Chapter 9 · Welcome Back, Reset One

The lights went out, and Rowan's hand went to the knife at his belt.

No knife.

Right. Mara had made him leave it on the counter. So he had his fists and a room full of people who'd just watched him argue with the woman who'd killed him twice.

"Rowan Vale." Crowe's voice came from the dark, smooth as silk over a blade. "Reset One. I've been waiting to meet you."

Rowan's spine locked. Reset One. No one should know that name. No one but him and the screen that burned it into his vision every time he woke up bleeding.

"Stay behind me," Mara hissed. She'd already moved, putting herself between him and the voice.

"Captain Voss." Crowe sounded amused. "Still playing the hero. How many times have you dragged him to the rope now? Three? Four?"

Mara didn't answer. Rowan heard the rasp of steel—she'd drawn her blade.

Pip's voice came from somewhere near the workbench. "I don't know who the hell you are, but you just broke my door and killed my lights. Get out."

"Pip Lann." Crowe's voice shifted, like he'd turned his head. "The loyal friend. Always fixing Rowan's messes.