Chapter 26 · The Blood Chamber

"Get your hands off that brake, Commander, or the cannon fires."

Cedric's fingers were already locked around the iron lever.

The main cannon shook under his grip. Black metal groaned against the stone floor, and a thin line of red light crawled along its barrel. The weapon had turned past the northern wall. Its aim now pointed straight at the White Candle Assembly's capital.

Behind him, two guards held a deputy on his knees.

Evelyn stopped at the chamber entrance with her knife hidden under her sleeve and blood burning under her skin. The deputy's face was swollen. One eye had been sealed shut. The other found her, and fear cracked across it.

Cedric looked over his shoulder. His jaw was tight enough to hurt.

"You weren't supposed to come in here."

"You say that every time you need me somewhere dangerous."

"This isn't a game."

"No. It's your cannon. Why is it pointing at the capital?"

The deputy laughed through split lips. "Because the blood key woke up."

Cedric jerked the lever back. The cannon screamed.