Chapter 48 · Because the bond is splitting

She looked at him.

"Why?"

"Because the bond is splitting."

The iron tether between them had turned white-hot. One link cracked down the middle.

Seraphina reached for him, but the force between the core and the wound tore her backward.

Raven lunged and caught her wrist.

The impact drove them both into the floor. Her body landed half across his. Her armor dug into his chest. Her face stopped inches from his.

"Don't let go," she said.

"Wasn't planning to."

"You always say that before doing something reckless."

"Then keep your eyes open."

"Why?"

"So you can complain about it afterward."

Her fingers locked around his.

The holy mark flared through her glove. Ash rushed from his palm into hers, then back again. Their power mixed at the point of contact, gold turning gray, gray turning bright white.

Seraphina sucked in a sharp breath.

"That feels wrong."

"Everything about us feels wrong."

"You could have picked a less insulting answer."

"I was under pressure."

"You are always under pressure."

"You keep putting me there."

"Because you're strongest when cornered."

"And you like watching me fight my way out."

Her eyes flashed.

"Don't flatter yourself."

"Your pulse says otherwise.