Chapter 34 · The Iron-and-Ash Pact

"Where did you get that mark?" Young Kael grabbed the front of Seraph’s coat and shoved her against the scorched stone.

His grip was too tight for a boy. His fingers dug into her collarbone. The phoenix mark on his chest burned through his torn shirt, bright enough to paint his face gold.

Seraph caught his wrist. "Let go."

"You said you died seventeen times." His eyes stayed locked on hers. Gray. Sharp. Already dangerous. "You said my name like you knew what I became."

"I know what you become when you stop asking questions."

His jaw clenched. "Then answer this one. Why is your mark on me?"

The floor shook under them.

A beam crashed down behind Seraph. Sparks burst across the ruined chamber, and Kael reacted before she could. He dragged her against his chest and turned his back to the falling stone.

The impact drove the air from him.

"Kael!"

"I’m fine."

"You’re bleeding again."

"I said I’m fine."

"And I said you’re a terrible liar. Move."

She shoved him aside and pulled him toward the broken archway. His hand caught hers before she got two steps.

"You’re not leaving me.