Darren hovered in the doorway. At least he hadn’t seen any—

A holo rendered.

An image of Quanta and me.

It was soundless, but I could imagine the echo of Quanta’s laugh as I lifted her up and swung her into my arms. My heart stuck in my throat as the future played out. She whispered something in my ear, winding her arms around my shoulders and I grinned back so honestly, genuinely happy. I kissed her forehead. Kissed her nose.

Kissed her.

All I could do was gape at the hologram.

But another image sprang up before I could process. Us together and smiling. And another. My head resting in her lap while she finger-combed my hair, perfect bliss painted on both our faces.

Was this what she’d been seeing?

Could it really—?

“Orpheus.” Darren’s icy voice shot down the soaring feeling that had sprung up inside me. “Back away from her.” He stepped aside and two guards flowed past him, weapons raised, fingers hovering near the triggers. No stun rounds or tranquilizers there. Just live assault weapons. The med team scuttled away, out of the potential crossfire.

Not now. Not when I was just finding out—

Tair.

Quanta’s voice pulled my attention.

Her eyes snapped open and her fingers clamped down, holding me tight. Don’t let go.

More guards filled the doorway. My muscles tensed, ready for the inevitable fight, but however this played out… I squeezed Quanta’s hand.

We were in it together.

Can you untie my other wrist? She asked.

I’ll try. Moving, slowly, I leaned across her.

“Back away, Orpheus.” Darren’s eyes burned like hateful green fire.

“I’m just loosening the restraint.” I met his gaze, keeping my voice even as I slowly reached for the chair arm. “She’s obviously calmed down.” Feel free to help out.

Quanta subtly shook her head. If I defend you, it’ll just set him off.

He’s already set off. And no turning back. My fingertips brushed the tie on Quanta’s chair arm.

“I said back away.”

The ice in Darren’s voice froze me in place. “I’m not—”

He made a chopping motion with his fingers. “Take him out.”

The guards fired in unison.

Six shots. I didn’t have time to dodge.

All I could do was straighten slightly, making myself a bigger target. Keeping the fire off Quanta.

Bullets sprayed.

They hit my chest, knocking me back.

But it didn’t hurt. Curiously, nothing hurt.

Quanta screamed.

It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

But even my regret felt distant as the world faded away. Quanta’s face filled my vision—her gray eyes wide in horror—and a veil of peace fell over me. You have to survive.

As my world went dark, I couldn’t think of anything else that mattered.

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

QUANTA