Chapter 15 · Under the Dead Rails

"Don't touch that door." Cade caught Evelyn's wrist before her fingers reached the rusted latch.

"Let go."

"The rail car is trapped."

"So is Nora's brother."

His grip tightened. Not enough to hurt. More than enough to stop her.

Behind the sealed car door, someone slammed both hands against the metal.

"Nora!" a man's voice shouted. "Get me out of here!"

Evelyn yanked against Cade's hold. "That's him."

"I know."

"Then move."

"The door is keyed to a memory lock."

She stared at him. "You knew that and waited until I touched it?"

"I was trying to keep you alive."

"You killed me thirteen times. Don't use that excuse like it still works."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't release her. The dead rail tunnel groaned around them. A line of old iron tracks ran beneath their boots, vanishing into black on both sides. Somewhere behind the walls, a clock ticked too fast.

The black ring around Evelyn's finger pulsed once.

Mira's face flashed across its surface. Bruised cheek. Blood at her temple. Terrified eyes.

Don't let him touch the core.

Then the image broke apart.

Evelyn shoved Cade's hand away. "Your sister's warning is still ringing in my head.