Chapter 11 · Steal the Starlight - Chapter 11: The File at the Door

"Drop the file, Cade, or I’ll put you through that wall," Wren snapped. She didn't move, but the golden light around her knuckles was humming, vibrating with a frequency that made the air in the small apartment feel like it was about to ignite.

Cade didn't even flinch. He just leaned against the doorframe, holding the manila folder with a casual, infuriating grace. "Always so dramatic, Wren. The cameras love it, but I’m starting to find it tedious."

I tried to stand, but my legs felt like wet cardboard. The black veins were still receding from my wrist, but the skin there felt raw, like someone had poured acid over it. I could still feel Wren’s warmth from a few minutes ago—the way her hand had held mine, the sheer, terrifying power of her light.

It had saved me, but now it felt like a lie. Because Cade was here. And Cade didn't bring paperwork unless someone was about to be erased.

"What is that?" I croaked, my voice sounding like I'd swallowed a handful of glass.

Cade finally looked at me. His eyes weren't kind.