Chapter 16 · The Twin Blades

"Show me where she's sealed." I shoved the blue flame toward Calian's chest. "Right now."

His hand closed around my wrist before I could touch the projection. His palm was hot against my bruised skin, too hot for a man who had nearly burned himself alive minutes ago.

"Seraphina, stop." His voice came out rough. "You don't know what that vault is doing."

"My mother just told me she's alive. You don't get to shut her up because the truth makes you nervous."

Behind him, the blue woman's face broke apart in the air. Her eyes stayed locked on mine.

"Don't trust the crowned wolf," my mother said. "He knew your blood could open the vault. He brought you here for it."

Calian's jaw tightened. "The projection is corrupted."

"Funny." I yanked against his grip. "It sounds clear to me."

"Your mother is trapped in a blood seal. The vault is feeding on her memory. It can make her say anything."

"She knew my name. She knew about the crown. She knew you used me.