Chapter 31 · Make the City Remember

"No."

Elias wrapped an arm around Nia's waist and hauled her back before she could reach the core door. His fingers dug into her coat. Blood soaked through his shirt, warm and sticky against her spine.

Nia slammed her elbow into his ribs.

He grunted. Held on. "Kellan gets erased if you go in. You heard her."

"I heard Veyra threaten my brother."

"The system isn't threatening. It's already running."

The door groaned open another inch. White light cut across the floor. Silver lines crawled over the metal, fast as worms under skin.

Somewhere beyond the door, Kellan screamed.

Nia stopped fighting.

That was all Elias needed. He dragged her back another step.

"Let go."

"No."

"You don't get to make that call."

"I know." His breath shook against her ear. "But if you go in, the network takes him. Takes every memory tied to me. His face. His name. Your whole life with him. Gone."

Nia looked down at the ember in her fist.

The forbidden coal burned through her glove. Orange light leaked between her fingers. Every pulse showed her a different piece of the city. A woman in District Four forgetting her dead husband's laugh.