Chapter 14 · The Eye in the Pouch

"Kneel, assassin."

Lucian Creed's boot slammed between Vera's shoulder blades and drove her onto the black stone.

Her palms struck hard. Silver burns raced up her arms, but she kept her face turned away from the armed men surrounding her.

Not because Lucian scared her.

Because the body at his feet wore Lieutenant Soren's coat.

The coat was soaked black. One sleeve hung open. Soren's metal insignia lay bent beneath Lucian's heel.

"You heard him," a guard said. "Show the commander what obedience looks like."

Vera dug her fingers into the stone. "Get your boot off me."

Lucian leaned closer. His warm breath brushed her ear. "Still giving orders? That's adorable."

Across the chamber, Rafe stood beside the iron hearth with his hands loose at his sides.

Too loose.

His jaw ticked once. A thin red line marked his palms where his nails had cut into them.

No weapon. No step forward.

If he moved, the black brand beneath Vera's collarbone would flare.