Chapter 22 · I'm Fine

Rayne's left arm buckled under him.

"I'm fine."

"You're bleeding through your coat, silver is climbing your neck, and the ceiling is coming down. Pick one lie and stick with it."

"I said I'm fine."

"Then get up."

The passage collapsed behind us. Stone crashed into the tunnel, choking the air with dust. The pup's cry cut off.

My stomach dropped.

"No."

I shoved Rayne aside and crawled toward the blocked opening. Heat slapped my face. A slab had sealed most of the passage, leaving a gap barely wide enough for my arm.

Something scratched weakly on the other side.

"I'm here, baby," I called. "I'm here."

Rayne caught my ankle. "Don't go under that."

"Let go."

"The roof is still moving."

"He's alone."

"Sera, look at me."

I twisted around. He was on one knee, one hand pressed to his shoulder. His face had gone gray beneath the dirt, and thin silver veins crawled up his throat.

"If you crawl under there, I may not be able to pull you out."

"Then don't pull me out. Pull him out."

His fingers tightened around my ankle. "You don't get to make that choice for me.