Chapter 22 · Untitled Chapter

"Contact!"

Nia shoved Kellan into the shaft and jumped after him.

The rifle swung down. Elias kicked the ladder support. Metal folded sideways, throwing the enforcer into the wall. The shot punched sparks into the dark.

Kellan hit the platform hard enough to crack his shoulder against the rail.

"Off," he groaned.

"I'm trying."

More boots thundered above. Bullets tore through the shaft. One clipped Elias's sleeve. He dropped to his knees and nearly went over the edge.

Nia caught his coat and hauled him back.

"Move."

"I'm moving."

"You're bleeding."

"So are you."

"I don't have time to care."

"Good. We agree on something."

Below them, the eye opened.

It floated in the dark, wide and wet, with thin brass rings turning around the pupil. When it opened, the shaft lights snapped on. When it closed, another section of the ladder twisted into a new shape.

Kellan pushed himself upright. Blood ran from his ear to his jaw.

"Nia," he said.

She froze.

She knew the shape of that word. She knew his mouth had formed it. But the sound never reached her.