Chapter 19 · The Vessel and the Void

“Get out of my head!” Mara screamed. She slammed her shoulder into the cold marble pillar, the impact jarring her teeth.

It wasn't a flashback. It was a haunting. She could still feel the Ash Crown on her brow—freezing, heavy, smelling of old blood. In the vision, her own hand had been steady. The blade had been inches from a sleeping boy’s throat.

“Mara, look at me!”

Cael lunged. He grabbed her wrists, his palms scorching against her trembling skin. He yanked her away from the pillar, forcing her to meet his eyes. He looked wrecked—blood smeared across his jaw, chest heaving—but his gaze was the only thing keeping her grounded.

“Is it true?” she gasped, wrenching her arms. “Did I do it? Did I start this whole fucking nightmare?”

Cael didn’t let go. He pulled her closer, his breath ghosting over her lips. He smelled of ozone and iron. “The memories the King feeds you are lies, Mara. Distortions. He doesn't want the truth.”

He leaned in, his voice a dangerous low. “He wants a vessel. He wants *you*.”

“Why me?” she spat. Her heart hammered against her ribs. “I’m a hunter. I clear trash from sealed districts.