Chapter 9 · The Rigged Prodigy Test

"Say yes, or I let them take you." Selene's thumb pressed against the silver clasp at Tess's throat.

The half-closed collar dug into her skin. Beyond Selene's shoulder, the broken door hung from one hinge. Boots hit the corridor outside. More than six. Maybe ten.

Tess grabbed Selene's wrist. "You said the collar would stop the deletion."

"It will."

"You also said you wouldn't touch me without permission."

Selene's gray eyes dropped to Tess's fingers around her wrist. Her pulse beat hard beneath Tess's thumb. "I'm touching the clasp. Not you."

"You're standing close enough to count my eyelashes. Back up."

"There isn't room."

"Make room."

A blade of blue light punched through the doorway and sliced across the wall beside Tess's head. Stone exploded against her cheek.

Selene moved first. She caught Tess around the waist and dragged her behind a toppled table. Tess hit the floor with Selene half over her, warm breath brushing her temple.

"Get off me," Tess hissed.

"They are about to burn this room apart. You can complain while running."

"I can do both."

Another blast tore through the chamber. The table jumped.