Chapter 31 · The Altar Gamble

"Put the knife down, Ivy." Cain's voice cracked across the chamber, shaking dust from the carved ceiling.

I pressed the blade harder against my palm.

"Tell him to stop the fires."

The black crystal above the altar pulsed. Silas's face sharpened inside it, pale and smiling. Orange light flickered across his eyes.

"Do it," Silas said. "Cut deep enough, and the altar will take what I need."

Cain stepped between me and the crystal. His shoulders blocked half the image, but I could still see the three red marks burning across its surface.

Three fires.

Three districts.

Hundreds of people trapped behind them.

"You heard him," Cain growled. "He wants your blood."

"I heard him threaten a city."

"And you believe he'll stop once he gets it?"

"No." My fingers tightened around the knife. "I believe he'll burn the city faster if I stand here arguing with you."

Cain turned his head. His eyes were still dark, but gold glimmered beneath them.