Chapter 30 · The Blood Key

"Don't touch me." Cain caught my wrist before I reached his side. Blood seeped between his fingers.

"Ivy, move."

"You're bleeding through your hand."

"I said move."

"And I said you're bleeding." Behind us, the iron gate screamed as something slammed into it. Dust shook from the ceiling. Cain's grip tightened.

"The army's at the walls. You want to argue while they break through?"

"I want you out of this room before you turn on me." His eyes flashed gold.

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know exactly what happens when you lose control." I glanced at the blood soaking his palm.

"You tear through everyone close enough to reach." His jaw flexed.

"Then stop standing close enough." I stepped closer. Cain went still.

"Hold still."

"Ivy—" I caught his wrist with both hands and shoved his palm away from the wound. The cut sliced across his ribs, deep enough to steal his breath. His blood was too dark. Too hot. Steam curled off his skin.

"You need to bind this."

"It'll close."

"It isn't closing."

"Because your blood is fighting mine."

"Then let me help." His gaze dropped to my mouth. It lasted less than a second.