Chapter 10 · The Two-Handed Oath

"Hold still, Sula."

Kaiser's marrow drill rested against the base of my spine. One push, and the silver tip would bite through skin, muscle, and bone.

I kept both hands flat on the black table. The metal was cold enough to numb my fingers, but his breath touched the side of my neck, warm and steady.

"You keep saying that like I have a reason to trust you."

"You don't need trust." His thumb dragged over the drill's handle. "You need to answer one question."

"Then ask it without threatening to hollow me out."

"What blood runs in your bones?"

I turned my head as far as the drill allowed. Kaiser stood behind me in a dark coat, his pale hair tied at the nape. His eyes looked calm. They always did when he was lying, cutting someone open, or deciding where to bury them.

"You already know the answer," I said. "Morton blood."

His mouth tightened. "That's the answer written on your papers."

"Then read them harder."

The drill pressed closer.

Pain flashed down my back. I bit the inside of my cheek and tasted blood.

Kaiser leaned in. His chest brushed my shoulder blade.