Chapter 30 · You knew it was keyed?

The weapon in Cane's hand pulsed red.

Lyra stared at it. "You knew it was keyed?"

"No."

"He knew."

"I didn't know."

"You kept the blade from me. You kept the heatstone from me. What else did you—"

"I was trying to keep you alive."

"By hiding the only things that can control this place?"

"By keeping Silas from knowing what we had."

"He already knows!"

Silas laughed softly. "She understands faster than you, Cane. Maybe that is why the throne chose her."

Lyra's grip fell away from Cane's belt.

He caught her hand. "Don't."

"Don't touch me."

"You're listening to him."

"I'm listening because you won't tell me anything."

"I told you the truth."

"You told me pieces. The safe pieces. The pieces that let you keep making decisions for both of us."

Cane leaned close. "You want the ugly version? Fine. Your curse is reacting to my blood. The throne is reacting to both of us. If you go near it alone, it will use you as a key and leave me dead on the floor."

Lyra's expression went still.

"And if I go with you?"

"It takes us together."

"That's your plan?"

"No.