Chapter 6 · It came from Victor

"It came from Victor."

"Then Victor can bring it to my face."

The captain pointed at Kael. "The mechanic comes with us."

Kael leaned near Sloane's shoulder. "You have a way out?"

"Yes."

"Does it involve me doing something stupid?"

"Obviously."

She fired first.

The shot struck the overhead chain, dropping a load of iron hooks between the guards and the carriage. The soldiers scattered. Kael kicked the door lever, sending the panel crashing into the captain's rifle.

"Run!" Sloane snapped.

"That was your brilliant plan?"

"You're alive, aren't you?"

"Barely!"

They sprinted across the platform as more guards poured through a side gate. Sloane seized Kael's hand and dragged him toward a bank of old machinery.

Her glove was rough against his palm. Her grip didn't loosen, even when he stumbled.

"Left!" she shouted.

"The stairs are blocked!"

"Then make a door!"

Kael saw the dead control box, the cracked pressure line, and the rusted emergency wheel. He slammed his elbow into the box.