfway. His knees buckled, and Evelyn caught him before his head hit the pavement.

"You don't get to give orders right now," she said, dragging him behind the overturned transport van. "You lost that privilege when you tried to shoot me."

A Crown drone screamed over the rooftops. Red targeting light swept across the alley mouth, then stopped on the van's metal shell.

Kade shoved her back with what little strength he had. "Then take the ring off."

"Gladly." Evelyn grabbed the thin black band around his neck. It pulsed beneath her fingers, warm as living skin. "Tell me how."

His jaw tightened. "You put it on."

"I noticed."

"You linked it to the core."

"Also noticed."

The drone fired.

The van jumped as a charge punched through its rear panel. Metal shrieked. Evelyn slammed her shoulder into Kade and forced him lower. He hit the ground hard, one hand gripping his side.

Pain tore through her ribs at the exact same time.

She sucked in a breath. "Damn it."

Kade looked up at her. His pupils had narrowed to black points.