The heavy steel ramp of the Artemis VII lowers onto the Academy tarmac with a bone-jarring thud, but I barely feel the vibration. My entire world has narrowed down to the blinding, white-hot agony radiating from my left shoulder.
The G-force of the lunar ascent, combined with the micro-fractures in my carbon-fiber brace, has torn the healing nerve tissue. Every shallow breath sends a spike of pure electricity down to my fingertips. My ribs, taped and bruised, protest the movement of my chest. But I ignore it. I push through the pain, my boots heavy on the metal ramp, my eyes locked on the heavy oak doors of the Administration Wing.
Kade is right beside me. He doesn't offer to carry me; he knows I would refuse. Instead, his right hand is wrapped securely around my waist, his physical pres
