Chapter 13 · Every Gate Opens

"Hands where I can see them," Ash says, his voice low and urgent, as we stare down at the subway entrance.

The turnstiles spin, one after another, like they're being controlled by an invisible hand. I feel a shiver run down my spine. Something's off.

"That's not normal," Ash mutters, his eyes scanning the area.

I grab his arm, my heart racing. "Look."

The homeless guy from the corner is walking towards the subway, his eyes glazed over. He passes through the turnstile like it's not even there. The businesswoman, the kid with the skateboard, the old lady - they all follow, their movements stiff and mechanical.

"Fuck," Ash breathes. "Ivy, we need to—"

I'm already moving, my feet carrying me towards the subway. The gun on my arm wakes up, both barrels flaring blue-hot. I bite down on a scream, the pain slamming into my shoulder like a bat.

The turnstile in front of me spins, like it's waiting for me. I don't hesitate. I walk through, the core in my pocket burning hotter.

"Don't," Ash says behind me, his voice laced with fear. "Ivy, don't go down there."

But I'm already gone, the stairs swallowing me whole.