Pain slams through both of us.
I crash hard against the side of the ladder while he hangs halfway over the collapsing platform holding onto me with one arm.
The containment doors continue descending around us.
Not stopping.
Never stopping.
Russ grabs Clay’s legs instantly before both of us go over.
“HOLD ON!”
Clay’s grip tightens brutally around my wrist.
I look up at him through steam and flashing red light.
And the expression on his face destroys me.
Pure terror.
Not letting go.
Never letting go.
“Hannah,” he says hoarsely.
The blast doors drop lower.
Only a narrow opening remains now.
Not enough room.
We’re not going to clear it in time.
He knows it too.
I see the realization hit him.
And suddenly—
I know exactly what he’s about to do.
“No.”
His eyes lock onto mine.
Completely calm now somehow.
Completely certain.
“If I pull you up,” he says roughly, “you climb.”
“No.”
“You hear me?”
Tears burn instantly down my face.
