I stand at the base of the ramp, my heavily bandaged hands trembling slightly. The nerve damage flares in the cold night air. My ribs ache with every shallow breath.
Kade steps up beside me. He is dressed in his heavy, tactical gear. His left sleeve is pinned neatly to his chest. He moves with a stiff, deliberate grace.
"You don't have to go," he says softly. His mental voice is tight with profound, suffocating worry.
"Yes, I do," I reply. "Elara drew the geometry. Asher understands the frequency. But I am the Anchor. If the foundation shifts during assembly, the prism will collapse."
He looks at me. His green eyes are bright in the harsh light. "The G-force on the ascent will tear your ribs apart. Your shoulder..."
"My ribs are healed enough," I say, reaching up to trace the line of
