Chapter 19 · The Deal Behind the North Wall

"Don't move." Marcus's rifle settled against Reina's chest before she could take another step.

She stopped with both hands raised. Behind her, the north wall's sealed gate pulsed blue through the moss. The wards had been dead for twenty years. Someone had woken them.

"I'm not armed."

"You don't need a weapon." Marcus kept the barrel trained on her. "You've been feeding the Veil my moves. Every loop. Every trap. Every place I thought was safe."

Her fingers spread wider. "How long have you known?"

"Long enough to follow you here."

"Then you know why I'm here."

"I know you disappeared from the watchtower and left me a note telling me to stay away." He took one step forward. Gravel cracked beneath his boot. "That usually means trouble. Start talking."

Reina's eyes flicked to the gate. "The Veil has my mother and my sister."

"You told me they died six years ago."

"I told you what I needed you to believe."

The answer hit harder than a bullet. Marcus didn't lower the rifle. "So this is the part where you open the gate for them?"

"For the package." Her voice stayed level, but her thumb kept rubbing against her palm.