Chapter 66 · The Deleted City

"Put the knife down, Evelyn." Kade had one hand around her wrist and the other pressed to the bleeding port in his side. "If you cut that cable, the Crown floods this room."

"Then stop standing between me and my brother." She twisted hard. His grip tightened.

The metal floor shook under their boots. A red countdown flashed across the Crown control wall.

00:47.

Evelyn drove her shoulder into Kade's chest. He caught her before she hit the console, dragging her back against him. His body was hot through his jacket. His breath brushed her ear.

"You don't know what's behind that door," he said.

"I know who's behind it. That's enough."

"No, it isn't."

"You want to lecture me about bad choices?" She shoved an elbow into his ribs. "You built half the traps in this place."

His jaw locked. "And I remember enough to know this one kills everyone in the chamber."

That stopped her for half a second.

Half a second was all the Crown needed.

The blast door behind them slammed shut. Three white-armored enforcers stepped through the side entrance, rifles raised. The nearest one aimed at Kade's head.

"Kneel," the officer ordered. "Both of you.