Chapter 16 · He took your brother

She opened her mouth.

Nothing came out.

The speaker hissed.

"He took your brother," the voice said. "He took the district. He took me."

Kade flinched.

Ayla saw it.

Not anger. Not confusion.

Recognition.

"You know that voice," she whispered.

"No."

"You do."

"I don't."

"Your hand is shaking."

"Because your mother is speaking through a dead rail system."

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one I have."

The tunnel lights flickered on.

Ayla heard footsteps on the tracks behind them.

More than four people.

Maybe ten.

The company dragnet had reached the tunnel.

Kade pulled her through the gate. "Move."

"You said not to listen."

"I also said move. Pick the useful command."

She followed him into the service passage. The gate slammed shut behind them.

The footsteps stopped on the other side.

Ayla pressed her palm to the lock. The soul-mark flashed. The gate sealed.

For three seconds, there was only their breathing.

Then every speaker in the passage came alive at once.

Her mother's voice filled the dark.

"Ayla Vane, please remain calm."

Kade swore. "They've got the whole network."

"They want me to go back."

"They want the core."

"They want you."

"Same problem.