Chapter 24 · Oath of the Accomplices

"Get your hands off me, Kane."

Evelyn didn't just say it; she spat the words, her shoulder slamming into the narrow wall of the safehouse closet. We were packed in like sardines, the smell of old dust and damp concrete filling the tiny space. My chest was practically pressed against hers, and I could feel the erratic, fast drumming of her heart through the thin silk of her dress.

"Keep your voice down," I hissed, my hand still clamped firmly around her wrist. "The guards are still sweeping the perimeter. You want to get us both put in a soul-cage?"

She glared up at me, her eyes flashing in the sliver of light leaking through the door. "I can take care of myself. I don't need a Discard playing bodyguard."

I let out a sharp, dry laugh and tightened my grip just enough to make her wince. "A Discard who just pulled your ass out of a firing squad. Let's be real, Evelyn. Without me, you're just a very expensive chip in your father's game. With me? You've actually got a chance to flip the table."

She stopped struggling, but the tension didn't leave her.