Chapter 29 · That's a warning

She shoved him onto his back. "That's a warning."

Raven laughed once, then grabbed his side when the movement hurt.

Seraphina glanced at his hand. "How bad?"

"You care now?"

"Answer me."

"Not dead."

"That isn't what I asked."

"Then ask a better question."

She leaned over him, close enough that her braid brushed his shoulder. "Can you fight?"

"Can you?"

"I asked first."

"Then yes."

"Can you fight without using that ash?"

Raven looked toward the passage. The black dust had vanished into his skin, leaving the veins on his forearms dark and hot.

"Probably."

"Probably isn't good enough."

"You're welcome to carry me."

Her mouth tightened. "Don't tempt me."

A low mechanical rumble rolled through the ruins.

Seraphina rose and scanned the shattered ceiling. "That wasn't the hunters."

"No."

The passage behind them sealed with a slab of iron.

Raven pushed himself upright. "We were supposed to go down there."

"Maybe the door changed its mind."

"Doors don't have minds."

"You just fed one your soul. Don't tell me what it can do."

The rumble grew louder.

Broken glass trembled across the floor.