Chapter 8 · The Thirteenth Instance

"Get behind me." Eli shoved me back as the maintenance door buckled under another hit. "Now, Mara. Move."

"Stop ordering me around." I caught his sleeve before he reached the door. Blood had soaked through the fabric near his ribs, warm against my fingers. "You said the key stays open. You don't get to change your mind because men with guns found us."

His jaw tightened.

The door jumped again. The metal frame bent inward.

"That key is eating your memory," he said. "I can see it happening."

"Then look harder. Maybe you'll find the part where I trust you."

"You signed the first contract with me."

"And you still haven't told me what I signed away."

Another impact shook the passage. A thin line of white light cut across the floor. Voices crowded the other side.

"Rook! Step away from the courier!" someone shouted. "Mara Vale is under network arrest. Put the key down and get on your knees!"

Eli reached for the weapon at his back.

I pressed my own muzzle into his side. "Try it, and I shoot you first."

His eyes dropped to the gun, then rose to mine.