Chapter 65 · If you close it, I lose the core and you survive

He grabbed the edge of the console and leaned close. His face was inches from hers now. Dust clung to his lashes. His breath moved against her lips, rough and hot.

"If you close it, I lose the core and you survive," he said. "If you open it, the city dies faster, but I stay alive long enough to reach the other side. Maybe my memories are there. Maybe the answers are there."

"You want me to gamble thousands of people for your past?"

"No. I want you to stop pretending this choice is clean."

The console flashed again.

ANCHOR FAILURE IN 03:01.

Evelyn looked down at the core beneath her skin. A faint blue line pulsed from her wrist to her chest, then across the gap between them to Kade.

"Give me your hand," she said.

His eyes narrowed. "What are you doing?"

"You said the system responds to my heart. Then I'll make it respond to both of us."

"Evelyn—"

"Your hand. Now."

He caught her free hand before she could reach for him. His fingers closed around hers, rough and warm. The bond snapped tight.

Pain tore through her.

She saw a room she had never entered.