Chapter 25 · The Prison Train Rolls In

"Move."

Maya's hand locks around Eli's wrist, pulse hammering through both their skins. Behind them the light's getting brighter—not clean white, but yellow-hot. The kind of glow that comes right before the scream stops.

Eli doesn't look back. Can't. The kid's still burning and there's nothing he can do about it.

"I said move!" Maya drags him forward into the split tunnel.

Rachel's already ahead with three freed prisoners stumbling after her. Hands still cuffed. Heads down like they're waiting for the next hit. Marcus brings up the rear, rifle raised, and when the tunnel shakes he doesn't even flinch.

The passage is narrow. Old service route the city forgot when they built the transit lines on top. Smells like rust and something chemical. Eli's boots slip on wet stone and he catches himself against the wall. Cold. Slick.

The light behind them peaks.

Then cuts out.

No scream. Just something heavy hitting stone.

Maya's hand tightens. Her light flickers under her skin—sharp pulses that match his own. She doesn't say anything. They both know what that sound means.

"Keep going." Rachel's got her flashlight out but she's not turning it on. Smart.