Chapter 27 · Let the City Choose

"Move!"

Samuel's shout came half a second before the first automaton hit the bridge.

Metal feet slammed down right behind Nora. The whole span bucked. Chains shrieked. Black water sprayed through the grates and soaked her boots.

She grabbed the rail and twisted around.

Too many.

Automata packed the doorway—tall ones, short ones, busted ones trailing sparks. Every glass eye burned blue. All of them locked on the red glow under her ribs.

"Find the key."

The order crackled through the dead speaker above the door, static fizzing under the words.

Evelyn stood behind the wall of machines. One hand pressed to the blood trickling down her temple. She looked tired. Not scared.

That twisted Nora's stomach worse than the bridge's lurch.

"Move," Samuel said again.

He shoved past her and lifted the inspectorate pistol.

Nora caught his wrist. "You can barely stand."

"Noticed."

"You're bleeding through your coat."

"Also noticed."

An automaton lunged.

Samuel fired. The shot blew a hole in its chest. It kept coming.

Nora kicked the side brace loose. The plate snapped up under the thing's foot. It dropped through the gap with a grinding shriek and vanished into the water below.

The rest stepped forward.