Chapter 19 · The Heir Was Born to End Him

"Don't touch that door." Cain's hand slammed across my chest before my fingers reached the iron latch.

The force drove me back against the altar wall. Cold stone hit my shoulders. Cain blocked the only exit, close enough that his breath brushed my mouth.

"Move."

"You heard the chains."

"I heard something outside."

"Exactly."

Red light crawled over the chamber walls. The seal under my boots pulsed like a second heart.

Claw marks scored Cain's fingers. His gaze stayed on the door.

I shoved his chest.

He didn't move.

"You don't get to lock me in here and act like my keeper," I snapped.

"I'm keeping you alive."

"You call this alive? You dragged me into a tomb, threatened to break my neck, and tied our blood to a curse I never agreed to."

His jaw tightened. "You agreed when you cut your hand."

"I was trying to stop you from killing me. That's not consent. That's panic."

For one sharp second, the red light cut across his face. His eyes darkened at the edges. A rough sound rolled through his chest.

I lifted my chin. "Go ahead. Growl. Maybe the rocks will get scared.