Chapter 13 · He caught my hand before I could knot

He caught my hand before I could knot the bandage.

"Vesper."

The way he said my name changed the room.

Not the golden boy's polished voice. Not the League commander's voice. Just Julian. Tired. Close. Unprotected.

I hated how easily I heard the difference.

"What?" I asked.

"If I lose control, you have to stop me."

"I already do that."

"I mean it."

His thumb pressed against the back of my hand.

"The shield is connected to your old power. It may recognize you as its owner, but the contract has changed the channel. If it opens, it could use my mind as a bridge."

"You said the link carries damage."

"It carries everything."

"Then break the link."

"I can't."

"You won't."

"The contract is already sealed."

"You signed it."

"So did you."

"You forced my hand."

"You were about to die."

"And you decided owning me was better than letting me choose."

Something hard moved through his expression.

"I decided you staying alive was worth you hating me.