Chapter 9 · Do that again

She hit him in the shoulder.

The blow sent pain through both of them.

"Do that again," he said, "and we both fall."

"Then stop talking."

"You are the one giving a lecture."

They reached the broken underside of the bridge. Raven hauled himself onto a narrow shelf. Seraphina climbed after him, and he caught her by the waist when her boot slid.

She landed against him. His hand stayed at her side for one second too long.

Her gaze dropped to it.

"Remove your hand."

"You are standing on it."

She looked down. His palm was trapped between her hip and the stone.

For once, she did not move right away.

The tether pulsed between them. Raven felt the quick beat in her throat. She felt his fingers tighten against the leather at her side.

"Commander," he said.

"Do not call me that."

"Then tell me what to call you."

"Nothing."

"That is going to make rescue awkward."

"There will be no rescue."

"You sound certain."

"The bells are sealing the lower tower. The guards above think we caused the collapse."

"Did we?"

"You started it."

"You stabbed me."

"You stole the spark."

"You tried to execute me.