Chapter 24 · Neither do you. Keep your hands on me

"Neither do you. Keep your hands on me."

His fingers tightened in her coat. "Why?"

"Because the pact runs through touch."

"That's not why."

Her throat tightened. "Don't start."

"You saw us. In that room. You knew me before I knew you."

"I saw a memory."

"You called me a liar."

"You were lying."

"I told you I didn't remember you."

"And now?"

The core pulsed.

Kade's forehead dropped against hers. His breath came hot and uneven. "Now I remember your voice."

Ayla's hands caught his coat at the ribs. "What did I say?"

"You said, 'If you die, I'll kill you.'"

Despite the collapsing archive, a laugh escaped her. Short. Shaky. "That sounds like me."

"You were crying."

Her smile vanished. "I don't cry."

"You did then."

"Maybe you hit your head."

"Maybe you broke mine."

The black core flared between them.

A voice slipped through the room. It didn't come from Kade's mouth. It came from the walls, the shelves, the metal door, every torn page at once.

"Memory requires payment."

Sable raised her weapon. "Did the haunted rock just talk?"

"Yes," Ayla said.

"I hate this city."

Kade pulled away from Ayla. "Give it to me.