Chapter 25 · I know what she isn't

"I know what she isn't."

The envoy grinned. "A loyal woman?"

Rayne slammed his face into the mud again.

"Enough," I gasped.

He turned toward me, blood streaking his knuckles. "He keeps talking."

"That's what men do when they think a cage makes them strong."

For half a second, Rayne's mouth almost moved.

Not a smile. Nothing soft. Just the smallest break in his control.

The lock burned hotter.

I curled over my hand. My claws tore through my gloves. The bone key had started to melt into my palm, sinking beneath the skin.

"Sera!" Rayne barked.

"Get off me."

"No."

"You're making it worse."

"Then tell me how to help."

The answer scraped up my throat. "Give me your blood."

His expression changed.

The envoy went quiet.

Rayne lowered his voice. "How much?"

"Enough to drown out Cole's command."

"What does that mean?"

"It means the lock has to choose between your claim and his."

His eyes held mine. Gold against gray. Close enough for me to feel his breath touch my cheek.

"You want me to claim you?"

"I want you to give me a weapon. Don't twist it into something pretty."

"I don't do pretty."

"Good.