Chapter 37 · The Last Rule

"Drop the detonator, Dorian, or I put a bullet through your wife's head."

The rifle dug into my temple hard enough to break skin.

Dorian stood six steps away on the tower roof. One hand was raised. The other gripped the black detonator he'd ripped from the command officer.

His service coat hung torn at the shoulder. Blood ran from his brow, slipped beneath his collar, and disappeared.

He looked at me first.

Not the rifle.

Me.

"Mara."

"Don't." My voice shook once. I swallowed it down. "Take one more step, and he shoots."

Captain Rusk laughed behind me. His forearm crushed my ribs as he dragged me tighter against his chest. He smelled like gun oil and burnt metal.

"She knows the rules, Vale," Rusk said. "Your command or her life. Pick fast."

Dorian's jaw locked. "You forged the order."

"And you signed it."

"I didn't sign anything."

"The rail records disagree." Rusk shoved the rifle harder against my head. "Every terminal from North Station to the ice line carries your seal. Surrender command, and maybe she lives long enough to watch the train explode. Keep command, and I pull the trigger now.