Maya POV

We collapsed in a drainage tunnel three miles from the compound. The concrete walls pressed close around us, water dripping somewhere in the darkness. Alexei slumped against the curved wall, breathing hard. Through the bond, I felt every throb of pain from his broken ribs.

"We need to keep moving," I said.

"I know." He didn't move. Blood soaked through his shirt where the ribs had pierced skin. "Give me a minute."

I didn't have a minute. None of us did. But I sat across from ...