Chapter 48 · I just did

"I just did."

Augustus twisted her arm behind her back.

Pain shot up to her shoulder. The shard nearly fell.

Cassian's presence surged through her, hot against the cold pressure of Augustus's grip.

"Break his thumb," he said.

"Working on it."

"No. Now."

Sylvia stomped on Augustus's foot and drove her heel down.

He swore.

His grip shifted. She tore free, spun, and slashed across his sleeve. The blade opened the fabric and left a bright line of blood along his forearm.

The room went still for one sharp second.

Augustus looked at the cut.

Then he smiled.

"There you are," he murmured. "The surgeon who ruined herself for forbidden work. Still choosing violence when skill would serve you better."

"My skill is the reason you're still alive."

"Your skill is the reason your mother is dying."

He snapped his fingers.

The silver ring around her mother's throat tightened.

Her mother's body jerked against the table.

"Stop!" Sylvia shouted.

"Then suture the seal."

"I need instruments."

Augustus kicked a metal case across the floor. It burst open beside her boots. Needles, thread, clamps, and a narrow surgical blade scattered over the stone.

"You have everything you need."

"Not time.