I was the unsteady one, but I forced myself to focus, then carefully slipped the tip of the blade under her suit collar and cut the material. Her chest rose up and down too fast, making me nervous I’d nick her by accident. She was hyperventilating. “All the suits are useless now,” she said between rushed breaths. “My father wanted to be sure that if Jin Corp didn’t exist, the suits wouldn’t function.”

Finally, I had carefully slashed through the circumference of her collar and lifted the helmet off her head. She drew a long breath then coughed uncontrollably. Wisps of black hair stuck to her forehead and cheeks.

She stood underneath the curved glass dome by the door, as blue lasers enveloped the top of her head, sliced across her temples and forehead. The door slid open, and we fell out, gasping for air.

Iris shoved the door closed; it sealed with a snick. We were in an alleyway behind Jin Corp, safe . . . for now. As if reading my thoughts, Daiyu said, “My father built the exterior of the building to withstand bombings, so it cannot collapse.”

Even as she spoke, the octagonal structure shook violently. “I don’t think we should test that theory,” I said. We ran away from Jin Corp, winding our way through dark alleyways, Daiyu’s Palm the only light illuminating our path. Finally, after we had put distance between us and the building, I stopped, lungs aching.

“Let’s disappear, Zhou,” Iris said. It was the first time I had ever seen her look so winded, ready to collapse like I was. “The cops will be here soon.”

I paused for a long moment, my mind unable to focus, still reeling from losing Victor.

Daiyu’s fingertips grazed my hand.

I glanced toward her, surprised.

Iris lifted an eyebrow. “We’ve gotta get out of here.”

“Go on without me,” I replied. The thought of returning to headquarters without seeing Victor flashing a cocky grin was unbearable. I didn’t want to share my grief. I needed to hold it alone first.

Iris flexed her gloved hands. “He’s not coming,” she said. It took me a second to realize she was speaking to Lingyi.

She stalked toward me then, and I took a step back, not wanting to fight. At this point, I knew I’d lose. Instead, she stuck her earpiece into my ear.

“Come home, Zhou,” Lingyi said, her voice thick. I could tell she had been crying.

“Is Arun all right?”

“I’m here, bro. Where were you?” Arun asked. “I searched all through the basement.”

“There are two levels,” Lingyi said in a low voice, having overheard Arun’s frantic query.

Arun had been on the wrong floor.

“I need some time,” I finally replied, hoarse. “Victor’s dead.” I knew they must have known, but I needed to say it aloud.