Chapter 30 · The Dead Heir

"Don't touch that door." Lucas slammed his palm against the lock before it sealed over his fingers. "Evelyn, get Mara behind me. Now."

"Your safe room just rejected you," I said. "That's a pretty bad sign for a man who keeps telling me he controls this building."

The metal door flashed red.

A speaker crackled overhead.

"Senior Warden Vale, your access has been suspended. Remain in place for questioning."

Mara coughed behind me. Her knees folded.

I caught her before she hit the floor.

The borrowed coat slipped off one narrow shoulder. Heat poured from her skin. Beneath her collarbone, a black seal pulsed like a second heartbeat.

Lucas saw it.

His jaw locked. "She's going into shock."

"You think?"

"Don't start."

"Your men shot at us in the hall. Your system locked the only room that can keep her alive. I think I get to start."

Mara made a weak sound against my chest. Her breath came fast and shallow, each inhale catching like it hurt.

Lucas stepped closer. His coat was torn at the shoulder, blood soaking through the fabric. Less than ten minutes ago, he'd taken the bullets meant for me.