Chapter 26 · And if he starts the ritual before I can operate?

"And if he starts the ritual before I can operate?"

Julian's fingers closed around the vial. "Then you cut me open while he's watching."

Kael's stomach tightened. "That's your plan?"

"It's yours now."

"You don't get to make me part of this."

"I already did."

A hard knock struck the door.

"Open the chamber!" Silas shouted from the other side. "By order of the High Church!"

Julian moved between Kael and the door. He shoved the vial into Kael's palm and closed Kael's fingers around it.

His hand stayed there.

Cold fingers covered Kael's knuckles. Blood marked the space between them.

"Don't drop it," Julian said.

"Don't die."

"That sounds like an order."

"It is."

Julian leaned close enough that Kael felt his breath against his ear. "Then make me obey."

The words hit harder than they should have.

Kael pulled his hand free and shoved the vial inside his coat. "Get on the table."

"You said you needed six hours."

"I lied."

"How long?"

"Until you stop arguing."

"That could take all night."

"Then we both suffer."

Julian's smile showed no humor, but his eyes stayed on Kael's mouth for one extra beat.