He fell back into the darkness.

“This way,” Vance gasped, clutching his chest.

We ran toward the double doors.

The air was growing colder as we neared the medical wing.

I reached out to push the door open.

It did not budge.

The electronic lock panel on the wall was glowing red.

“It’s locked down from the inside,” Vance said.

I looked around for another card reader.

Before I could find one, a heavy boot struck my shoulder from behind.

I fell hard against the concrete floor.

My gun slid out of my hand, disappearing into the lingering smoke.

I rolled onto my back, my chest heaving.

A guard stood over me, his rifle pointed directly at my chest.

Two more guards stepped out of the shadows behind him.

Then, the double doors clicked.

They swung open slowly.

Tessa stepped into the generator room.

She wore a long, dark coat.

She looked completely calm.

Behind her, two guards held Maren by her arms.

Maren’s eyes met mine through the haze.

“Rowan,” she whispered.

Tessa looked down at me, a cold smile touching her lips.