Chapter 68 · The Memory Cost

"Let go of me, Kade."

His forearm pinned Evelyn against the cracked control frame. Metal dug into her spine. His other hand locked around her wrist, hard enough to stop her from reaching the emergency seal.

Beyond the shattered observation glass, the rift twisted over the city. Towers hung upside down in the blue-black tear. Cars floated between broken streets. Every few seconds, another block folded inward with a deep, ugly boom.

Kade leaned close. Heat came off him despite the freezing air. His breath touched her cheek.

"You keep trying to open that seal," he said. "I keep stopping you. Guess which part of this plan is getting old?"

"The part where you pretend you're in charge."

His jaw tightened. "I'm the only reason you're still standing."

"No. You're the reason half the Crown squad is shooting at us."

A pulse slammed through the control room. The floor jumped beneath their boots. Evelyn's shoulder struck the frame, and Kade's grip tightened before he could stop himself.

The bond answered.

Pain flashed through her ribs. Not hers. His.

Kade sucked in a sharp breath and released her wrist.

Evelyn shoved him back. "Don't touch me again.