The silver pistol felt cold and very real against my temple. The smell of ozone from the system failure still stung my nostrils, mixing sharply with Elara’s perfume. Behind me, Ben was shouting frantically over the now-static-filled communicator.
"She triggered *Scorched Earth*, Cassian! All unencrypted Syndicate data in Zurich is being wiped! We have to stop her now!"
I didn't move, my eyes locked on Elara's. She wore a look of satisfaction, the smile of a hunter who had just cornered her prey in the open field.
"Tell Lianna you're never coming back," Elara repeated, her voice soft, almost like a mother giving advice. "Or I will ensure that when you arrive in New York, you find nothing left of Valerian but pieces delivered in a coffin."
*I've seen the proof of your betrayal, Elara. I
