Chapter 6 · The Memory Market Never Forgets

The voice in the tunnel had Seren’s mouth, Seren’s breath, and none of Seren’s fear.

“You’re late.”

The subway doors stayed open. Black water dripped from the ceiling beyond them. Somewhere in the dark, a train motor clicked like it was trying to wake up.

Ian grabbed Seren’s arm. “Don’t get on.”

“No kidding.”

The detonator in her hand vibrated again.

KILL NORA FIRST.

The words flashed across the little screen. Then they vanished under a new line of text.

MEMORY MARKET ACCESS: 00:08:41.

Nora swore under her breath. “That’s not supposed to be there.”

“Lots of things aren’t supposed to be happening tonight,” Seren said. “You want to start explaining?”

“Move.”

Nora shoved past her and jumped into the train.

Seren almost followed. Then the voice came again, softer this time.

“Seren. Don’t let her take you below.”

Ian’s fingers tightened around her arm. His face had gone pale beneath the blood on his nose.

“That voice,” he said. “It’s not a recording.”

“No,” Seren said. “It’s me.”

The dark tunnel answered with a second set of footsteps.

Too many.

Seren pulled Ian into the train and slammed the emergency panel with her elbow. The doors started closing.