Chapter 20 · Sign in Blood

Silas is holding the second key like it's a scepter. Like he already won.

I can't move. The moonmark on my collarbone is burning so hot I think my skin might split open, and Ronan's on his knees three feet away with that red light pouring out of his chest like something's trying to claw its way free. The hounds are just staring at me. Not growling. Not circling. Just staring.

"Thank you, Mara," Silas says. His voice echoes off the tunnel walls. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to remember."

I try to pull the key away from the glass door but my hand won't listen. The red light is wrapping around my wrist like a chain.

"Let her go." Ronan's voice is wrecked. He's trying to stand but the seal inside him is flaring every time he moves. "You have what you want."

Silas laughs. It's a light sound. Almost friendly. "I have one key. The prison needs two."

He steps closer and I realize what he means.

The key in my hand. The seal in Ronan's chest.

And my blood.

"You're insane," I say. My voice comes out steadier than I feel.