Chapter 16 · Fake Vows, Real Betrayal

The executioners moved fast.

Two of them grabbed my arms before I could even think about running. Not that there was anywhere to go. The glass box dissolved the second Kane walked out, and now I was standing in the middle of the council floor with four enforcers closing in and everyone staring like I was already dead.

My arm was still bleeding from where they'd cut me for the memory extraction. The wound burned worse than it should have. Probably cursed. Everything in this place was cursed.

"Wait." Greaves held up one hand. "We do this clean. No mistakes."

Sable stepped forward, holding a thin silver collar. It looked delicate. Pretty, even. The kind of thing you'd see in a jewelry store.

I knew better.

"Blood binding," Sable said, her voice flat. "Severing a marriage bond requires both parties present, or the death of one. Since Kane has agreed to the latter, we proceed with execution protocol. The collar will drain the curse signature from your blood before your heart stops. That way, the bond breaks clean."

"How thoughtful," I said. My voice came out steadier than I expected. "You're really going the extra mile here.