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The bomb keepson beeping but doesn’t explode.

I lock eyes with Kit, who looks as confused as I feel.

Then I recall my own question to Valerian: I wasn’t sure if the countdown was to the explosion or to the moment the Icelus should leave to escape via the gates. Valerian thought it was the former, but it looks like the Icelus cult isn’t suicidal.

The countdown was there to let them know when to bolt.

Which means we have time.

Some time. It’s unclear how much.

Luckily, Cadmael isn’t looking a gift centaur in the mouth. As soon as he realizes we’re alive, he sprints over to the bomb and fiddles with it.

The longest minute of my life passes.

Twenty thousand gray hairs and a pint of my blood later, the reactor-bomb stops beeping. At the same exact moment, the elevator doors open, and a squadron of Senate Guard rushes into the room.

Weakly, I look up at Kit, who’s turned into herself. “We’re going to live?”

“Hush now.” Kit crouches next to me and plants a soft kiss to my forehead. “All will be well.”

Good, because I don’t think I can hold on much longer.

Exhaling what I hope isn’t my last breath, I pass out.