Chapter 30 · Void Overload

"Don't let go!" Vala's fingers locked around my wrist as the tower shook hard enough to throw both of us against the control platform.

"I'm not letting go," I snapped. "I'm trying to break the contract, not your hand."

"Then stop touching the lock like you're asking permission!"

The black seal under my palm pulsed once. A shock tore up my arm and slammed into my chest. My knees hit the floor, but Vala went down with me, still holding on.

Above us, the tower's emergency lights flashed red. Metal screamed somewhere below. A full section of the upper levels had already dropped out of the building, taking offices, drones, and at least three security squads with it.

The countdown on the cracked command screen showed **00:07**.

Seven seconds until the tower tore itself apart.

Seven seconds until every person trapped inside died with us.

"Kai." Vala grabbed my jaw and forced my face toward hers. Her glove was gone. Her bare palm pressed against my cheek, hot and shaking despite the gunfire and alarms. "Look at me."

"I'm looking."

"No, you're looking at the lock. Look at me."

Her gray eyes held mine.