Chapter 29 · Mara stopped at the last step. Riven hit

Mara stopped at the last step.

Riven hit her from behind, one arm locking across her ribs. His mouth came close to her ear.

“Don’t breathe too deep.”

“That would’ve been useful before we ran through the ash.”

“The ash isn’t the problem.”

A low scrape moved through the platform.

Every dead head turned toward them.

Mara felt the vow pull tight inside her chest.

Riven sucked in a breath.

The gray line on her arm jumped another inch.

“What did you do?” she whispered.

“Nothing.”

“Your blood is moving.”

“So is yours.”

The nearest corpse stepped onto the first rail.

Riven pushed Mara behind a pillar and drew his sword.

“You’re staying here,” he said.

“Try ordering me again.”

“I’m not ordering you.”

“You’re using that tone.”

“I’m telling you what happens if you come out.”

“And what happens?”

“The vow is already eating your strength. If I take a serious wound, it may take your memories next.”

Mara stared at him.

“Which memories?”

“The ones tied to the bond.”

“That means nothing.”

“It means you could forget why you hate me.”

The words landed harder than they should have.

Riven’s gaze held hers.