Chapter 13 · Sparkbound - Chapter 13: The Whole City Lights Up

"Don't touch that door."

Draven caught Wren by the back of her coat before her fingers reached the latch. The pull snapped her against his chest, hard enough to knock the air out of her.

"Let go."

"There are hunters outside."

"Then stop standing between me and the only way out."

His arm locked around her waist. Heat pressed through the thin fabric of her shirt, too steady for a man whose skin had been turning gray by the minute. His breath brushed her ear.

"You open it, they shoot through you to reach me."

Wren glanced at the warped metal door. Red light leaked through the seams. Somewhere beyond it, boots scraped across the concrete.

The kids were behind them, packed into the old maintenance shelter. Six small bodies. Six pairs of terrified eyes. Mara held the youngest boy against her chest while the other five crouched around a stack of empty crates.

A voice boomed from the other side.

"Wren Ashcombe! Step away from the door. The Combine has marked this shelter for cleansing. Draven Kessler, surrender your weapon and kneel."

Wren looked over her shoulder. "They know my name."

"They knew it before we got here.