Chapter 32 · I can if I own the hand that signed it

"I can if I own the hand that signed it."

Silas's voice went quiet. "You don't own her."

Klaus turned to him. "You bought her."

The words hit harder than a slap.

Silas didn't blink.

I felt his hand close around mine under the table. His palm was hot. His fingers locked with mine, firm enough to keep me still.

"Say it again," he said.

Klaus's smile vanished. "You heard me. Her father traded her for peace. You accepted the trade. Don't dress it up as protection now."

Silas leaned forward. "You brought her here to use her as a knife. You don't get to complain when the knife turns."

"She isn't turning on me. She's turning on you."

Klaus looked at me. "Tell him."

My mouth went dry.

Silas's thumb moved over my knuckles. Once. Slow. A reminder that he was there.

It shouldn't have comforted me.

It did.

I pulled my hand free. "I don't need to tell him anything."

"You will."

"Or what? You'll send another letter to my father? Threaten to burn down the house he already abandoned?"

Klaus's face tightened.

Good.

I stood and leaned over the table. "You want the southern gate? Fine.