Chapter 6 · The Heartlock Cutter

“Don’t move.”

Cael’s hand closed around Tessa’s wrist before she could pull the cutter from her boot.

His fingers were hot. Hot enough to sting through her sleeve.

Something screamed in the dark behind him.

Tessa twisted hard. “Take your hand off me.”

“Gladly. The second you stop reaching for a blade that can kill me.”

“You’re assuming I care.”

“I’m assuming you care about staying alive.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

Cael shoved her behind the cracked shell of an old transit kiosk. His shoulder struck hers. Metal shrieked as a hooked claw dragged across the other side.

Tessa held her breath.

The creature sniffed beneath the kiosk. Hot, wet air pushed through the gap. The stink of burned meat coated her tongue.

Cael leaned close, his mouth near her ear. “How many charges?”

“Three.”

“Enough to cross?”

“Not if you keep asking stupid questions.”

“Then answer the useful ones.”

“Two charges will get us to the west gate. The third is for whatever tries to eat us there.”

His grip tightened. “You’re not using the cutter.”

“Then stop acting like a target.”

The thing slammed into the kiosk.

Tessa’s back hit Cael’s chest.