“Hurry.” She stared at the spot instead of looking away.

As gently as I could, I jabbed her. She tensed for just a second and then let out a breath. “Didn’t even hurt.”

I shook my head. “Your pain threshold is frightening.”

“Good thing I got something out of all this.” Quanta straightened her shirt and then rubbed her hands together. “But I’ve got enough souvenirs.”

“Let’s go.” I clipped on my mask and then took her hand, giving it a squeeze. I couldn’t guarantee that we’d get through the next minutes, let alone any longer, but I promised myself I’d do whatever it took to keep her from more suffering.

She’d had enough.

And I’d had enough watching.

<<<>>>

We escaped through clouds of smoke.

When I finally triggered the explosives in the lab, the entire building shook. The confusion kept the guards from coming at us faster than we could handle or duck away. Quanta peered through the future possibilities, finding us the best paths.

If not for her power, we would’ve died on the first try.

We learned the guards’ patterns and rewound again and again, slowly making our way closer to the surface.

And toward the exit.

Quanta faded a little each time, but I could feel the iron will radiating from her hand to mine. She wasn’t going to quit until we made it.

Matching determination burned in my chest. Neither was I.

On cycle ten we made it to a utility corridor, but security panels popped down before we could get clear.

By fifteen we’d crossed and made it into one of the garages on the ground level.

Finally, on cycle twenty, we caught a break, stowing in an automated transpo van on its way out of the senate compound.

We huddled in the back together, Quanta wilting against me. I smoothed her hair. Almost.

Thank Buddha. A deep sigh gusted from her.

I smiled. Could’ve been worse.

You’re telling me. We could’ve fallen in acid vats.

“Acid vats? Why would those exist?”

She shrugged. “I just see the future. Not the reasons.”

“Then what’s next?” I asked. It would take a while—and probably any number of close calls—before we made it to Eva’s stronghold.

“Whatever we want.” Quanta closed her eyes, relaxing against me. Just wake me if someone else tries to kill us.

“I’ll try not to let it get that far,” I said, but she was already dozing.

Gear clattered as the van rumbled away from the senate. I held Quanta steady as we bumped along. We had to make it to the boat waiting for us at the harbor. Then to the hyperloop. A dozen other pod rides. All dangerous. I shouldn’t feel peaceful.

But Quanta’s breath fluttered against me, and the deep, even sound set my mind at ease.