Chapter 10 · I consent to the tether

She looked down. Their blood had become one dark line between their palms.

"I consent to the tether," she said. "I consent to shared damage and shared pulse. I consent to five paces. I keep command of my body and my blade. You keep command of yours. Neither of us may deliberately harm the other unless the other tries to break the bond."

Raven frowned. "That last part is vague."

"It is meant to be."

"No. Make it clear."

"You are in no position to negotiate."

"You need my blood."

"I already have it."

"You need my agreement."

Her lips pressed into a hard line.

Raven leaned closer. Their joined hands burned between them. "Say it clearly, Commander. If you want me tethered to you, you do not get to hide a knife inside the words."

Her eyes flashed. "Neither of us may intentionally cause injury to the other, unless one of us is actively breaking the bond or placing both lives at risk."

"Better."

"Are you done?"

"One more."

"Of course."

"No orders that force the other to surrender without a choice."

She gave a humorless laugh.