Back in the corridor, I didn't pause.
Not until the door sealed behind me and I was alone again.
Three days.
Three days to perform a miracle.
Or he'd give Nine away broken—or worse, discard him entirely.
My breath caught, sharp and hot in my chest.
Nyx stirred. We need a plan.
I know.
We can't let them give him away like that. Not when he's like this.
I know.
Then do something.
I stopped in the middle of the hall and leaned back against the cold concrete wall.
My hands were trembling.
He didn't say help him. He didn't say heal him. He said wake him. Like he was a machine that needed a reboot.
I closed my eyes.
Nine's face burned behind my lids.
That faint, thin bond. That cool skin. That broken, flickering presence.
"I'll do it," I whispered.
Not because you asked.
Not because I owe you anything.
But because I won't let you take him.
I'll wake him up, I thought. I'll bring him back.
And then I'll steal him from you.
You want him ready for the Supreme Leader?
Fine.
But when he opens his eyes, he'll be looking at me.
And he'll remember who he belongs to.