Chapter 25 · Use the bond

He took my hand and placed it over the center of his chest again.

His pulse jumped under my palm.

"Use the bond," he said. "Not your power."

"The bond belongs to both of us."

"Exactly. Stop fighting me for one second."

"You first."

"I am."

His forehead touched mine.

The contact was light, almost nothing. It still made my breath catch.

"Close your eyes," he said.

"Absolutely not."

"Then watch me."

I did.

Julian's eyes stayed open as he reached into the bond. I felt him move through the connection, not forcing his way in this time. He offered me a path.

A door.

Behind it, the stolen fragment waited.

"If I take it," I said, "you lose your shield."

"I know."

"You lose your status."

"I know."

"The city will turn on you."

"It already has. It just hasn't noticed yet."

"And you still want me to do this?"

"I want you alive."

"That isn't the same thing."

"For me, it is."

I stared at him.

The bond gave me his fear again, sharper now. He wasn't afraid of losing his power.