Chapter 33 · Echoes in the Dead City

"Don't you dare let go of me."

Kade's hand clamped around Evelyn's wrist as the broken gate dragged him toward its white-hot center.

"I'm not the one letting go."

"Then stop pulling like you're trying to tear my arm off."

"I'm trying to keep you alive."

"Try harder."

The Rift snapped between them.

One second Kade stood on the cracked subway platform, boots sliding over loose glass.

The next, his body jerked halfway through the open gate, one shoulder swallowed by the bright tear.

Evelyn dropped to her knees and caught his coat with both hands.

The fabric cut into her palms.

"Kade!"

"Get back!"

he shouted.

"The gate is feeding on the bond."

"I know."

"No, you don't."

He twisted toward her.

His face had gone pale, but his eyes stayed locked on hers.

"If it takes me, it takes you with me."

"And my brother."

"And your brother."

The words hit harder than the Rift's pull.

Somewhere beyond the gate, a second heartbeat pounded against Evelyn's chest.

Too fast.

Too weak.

Her brother was alive on the other side.

Barely.

Kade's jaw tightened when he felt it too.

"He's there,"

he said.

"I can hear him.