Chapter 34 · The Heart Below

"Stop moving, Elias, or I put a bolt through your heart." Nora kept the crossbow pressed against his back as the dead grid tore through the tunnel wall.

Gray light burst from the cracked runes. Elias hit the floor hard, dragging Nora down with him. A blade of white energy sliced over their heads and buried itself in the stone.

"You said this passage was safe," Nora snapped.

"I said it was abandoned. Those are different words."

"You want to explain that before the next one cuts us in half?"

"Gladly. The grid has noticed us."

Another strike smashed into the tunnel behind them. Stone dust rained over Nora's shoulders. Elias caught her wrist and pulled her into a narrow side passage before the floor split open.

She slammed against the wall, his body blocking the opening. His hand locked around her arm. Warm. Too warm. His breath brushed her cheek as the dead magic screamed past them.

"Let go," she said.

"Then stop trying to shoot me."

"You keep giving me reasons."

"And you keep bringing the crossbow."

"It works."

"Not on me."

His mouth tilted, but there was no humor in it.