Chapter 19 · The family pride

she said.

"The family pride."

"Not now."

"No, now is perfect.

We're trapped under the ocean, Silas has our blood contract, and you still think your name makes you stronger."

"My name is gone."

"Then stop trying to die like it isn't."

The gate pulsed again.

A dark filament whipped through the seam and struck Cane's shoulder.

His suit alarm shrieked.

Pressure punched through the damaged plating.

He grunted and lost his grip on the blade.

Lyra tore one hand free.

The movement ripped a strip of material from her glove, and black cracks flashed across her skin beneath it.

"You're bleeding,"

she said.

"Ignore it."

"You're leaking pressure."

"I said ignore it."

"Take off the damaged plate."

"No."

"Cane."

"No."

"If that seal fails, the pressure will crush your arm."

"Then open it before that happens."

She swam closer and seized the buckles at his shoulder.

Cane caught both her wrists.

Their bodies knocked together, armor grinding against armor.

"Don't,"

he warned.

"Move your hands."

"You're hurt."

"I'm still faster than you."

"Liar."

"Prove it."

Her face came within inches of his.

The water tugged loose strands of her hair across her cheek.

Cane wanted to brush them away.