Chapter 18 · But you used them

"But you used them."

"I tried to save them."

"That's what people say when the dead can't argue."

The pact twisted.

Cillian felt Kane's anger burn through his chest, hot and clean. It mixed with his own until he couldn't tell which one belonged to whom. His hand shook around the folder.

Lilith saw it. Of course she did.

"There," she said. "That's the reaction. The pact doesn't just share pain. It strips the lies out of both sides."

Kane turned toward Cillian. "Is that why you keep touching me?"

"I keep touching you because the curse spikes when you panic."

"You could answer the question."

"I did."

"No, you dodged it."

"You're welcome to die while we discuss my motives."

Kane stepped closer. "You think I won't?"

"I think you want to. You just want me standing here when it happens."

The words came out too sharp. Cillian regretted them before Kane's expression changed.

Kane shoved him back against the table.

Metal struck Cillian's spine. Kane's forearm pressed across his chest, not enough to hurt, but enough to make the power between them impossible to ignore.