The ground shook, toppling each of them. Because her sister stood directly underneath the hatch, she got hit with the worst of the blaze, an inferno licking over her. Embers burned holes in her clothes, but didn’t harm her skin. Lumber, concrete and pieces of kitchen appliances crashed over her. As she bellowed, agonized, Zion limped over, manhandled the blocks out of the way and helped her stand.

“What happened?” Nola said between coughing fits. Smoke stung her nostrils and tickled her throat.

“Bomb blast,” Vale replied, her eyes wells of fear and concern. “Are you okay?”

Another bomb, courtesy of Erik, no doubt. More proof that life could change in an instant. As if she’d needed any reminders. “I—I’m fine.” Kind of. She didn’t have the strength to stand. “You?”

“Fine,” Vale said, sounding anything but.

“This is Erik’s doing, I know it,” Zion spat.

“We shouldn’t wait for his next trick,” Vale said. “Let’s go.”

“Guys,” Nola began, but Zion understood.

Her swept her into his strong arms and sprinted for the exit. “Once we’re aboveground,” he told Vale as he kept pace at her side, “you’ll stay with Nola, and I’ll confront Erik.”

“Strategy isn’t your thing, is it, hot stuff?” A sword bounced on Vale’s back. “Nola will stay in the tunnel. You and I will head out together and fight side by side, guarding each other’s six.”

I love being discussed as if I’m not present. But the truly sad thing? They were right. She had power over her beasts and warriors, but no others. If she tried to fight combatants, she’d die badly.

Vale wasn’t done. “I must be the one to kill combatants. I absorb their abilities and memories, learning their plans and hiding places.”

How and why did Vale absorb abilities but other combatants did not?

“Memories? Truly?” His brow knit with confusion, but he nodded. “Very well. You will make the kills.”

What had changed his mind? If Vale made the kills, Zion wouldn’t be able to activate the weapons. Plus, Vale would grow stronger. A lot stronger. Not that Nola was complaining. She wanted her sister invincible. But she wanted her guys well, too.

When they reached the exit, Zion set her on her feet and said, “For all the times I’ve saved you, you owe me, Nola, and I expect you to stay put.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll heed your desires. For now.” Because she didn’t have the strength to do otherwise. Must recharge and figure out my next move. There had to be something she could do, anything besides sitting idly by while her loved ones risked their lives.

“You’re going to be all right.” Vale hugged her. “I love you. Never forget.”

“I’m not worried about me.” Only everyone else. “Just...you had better return. Alive, in case I wasn’t clear.”