Chapter 11 · The Witness in the Shield

"Don't touch the shield."

Julian's hand stopped an inch above the black mark carved into its back.

I shoved him away from it anyway. My palm hit his chest, hard enough to make his coat buckle. He caught my wrist before I could pull back, his fingers locking around me with warm, brutal strength.

"You just told me not to touch it," he said.

"I changed my mind. Let go."

"You always change your mind when you're about to do something stupid."

"And you always grab me when you're afraid I'll find something you want buried. Funny how that works."

His jaw tightened. The psychic link between us pulled tight, hot and sharp behind my eyes. I felt his anger before I saw it. Worse, I felt the fear underneath.

Not fear for himself.

Fear of what the shield might show me.

I twisted my wrist. He held on.

"Julian."

"Vesper."

"If you don't let go, I break your thumb."

"You can try."

"I broke a League captain's shoulder with one hand."

"You were powered then."

That landed where he wanted it to. My gaze dropped to the thin silver line circling my wrist—the soul-bind.