Chapter 21 · she said

She moved to the nearest shelf and tore open a cabinet. The lock bit her fingers. She swore and struck it with the heel of her hand.

The cabinet popped open.

Inside sat dozens of gray pages, each sealed beneath a thin layer of glass.

Mara’s breath caught.

"There," she said. "The original vows."

Dax grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away as a spear of black stone punched through the shelf. The glass burst. Pages flew past Mara’s face.

One struck Dax in the chest.

The paper caught fire.

He roared and dropped to one knee.

Mara snatched the page away. The flame raced over her glove, then vanished before it touched her skin.

A fresh mark appeared on the paper.

ROURKE, DAX. OATH STATUS: CONSUMED.

Mara stared at it. "What does consumed mean?"

Dax pressed both hands to his side. Blood slipped between his fingers.

"It means the oath is done using me as a carrier."

"For what?"

"For whatever comes next."

"That’s not an answer."

"It’s the only one I have."

The shelf behind him collapsed.

Mara grabbed his arm. "Get up."

"I’m trying."

"Try harder."

He rose with a sharp breath, nearly dragging her into him.