Chapter 24 · I'm not daring you. I'm telling you what happens

"I'm not daring you. I'm telling you what happens."

"You think I won't pull the trigger because you're useful?"

"No. I think you won't pull it because you're afraid."

The pistol trembled.

Only once. Barely.

But he felt it.

Sila leaned closer until the barrel shifted from his jaw to the center of his forehead. Her breath touched his lips. Her eyes were bright now, and one tear slipped free before she could turn her face away.

"Say that again," she whispered.

"You're afraid."

"Of you?"

"Of what happens if I die."

"I should be afraid of you."

"You are."

"You're enjoying this?"

"No."

"Then stop looking at me like that."

Kael's hand stayed on the switch. "Like what?"

"Like you already know I won't shoot."

"I know you won't shoot yet."

"Yet."

"You still need an answer."

She pressed the gun into his forehead. The metal was cold. Her fingers were warm around the grip.

"Here's your answer," she said. "If you take control and hurt one person in my camp, I put a round through you before you can blink."

"The system won't let you."

"Then I'll find a way.