Chapter 25 · Cracks in the Shadow

"Get away from me!"

Sloane hissed it, but the edge was gone. Her voice sounded brittle. Like old glass about to shatter.

She was backed into the corner of the dim study, the black envelope still shaking in her grip. The 'Thorn Eye' seal stared back at us. One little piece of wax, and the most dangerous woman in the Eternal Night Capital had turned into a trembling wreck.

I didn't listen. I stepped closer, boots clicking on the cold stone. Ozone and old ink clung to her.

"You're terrified," I said. "Not of the letter. Of who sent it."

"You know nothing about them!" She snapped, finally looking up. Her eyes were bloodshot, pupils blown wide. "If they find you here, Julian, they won't just kill you. They'll peel your mind apart layer by layer just to see how you tick. Now get out!"

I didn't move. I reached out and clamped my fingers around her wrist. Ice cold. Her pulse hammered against my thumb—fast, erratic, like a trapped bird.

"Look at me," I commanded. "Who are they?"

Sloane tried to jerk away. I held fast.