Chapter 12 · When Glasshaven Splits

"Don't let go!"

Kael’s voice snapped through the chaos a second before the floor vanished. He caught my wrist, his fingers locking around me—hot, bruising, and absolute.

"I wasn't planning to!" I shot back.

"Then stop trying to fall!"

Below us, three levels of steel stairs tore loose, plummeting into the red glow of the tower's gut. The whole structure groaned. Not like metal bending—like something massive was chewing through the foundation.

Noah slammed into the wall beside us, clutching the black ledger core to his chest like a lifeline. "Good news!" he yelled. "The exit is only two floors up!"

"And the bad news?"

"Those floors are collapsing too!"

A beam cracked overhead. Kael yanked me flush against him just as the steel crashed where my head had been. His arm wrapped tight around my ribs, pinning me to his chest. I could feel the heavy thrum of his heart. His breath brushed my ear, hot and ragged.

"You still have power?" he asked.

"Enough to get us out."

"That's not what I asked."

"Enough!"

"Mara."

"Don't use that voice on me."

"Then don't lie to me."

I twisted in his grip, nearly slipping.