Chapter 64 · Heartbeat Trap

"Ten seconds," Cassian said. "Hide the heartbeat, or run. Pick one."

Sylvia pressed both hands against her chest and glared at him. "You say that like I have ten minutes to think."

"You have nine."

The alarm screamed through the stone clinic. Red lamps flashed above the sealed door, cutting Cassian's face into sharp pieces. He stood too close, one hand braced beside Sylvia's head, the other gripping the black chain wrapped around his wrist. The chain wasn't metal. It moved like smoke, tight against his skin, and every time her pulse jumped, it answered with a dull red spark.

Her pulse jumped again.

Outside, boots slammed across the corridor.

"They're here," she said.

"I noticed."

"Then stop standing there like an arrogant statue and tell me how to fix this."

His eyes dropped to her mouth for half a second. That was all. A tiny pause. A breath caught between them.

Then he leaned closer.

"You want me to fix it?"

"I want you to stop enjoying this."

"I'm enjoying your temper." His voice brushed her ear. Warm. Low. Far too calm for a man with imperial hunters at the door. "It makes the fear harder to smell.