Chapter 6 · Lower Ward Deal

"You press that button, I tell everyone who you are."

Mira didn't move from the doorway. Ten people crowded behind her, all lower ward by the look of their patched jackets and burn scars. All watching me.

I pulled my hand back from the screen. The献祭协议 prompt flickered, waiting.

Carson's blade stayed right where it was, half an inch into my neck. "Step back, Quinn."

"Not until she explains what the hell that screen says." Mira jerked her chin at the interface only I could see. "You activated something. The whole room lit up."

"It's nothing."

"Liar." She walked forward. Carson shifted his weight but didn't pull the sword. "That broadcast said six days. Said you opened the door. Said you're his."

I met her eyes. "I'm not his."

"Then whose are you?" She stopped three feet away. Close enough I could smell oil and smoke on her coat. "Because you sure as hell aren't one of us."

The screen pulsed. Blood from Carson's blade dripped down my collarbone, warm and slow. I could activate it. Lock in whatever power the old king left behind.