Chapter 32 · I can't go out there

She stood in the middle of the passage, shaking so badly her teeth clicked. The cracks had reached her cheek. Purple light leaked from them in thin, pulsing lines.

"I can't go out there."

"You can."

"No, I can't." She pressed both hands to her temples. "There are too many voices."

"Then listen to mine."

"Your voice is the loudest one."

"Good. Follow it."

"It's telling me to kill you."

The words landed between them.

Cane stepped closer.

Lyra lifted her hands. "I warned you."

"You also warned me not to come closer. You need to pick a threat and stick with it."

"I'm serious."

"So am I."

He moved until her back touched the tunnel wall. He kept his blade lowered, but he didn't put it away. His free hand braced beside her head.

She stared at the knife.

"That's your plan? Corner me and hope I behave?"

"No. My plan is to keep you angry."

"Why?"

"Because you fight when you're angry. You surrender when you're afraid."

Her breath caught. He saw her throat move beneath the black lines.

"You think you know me now?"

"I know you keep saving me and calling it strategy.