Chapter 17 · Kill Order

Taren's rifle came up fast.

Keira didn't move. Rian was still on his knees beside her, blood running down his arm from where he'd taken the claws meant for her chest. The comm in Taren's ear was still crackling with Selyra's voice, cold and final. Execute both fugitives.

The muzzle locked on her face.

"Don't," Rian said. His voice came out rough. "Sir, don't—"

"Shut up." Taren didn't look at him. His eyes stayed on Keira. "Hands where I can see them."

Keira raised them slow. Her knife was gone, kicked away in the last scramble. Her sidearm was empty. She had nothing but the ten feet of scorched corridor between them and the muscle memory that told her exactly how to close it before he could fire.

But if she did that, he'd know.

"Instructor Vex." She kept her voice flat. Steady. "Rian needs medical. He's losing blood."

"I said shut up."

"Sir—" Rian tried to stand. His legs folded. He caught himself on one hand, gasping.

Taren's jaw tightened. The rifle didn't waver. Keira could see the math running behind his eyes. Two fugitives. One wounded. Direct order from the Commander.