Chapter 45 · It named a child. It used your memories. That's not nothing

"It named a child. It used your memories. That's not nothing."

"You want the truth?"

"I want to know whether you're going to snap and tear this tower apart with us inside it."

"Then stay close."

"That wasn't an answer."

"It was the only one you're getting."

The Current stirred under his skin.

He had spent the entire descent forcing it down, keeping his hands steady, his eyes normal, his voice human. The tower had been listening for it. Every lie had fed the machine. Every attempt to hide the power had made the pressure worse.

Now the Current pushed back.

Gold light spread across his vision.

Mira noticed. Her pistol rose from his ribs to his chest.

"Reid."

"Don't."

"Your eyes."

"I said don't."

"They're turning gold."

"Put the gun down."

"Give me one reason."

He stepped closer until the muzzle pressed against his sternum. He could feel the warmth of her hand through the weapon grip. Her eyes held his, sharp and uncertain.

"Because if you fire," he said, "the tower gets exactly what it wants."

"And if I don't?"

"You get to see what happens when I stop pretending to be weak.