I scramble to my feet, my boots slipping in the silt, and sprint toward the central chamber. Kade is right beside me, his thermal blade drawn, his massive frame moving with a desperate, feral speed.
We reach the neural-jack.
Asher is slumped forward, the heavy metallic cable still plugged into the port on his tactical suit. The Prime Node behind him is dark, the liquid metal inert, the geometric lattice completely dead.
"Asher!" Kade roars, dropping to his knees and pulling his son into his arms.
Asher’s head lolls back. His eyes are closed. His skin is pale, his lips slightly blue.
He’s not breathing, Kade projects, the panic flaring hot and bright in the mate bond. Isla, he’s not breathing!
I drop beside them, my bandaged hands flying to Asher’s helmet. I unseal the locks, pulling
