Chapter 18 · Asset Number

"Get your hands off her!" Vivian’s voice screamed over the roar of the rotors, but she was already being shoved back.

Two Helion operatives had me pinned. One knee was jammed into the small of my back, grinding me into the grit of the warehouse floor. The other guy had his hand clamped over my face, smelling of cheap tobacco and tactical gear.

"Asset 402 is secured," the guy on top of me barked into his comms. "Initiating stabilization protocol."

"Asset? What the hell is an asset?" Vivian was fighting, her boots skidding on the concrete as she tried to lunge forward. "She’s a civilian! Let her go!"

I couldn't answer. I couldn't even breathe. The collar around my neck didn't just hurt anymore—it was vibrating, a high-frequency hum that felt like it was trying to shake my teeth loose. Every time I tried to twitch a finger, a fresh spike of electricity shot down my spine, locking my muscles in a rigid, agonizing spasm.

"Shut it, Star Girl," the operative snapped, not even looking at her. He shifted his weight, pressing me harder into the dirt. "This isn't your jurisdiction.