The darkness pressed in, thick and suffocating, broken only by the sparks clawing across shattered monitors. My chest burned. Fear sharpened every nerve. Pride flared like fire, and jealousy, bitter, piercing, twisted deep inside me. He’s here. He’s alive. He’s watching me.
Vorde’s hand found mine. Tight, grounding, almost desperate. His blue eyes held fear, trust, and something raw I didn’t want to name. “Veronica, whatever happens, stay with me.”
“I’m here,” I hissed, adrenaline slicing through me. My fingers hovered over the console. Every second counted. Every decision could destroy us. The enemy moved with impossible calm, deliberate, each step a statement of control. Every instinct screamed: strike, override, destroy, but every memory screamed caution.
Viole shrank behind Vorde. H
