Chapter 43 · Elias stared at the heart. “That isn’t real.”

Elias stared at the heart. “That isn’t real.”

“Sis, it’s me.”

Finn.

Not the polished voice from the memory plates. Not Sera’s calm imitation. This was Finn at thirteen, breathless after running too fast, trying to sound brave while asking Nora not to leave him behind.

Nora’s fingers went numb.

“Finn?” she whispered.

Elias gripped her hand harder. “Don’t answer.”

“Why?”

“Because the grid listens.”

“Sis, please.”

The heart’s surface rippled under the blade.

Nora saw Finn’s face inside the light. His eyes were wide. A silver mark crossed his cheek. He pressed both hands against the inside of the heart as if the crystal were glass.

“Get me out,” he said.

Nora pulled the blade back.

Elias caught her wrist.

“Don’t.”

“He’s alive.”

“He’s trapped.”

“Then we free him.”

“By doing what? Waiting while Sera wipes the city clean?”

Finn slammed his hands against the heart.

“Sis, listen to me!”

Nora shoved Elias away. “Tell me how to open it.”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re the heir.”

“I’m the sacrifice.”

“Then figure it out!”

The chamber shook. Dust poured from the ceiling. Somewhere beyond the sealed doors, people began shouting in unison.