Chapter 18 · Untitled Chapter

Adrian's hand clamped around my wrist before I could reach the door.

"We're leaving."

"You tried to kill me two minutes ago." I twisted against his grip. "You don't get to drag me anywhere."

"Facility Twelve. Underground Level Three. Cell Nine." His eyes were still black around the edges from Victor's curse. "Your father is there."

That stopped me.

Adrian pulled me into the back hall before the guards outside could see us. My ribs burned from the blood bond flare I'd forced through him, but I shoved the pain down and kept pace.

"You heard him?" I asked.

"Every word. Victor made sure of it. The whole speech was meant for me."

"Then tell me what he meant."

"I don't know yet. That's why we're going."

He moved through the Council building like he'd built it himself. He avoided cameras, cut through blind spots, and shoved open a service door without slowing. Six years as commander had taught him every weakness in the place.

Tonight, his own people were hunting us through it.

"Victor mentioned your deputy," I said. "Marcus. You know what he's doing?"

Adrian's jaw tightened. "Marcus runs detention. He's been my second for four years.