Chapter 11 · You have no idea what I'm looking for

Julian's grip tightened in the coat fabric.

"You have no idea what I'm looking for."

"Then tell me."

"I need you to finish the treatment."

"You need me to cut open your cursed bones and keep you from turning into a statue. That's not the same thing."

"It is tonight."

Julian's fingers trembled once.

Kael felt it. So did Julian. He released the coat like it had burned him and stepped back.

A thin crack sounded from inside Julian's chest.

Both men froze.

Julian looked down.

A pale line had appeared beneath the skin just below his collarbone. It ran sideways, clean and sharp, like a fracture spreading through glass.

Kael's training took over before fear could stop it. He dropped the saw and crossed the room.

Julian raised a hand. "Don't touch me."

"Take off your coat."

"No."

"Your skin is splitting."

"I noticed."

"Then stop standing there like an idiot."

"You don't give orders here."

"Fine. Keep the coat on and die in it. Saves me the trouble."

Julian's eyes flashed. "You enjoy this."

"I enjoy being right. Move."

Another crack snapped through the room.

Julian caught the edge of the table. His knuckles went white.