Chapter 36 · The Neon Gamble

"You don't get to die for revenge and call it a plan." I caught Cael's wrist before he stepped through the security gate.

He stopped, but he didn't look back. His coat dragged over my knuckles. Cold fabric. Warm skin underneath.

"Let go, Lex."

"Sure." I tightened my grip. "Right after you tell me why every armed drone in Kestrel is suddenly tracking your pulse."

Cael turned his head. His eyes were on the tower ahead, not me. The black spire rose through the city grid, wrapped in red warning bands and crawling numbers. Every level belonged to the Adjudicator network. Every camera belonged to somebody who wanted us dead.

"They're tracking mine because I want them to," he said.

"That is not the comforting answer you think it is."

"I wasn't trying to comfort you."

"Yeah, I've noticed."

His jaw flexed. The ghost-link between us pulled tight, a hot line under my ribs. When he tried to move, my heartbeat jumped with his. When I shoved him back, his pulse kicked against my palm.

He finally faced me.

"You have three minutes before the patrols close this sector," he said. "If I walk in alone, they'll lock onto me.