Chapter 12 · Tide Test

"They're at the north gate." Mira shoved through the door without knocking. "Fifty mercs. Maybe more. They've got a battering ram."

I was still staring at the floating screen, at the pulsing icon that said Summon Black Tide like it was something I'd asked for. Carson hadn't moved his sword. The tip rested against my collarbone, just enough pressure to remind me he could push.

"How long?" he said.

"Ten minutes. Maybe five." Mira's gaze flicked to the screen, then to my hand. The cut on my palm had stopped bleeding, but the skin around it was still dark, like ink under glass. "The lower wards are empty. Everyone who could run did."

"Good." Carson's voice was flat. "Then there's no one left to watch her lose control."

"I'm not going to—"

"You don't know that." He leaned in, and I felt the edge bite just enough to sting. "You don't know what happens when you touch that button. Neither do I. So we're going to find out before fifty mercs do it for us."

I grabbed his wrist. Not to push the blade away. Just to hold it still. "You want me to test it.