Chapter 14 · Hostage Under the Ash Crown

"Touch my brother again, and I swear I'll tear your saint-mask off with my bare hands." My knife stayed under Celeste Rook's jaw, but three guns aimed at my ribs.

Celeste smiled like I'd complimented her crown.

"You always did make threats you couldn't afford to keep, Mara."

Across the black-stone altar, my brother strained against the silver cuffs biting into his wrists. Blood ran down one side of his face. His eyes found mine, wide and furious.

"Don't trade for me," Adrian rasped. "She's baiting you."

"I know."

"Then stop looking at me like you're about to do something stupid."

"That's rich coming from the guy tied to an altar."

Julian's hand closed around my wrist before I could press the blade deeper. His palm burned against my skin. His other hand held the gold vessel we'd stolen from the vault.

"Mara," he murmured. "Look at me."

"Get your hand off me."

"Not until you stop aiming that knife at the only person in this room who wants your brother breathing."

I twisted. Julian caught me from behind, his chest brushing my shoulder blades, his breath warm against my ear.

"You led us here.