Chapter 13 · And you’re enjoying this too much

His stare sharpened. "And you’re enjoying this too much."

"Maybe I enjoy seeing you cornered."

"Maybe you enjoy being close enough to feel when I’m afraid."

The words hung between them.

Mara’s grip slipped for half a second.

Riven used the moment to turn the knife aside, but he didn’t release her. Their hands locked against the wall. His shoulder pressed into hers. The heat of him was unfair in the freezing metal room.

"You’re not afraid of the plague," she said.

"No."

"You’re afraid of whoever moved it."

His expression went still.

There. A hit.

Mara leaned closer. "Who betrayed you?"

"Careful."

"Your officer? Your court? The pretty nobles who sent you into the ash and forgot to bring you back?"

"You don’t know anything about the Night Court."

"I know they put a price on your head. I know you’re wanted alive by half the city and dead by the other half. I know you dragged me into this because you needed a shield."

"You came for the bounty."

"I came for your head."

"And now you’re saving my life."

"Don’t make it sentimental. I need you alive until you pay me."

A sound rose from below them.