Chapter 14 · The Memory Market

"Move."

Samuel slammed the hatch shut above them. A heartbeat later, metal claws scraped across the other side.

Nora hit stone on one knee, ankle-deep in black water. Her left hand slid through something warm and oily. Blood coiled through the current.

Not all of it was hers.

"Inspector," Tarin said, breathing hard. "That thing isn't going to hold them forever."

"It doesn't have to." Samuel pressed a hand to his ribs. Blood had soaked through his shirt and spread beneath his coat. "Just has to hold them until we find another way out."

Nora tried to stand.

Her knees folded.

Samuel caught her before she hit the water. His arm locked around her waist, and she could feel him shaking. Not fear. He was just running out of working parts.

"You're bleeding again," she said.

"So are you."

"Mine's supposed to do that."

"Great. We agree on something."

Tarin splashed toward a narrow arch cut into the wall. A strip of blue glass burned above it. Letters had been scratched into the stone by hand.

MEMORY MARKET. NO COUNCIL. NO REFUNDS.

Nora stared at the sign.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"I wish.