Chapter 18 · Ash Ledger - Chapter 18: Mara's Bad Map

"Run," Mara said, and shoved me toward the stairs.

I didn't move. The second door hung open, stone grinding on stone, and the dark behind it was wrong. Not empty. Not quiet. Something in there breathed.

"Now, Vale."

"What is that?"

"Something that eats keepers who stand around asking questions." She grabbed my arm, nails digging in through the sleeve. "Move."

I pulled free. "You knew this was down here."

"I knew the second vault existed. I didn't know it was open." Her hand dropped to the knife on her belt. "The ledger's supposed to keep it locked."

"Well it's not locked now."

"No kidding." She stepped in front of me, blade out, eyes on the doorway. "When I say run, you run. Don't look back. Don't wait for me."

"I'm not leaving you down here."

"You don't get a vote." The breathing got louder. Wet. Like lungs full of water trying to pull air. "You're the keeper now. Ledger goes with you or this whole fort's dead by morning."

I looked at the mark on my wrist. Still black. Still burning. "What happens if I run?"

"You live. Maybe." She didn't look at me.