Chapter 24 · I'm blaming it for being loud

"I'm blaming it for being loud."

The speaker crackled again. "Four. Surrender the enforcer. Evelyn Sable, your brother is registered as Crown property. Refusal will trigger his execution order."

Her body went cold.

Kade felt it through the bond. His grip shifted, turning her to face him.

"Don't listen to them."

"They said my brother's name."

"They know exactly where to cut."

"What if they're telling the truth?"

"Then we get him out after this."

"You don't know where he is."

"Mira does."

"Mira said he was being moved toward the rift core."

Kade's expression hardened. "She told you that?"

"You heard her."

"And you still want to run the coordinates to her?"

"I want my brother alive."

"The route might lead straight into a trap."

"Then help me make it out."

"I am."

"By staying behind?"

"By staying where the Crown can see me."

"You call that helping?"

"I call it the only trade they'll accept."

The door buckled inward.

A black Crown drone shoved its lens through the split. Blue targeting light crawled over Evelyn's chest.

Kade moved first. He stepped between her and the drone, blocking the mark with his body.

"Get to the hatch," he ordered.