Chapter 40 · You just told me to drink it

"You just told me to drink it."

"A mouthful. No more."

"And you call me reckless."

"You are reckless."

"You're controlling."

"Yes."

"That wasn't a compliment."

"I know."

For one stupid moment, the corner of his mouth lifted. His thumb was still around my wrist. His skin was colder than the vial.

Then the first alarm screamed.

The sound tore through the manor. Red lamps snapped on along the corridor outside. Guards shouted. Metal slammed against metal.

Julian released me and reached for the sword at his hip.

"What is that?" I asked.

"The west gate."

A second alarm joined the first.

Then a third.

The manor shook under a distant impact.

"Silas," Julian said.

"How many?"

"Enough."

He grabbed my coat and shoved me toward the hidden panel beside the fireplace.

I dug my heels into the floor. "No."

"Move."

"You said no guards inside."

"That was before the Inquisition breached the grounds."

"You knew they were coming."

"I suspected."

"You knew."

He slammed one hand against the panel. Stone clicked. A narrow opening appeared.

"Get in."

"What did you do?"

"I kept you alive."

"You keep using that excuse."

A crash exploded somewhere below us. Men yelled.