Knox wasted no time. He walked away, never looking back, leaving the strong, once untouchable Vale near tears. She peered at the exit, her eyes wide and wounded.

Was that how Bane had looked after reading Nola’s note? She gulped, guilt slicing her good intentions to ribbons. “I’m sorry, Vale,” she said, aching for her beloved sister. “Beyond sorry.”

—Nola!—

Bane’s frantic voice exploded in her head, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. In her note, she’d commanded him not to contact her. Lesson learned. Orders had to be spoken.

Inhale, exhale. She trembled, waiting, afraid she would hear him again—just as afraid she wouldn’t. Hope and dread went to war. But he didn’t speak up again, and dread won.

You know it’s for the best.

Vale donned a brave face and waved a dismissive hand. “Nothing to be sorry about. Good riddance, right?”

Zion eyed the door Knox had vacated, pensive. “Had I not seen it with my own eyes...that man loves you.”

Unequivocally. Knox had looked at Vale the way Bane looked at Nola. Well, used to look at Nola. How would he look at her now?

An-n-nd the dread gained new ground.

Tone emotionless, Vale said, “I don’t agree. But even if you were right, it wouldn’t matter. Sometimes love isn’t enough. And really, we don’t have time for sentiment.” No emotion, and yet her pain was palpable. “Anyway. Enough chatter about Knox. Did you happen to tag any other players with a bot?”

“There wasn’t opportunity.” Zion helped Nola stand. “If Knox created a footpath to the cottage, other competitors will arrive soon. He’ll probably stay out there to pick them off, but I won’t take a chance soldiers get past him and harm Nola. We must stash her somewhere safe.”

“Where can I go?” she asked. “Your base camp is compromised.” With Erik around, all base camps, safe houses and dimensions were unsafe.

“There’s a tunnel beneath the house. Come on.” Vale marched into the kitchen, Nola and Zion following.

In the pantry, her sister kicked away a dirt-stained rug to reveal a secret hatch. So cool! Every house needed an escape hatch.

Zion descended the ladder first, wincing whenever he put weight on his leg. Nola went next, her body screaming in protest, and Vale claimed the rear. Darkness enveloped them—until the tips of her sister’s fingers caught fire, without burning her.

“Oh. My. Gosh,” Nola said. “You do realize you are the coolest person I know, right? How is this even possible?”

“One day soon we’re going to sit down and have a nice long chat.” Vale kissed her cheek and strode over to pick up a lantern.

Zion reached out to take the handle—

Boom!