A small scalpel hovered beside me in midair.
I glanced across at Echo.
I thought you could only do this in my room?
You are closer to me now,she replied.I can see you.
And before?
Before, I only felt you.
Sister.
Sister. The word hit me like a ton of bricks.
My fingers closed around the blade. I bit back a cry as it sliced into my skin.
Across the room, a tech was gripping Marr’s arm, speaking rapidly, relief etched across his face like Marr had saved him.
I wanted to vomit.
We need to get out of here, Echo.
I cannot leave.
We have to,I whispered.I refuse to do that again.
The building shuddered, like it had been struck by a missile. An alarm wailed somewhere above us.
It shook again.
And then I heard it.
Screams.
Marr was already on his radio.
“What is going on?” he barked. “Tell me!”
“We’re under—” Static crackled. I could hear Warden Wild’s panicked voice on the other line. “Attack. Evacuate—”
“Fuck!” Marr snarled. He looked down at his folders. “This was only a proof of concept! I need a viable scale.”
“Get out—now! Get out now! Equinox—”
The signal cut.
Chapter 49
Kieran
Gideon Quinn wasn’t leaving this school.
I had already decided that.
Even now, looking at him from across the courtyard, surrounded by his group of thugs and soldiers, he looked smug.
Untouchable—at least, that’s what he thought.
