Chapter 65 · It was never only about you

"It was never only about you."

The words struck lower than she expected.

Cassian reached past her and grabbed a brass surgical hook from the table. He cut a line across his palm. Dark blood welled instantly, too thick and bright at the edges.

Sylvia caught his wrist. "What are you doing?"

"Making the decoy."

"With your blood?"

"With the part of me they can track."

"You said it would make you weaker."

"I lied."

"You lied badly."

"You still believed me."

She pressed a clean cloth to his palm. His breath hitched. The reaction was small, but the bond carried it through her bones.

Cassian looked at the cloth, then at her hand over it.

"You should let go," he said.

"You should stop bleeding on my supplies."

"You sound worried."

"I sound annoyed."

"Your hands are shaking."

"Because you're making a mess."

He bent his head until his mouth was near her ear. "Liar."

Her fingers tightened around his wrist. "Keep pushing and I'll prove how steady they are."

"How?"

"By stitching your mouth shut."

A laugh almost escaped him.