Chapter 42 · The Mark That Calls Them

"Pick someone, Mara." The black command burned across her palm. "Name the sacrifice, or the gates will choose for you."

"Go to hell." Mara slammed her marked hand against the judgment table.

The stone answered with a pulse. Every execution gate beneath Greyharbor groaned at once.

Dax caught her wrist before she could strike again. His fingers closed around the black lines spreading over her skin, hot enough to make her flinch. Blood darkened the side of his shirt, but he still had enough strength to pull her against his chest and turn his back toward the opening doors.

"Stop fighting the table," he said. "It wants your hand on it."

"Then take yours back."

"I tried."

"Try harder."

Another gate slammed open below them. The sound rolled through the chamber like iron dragged over bone. Somewhere under the platform, people screamed. The noise hit Mara's teeth before it reached her ears.

Dax shoved her behind him. "Stay behind me."

"You don't get to order me around because the city finally noticed you're bleeding."

"The city noticed you. That's worse."

"You said the black vow was yours."

"It was."

"And now it's in my hand."

"I know.