Chapter 46 · The Core Picks a Heart

"Ayla, get your hand off me before the tunnel takes us both." Kade's fingers locked around her wrist as the stone floor jumped under their boots.

She slammed her free palm against his chest. "Let go."

"Not a chance."

The old tunnel split behind them with a sound like a giant snapping its teeth. Dust burst through the cracked ceiling. Kade shoved Ayla forward, dragging her around a fallen support beam while the red glow under the tracks flared brighter.

Her soul-mark burned beneath her glove.

Not hot. Worse.

It pulled.

Something deep under the city had wrapped itself around Kade's power, and every time he took a step, that thing yanked harder. His shoulder jerked back. His boots scraped across the stone.

"You're losing him," Ayla shouted.

"I noticed."

"Then stop fighting me and listen!"

Kade twisted, his face inches from hers. Dust streaked his cheek. His pupils had gone silver at the edges, and the pulse in his throat jumped fast enough for her to see it.

"You want me to listen? Fine. Give me one good reason not to throw you over my shoulder and carry you out.