Chapter 20 · You already called me that

he said.

"Coward."

"You already called me that."

"It still fits."

The black seal split from top to bottom.

Beyond it, a rush of dead water exploded into the passage.

The creature lost its grip and was torn into the dark behind them.

Cane and Lyra were pulled forward.

He wrapped both arms around her.

Their helmets struck as the current spun them through the opening.

Lyra's hand caught the front of his harness.

"Don't you dare let go!"

"I won't!"

"Cane—"

The flesh gate collapsed behind them with a deep, wet crack.

Stone broke loose from the passage wall.

A whole section folded inward, crushing the opening shut.

Cane hit the new chamber floor hard enough to drive the air from his lungs.

Lyra landed on top of him.

For a second, they stayed tangled together, her palms flat against his chest, his arm locked around her back.

His gauge blinked zero.

Her breathing came fast through the link.

"Are you alive?"

she asked.

"Ask me something harder."

"Can you stand?"

"Probably."

"That wasn't the question."

"Then help me up.