The futures swirled in and out all over, flipping past so fast my head spun, but I had to dig in if I wanted to find a way to survive. I closed my eyes and tucked my head against Tair’s neck. He’d have to worry about the present for both of us. His pulse moved a little too fast, what with all the laser dodging, but the strong sound in my ears made it easier to focus on the next thing trying to kill us. Guards on the left. They’re running fast.

Got it. Tair dashed right at the next turn. The guards shouted stuff like halt and stop there, but no one shot yet. That would change soon. Ghostly Tairs flashed in and out everywhere I looked, brought down by bullets, tranqs, or lasers. Weave a little more or they’ll get you in the legs.

Tair started a zigzag pattern, but it slowed him down. I gripped him tighter as a few of his shot-up future selves started looking way too solid for comfort. Knotting my shaking fingers in his shirt, I prayed I could reverse us out of this—

Because no matter where we ran, this timeline wasn’t ending in daisies.

I wracked my brains, trying to pull off the rewind trick again, but I may as well have been banging my forehead against concrete. I needed make it work.

Fast. Now. Before one of us died.

But it was all I could do to keep hold of Tair. My body moved with the motion of his strides. I could feel him breathing and even with eyes closed, some of his worldview seeped into my brain. I saw what he saw—a mess of white hallways. I’d never remember them, but it felt like the different walls and floors and whatever meant something to him. I hope you’re getting something out of this.

I’m making a mental map. Just keep navigating.

I sifted through timeghosts as fast as I could, separating the layers of time to find something—anything—that could help us. Left and there’s an emergency stair. I didn’t know if the door would be open or if Tair could get through the lock, but it was either that or bounce straight into the ten guys in riot gear dashing our way.

We’d run out of options.

And red stained all the nearest futures.

Trying to block out the screams at the edge of my hearing, I breathed deep. Tair smelled like clean soap and a little sweat. It was a good scent for him. Much better than the blood and ash and burnt skin that would be all over him any minute now.

My heart pounded in my throat. They’re coming.

Tair stutter-stepped at the door and started to go for the lock pad, but the boots finally stopped thumping and guards circled us, filling the hall in ranks.