Chapter 16 · Grind, Loot, Survive - Chapter 16: Trust is a Luxury

"Step away from him. Now." Selene's blade was already at my throat before I even saw her move.

"Whoa. Hey. Personal space?" I choked out. My back hit the crates. Cold steel kissed my skin.

"Don't," she snapped. Her eyes didn't leave mine. They flicked to Bram for half a second. "Both of you. Hands where I can see them. What is that?"

Bram had his hands up. The fake exit pass was still warm in my palm. Like, literally warm. Forged sigil ink buzzing against my skin.

"It's nothing," I said. "It's a — it's a coupon. For soup."

"Soup," Selene said flatly. "You think I'm stupid, Milo?"

"I think you're really, really fast with that knife," I said. "And I think we should talk about this like adults."

She pressed the flat of the blade harder. Not cutting. Yet. Her forearm was right against my chest. I could feel how pissed she was. Like heat coming off her.

"You went to him," she said. Her voice dropped. Low and dangerous. "After I told you not to. After I told you the Council tracks forged passes."

"You told me not to die," I shot back.