Chapter 8 · You don't know that

"No."

"You don't know that."

"I know plague magic."

"You know what the Court told you."

His face tightened. "You think I became an enforcer because I enjoy wearing their leash?"

"I think people with power always find a way to call their leash a choice."

He leaned in, one hand braced beside her head.

"You want the limiter off? Fine. Walk ten steps away from me."

"That's all?"

"Try it."

Mara stepped forward.

The chain pulled.

Pain ripped through her shoulder. She grabbed the wall.

Riven caught her before she hit the floor.

"Ten steps," he reminded her.

"I hate this thing."

"Now you understand why I hate it too."

"You don't look very sorry."

"If I looked sorry, would you forgive me?"

"No."

"Then I will save my energy."

She shoved him away. "Find the records."

"What records?"

"The plague files. You said your mother—"

"Your mother."

"You know what I mean. Find them."

Riven studied her face. "You believe she worked here."

"I believe you know more than you are saying."

"I know her name appears in a sealed record. I don't know why."

"Then open it."

"The archive is below us."

"Good.