Chapter 14 · You work for whoever holds the key to your cage

"You work for whoever holds the key to your cage."

Kael stepped between Julian's knees. "Then unlock it."

Julian looked up at him.

The air felt too tight. Kael could see the pulse beating beneath Julian's jaw. He could feel the cool air moving between them, not enough to break the heat gathering under his skin.

"You want freedom?" Julian asked.

"I want the contract gone."

"Same thing."

"Not to me."

"Why?"

"Because freedom doesn't mean anything if Mira stays dead."

Julian's expression hardened again, but his hand remained wrapped around Kael's.

"You're still trying to save her."

"I'm trying to find out what happened to her."

"You know what happened."

"I know what they told me. That's different."

Julian went quiet.

Kael noticed.

"What do you know?"

"Nothing."

"You just went silent."

"I always go silent."

"Not when I ask about her."

Julian pulled his hand free.

Kael caught his chin and turned his face back. The move was reckless. Julian could have broken his fingers. Instead, Julian stayed still, eyes fixed on him.

"Tell me," Kael said.

"Take your hand off me."

"Tell me the truth."

"You don't know what you're asking."

"I know exactly what I'm asking."