Chapter 36 · The Forbidden Vault

"Move, Ivy." Silas caught my wrist before I could step away from the open door. "You wanted the truth. You're getting it now."

"You don't get to drag me anywhere after admitting I was part of your plan."

I twisted hard. His grip tightened, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind me who had the strength in this room. His thumb pressed against my pulse. Warm. Steady. Infuriating.

"Keep fighting me," he said, leaning close, "and Klaus's soldiers will find us before we reach the vault. Then you can explain to them why you failed to kill me."

My stomach clenched. "You heard the call."

"I heard every word."

"Then you know I never agreed to kill you."

"You didn't refuse, either."

His eyes stayed on mine. Dark. Sharp. Too close. I could feel his breath brush my cheek, and the stupidest part of me noticed that it wasn't as cold as his voice.

I yanked my wrist again. "Let go."

"Say you trust me."

I laughed once. "You really picked now to become funny?"

"Say it."

"I trust you about as far as I can throw you."

His mouth pulled tight. "You couldn't throw me.