Chapter 20 · And if the bounty paid enough to free my brother?

"I took the contract because Vale wanted you captured. I wanted to know why."

"And if the bounty paid enough to free my brother?"

His expression shifted at last.

"That was part of the contract."

"You knew about my brother too."

"Everyone in the Court knows about the prison debt."

"Do not say everyone. Say his name."

Riven looked at her. "Jonas."

Mara's knife was out before she thought about it. She shoved him against the tower door and pressed the blade beneath his jaw.

The steel bar rattled behind his shoulders.

"Say what you know about him."

Riven did not fight her. His hands stayed open at his sides, though the bond pulled tight between them.

"Jonas Voss was moved to Blackstone Prison six days ago."

"Why?"

"Vale ordered it."

"For what charge?"

"Unlicensed curse work."

"He cannot cast."

"The Court does not care."

"You can get him out."

"Maybe."

"Do not give me maybe."

"I can get him out if I survive the curse, if the city opens, and if Vale does not kill us first."

"Then you better survive."

His throat moved against the blade.

"That sounds like concern again."

"That sounds like a threat.