Chapter 8 · Sync with the Monster

“Hold still, or I’ll break your wrist.”

Selena cinched the restraint across Kane’s chest until the metal frame bit into his ribs. The black cockpit sealed around them with a hard click. A red warning strip came alive above the canopy.

“Funny,” Kane said. “I thought you wanted me alive.”

“I want you useful.” She locked the second restraint over his forearm. “Alive is optional.”

The machine moved before he could answer.

The rig dropped three feet, slammed into its magnetic cradle, and shook the teeth in his head. Somewhere beyond the armored shell, alarms started screaming. Not a test alarm. The deep, pulsing kind that meant the whole bastion had just found a new reason to panic.

Kane pulled against the restraints. They didn’t give.

“Selena.”

“Don’t use my name like we’re friends.” She leaned over the control panel, one hand braced beside his shoulder. Her face was close enough for him to feel the heat of her breath against his cheek. “You’re inside a Class-Black combat frame. The core is awake. If it rejects you, it will cook your nervous system before I can cut the link.”

“Then don’t link me.