Chapter 27 · Make the Traitor Talk

"Let him go."

Halrik's voice came from the prince's throat, smooth and wrong. The kid stood at the edge of the arena floor, hands loose at his sides, head tilted like he was watching something amusing. Red light pulsed in his eyes.

Kira didn't lower her blade. "You first."

"I don't think so." The prince's mouth curved into a smile that didn't belong to him. "You want answers? Drop the sword. Walk over here. Kneel."

Vex was still leaning against the wall behind her, breathing hard. The maze had collapsed five minutes ago, but his ribs were cracked and his face was gray. He wouldn't last another fight.

Kira flipped the sword in her grip. "How about I cut the strings instead?"

"You could try." Halrik made the prince step forward. The red glow brightened. "But you know what happens if you kill him. The day resets. You wake up in your cell. And I'll still be here, pulling the threads."

"Not if you confess first."

That got a laugh. The prince's shoulders shook with it, but the sound was all Halrik. "Confess to who? The crowd? They're paid off. The king? He's halfway to signing your execution order.