Chapter 21 · Steal the Starlight - Chapter 21: The Real Show

"Don't touch the core!" Wren shouted.

Too late. My hand was already on it.

The black crystal bucked against my palm. Heat punched through my glove and crawled up my arm, fast and vicious. Behind the glass wall, three cameras swung toward us. Red lights blinked. The whole city was watching this fight like it was another episode of our stupid hero-villain show.

Wren was on one knee inside the silver trap, one hand pressed to the glowing lines around her. Every time she tried to stand, the cage tightened around her ribs.

"Ellis! Get your hand off it!"

"You think I haven't tried?"

I yanked back.

The crystal held on.

Pain snapped through my fingers. My knees hit the metal floor. Somewhere under my skin, the power woke up hungry.

Crush.

That was what it wanted. Break the thing in my hand. Break the cage around Wren. Break me right along with it.

Wren's head jerked toward the nearest camera. Her perfect golden mask was cracked across one cheek, and blood ran from the corner of her mouth.

"Cut the feed!" she yelled. "Now!"

A voice came through the ceiling speakers. Calm. Almost bored.

"Stay in position, Wren.