Chapter 19 · A Different Price

"Let her go." Evelyn kept her hands where the guards could see them. "Now."

The blade at Mira's throat pressed harder. A thin line of blood slipped beneath her collar.

"You know the rules," the woman said. "The tide takes what it's owed. Your family made the deal. House Voss still pays it."

Mira's eyes locked on Evelyn's. She wasn't surprised. That hurt worse than the knife.

"How long has this been planned?" Evelyn asked.

"Seven years since the last collection. We only need one royal bloodline to finish the cycle."

The control ring on Evelyn's wrist burned. A blue interface snapped open between them.

[BLOOD TRIBUTE PROTOCOL ACTIVE] [AUTHORIZED VOSS LINEAGE DETECTED] [TRIBUTE SUBJECT: MIRA VALE] [SEVEN HUNDRED CIVILIANS AT RISK]

Evelyn's stomach dropped. "You used her as bait."

"We used the person you'd choose." The woman tilted the blade. "That makes this simple. Give the tide Mira, and the lower wards live. Refuse, and it takes everyone."

Mira made a sharp, furious sound. "Don't listen to her."

"Quiet."

"No." Mira pulled against the guard's grip. "You let them do this, Evelyn, and you're no better than the royal bastards who started it."

The woman yanked Mira's head back.