Chapter 17 · The Kill Switch

"Don't touch that switch." Cael's hand slammed over mine before my fingers closed around the black metal lever.

The tower bucked.

I crashed into the control rail. Cael hit my back a second later, hot through both our coats, his breath rough against my ear. Below us, the city shield flashed white.

"Get off me."

"Gladly. Let go of the lever."

"You first."

His fingers tightened around mine. His pulse jumped beneath my wrist like a live wire.

That was Cael Arden. He could hold a collapsing tower together with one hand, stare down a squad of wardens, and still treat my stubbornness like the most dangerous thing in the room.

He shoved me away from the switch.

I drove my elbow into his ribs.

He grunted but didn't let go. "Was that supposed to hurt?"

"No. I was aiming for your ego."

"Missed."

A crack split the air above us.

The central conduit burst open. Blue-white pulsecraft ripped through the chamber and snapped across the metal walkways. Three control panels exploded, showering us with sparks.

Cael twisted and put himself between me and the blast.

"Cael!"

"Stay behind me.