Chapter 18 · The Traitor Takes Her Side

"Put the prisoner on her knees."

Before I could even reach the doors, a guard's hand slammed into my shoulder. His fingers dug right into the bruise Kael had left there during our last fight. White pain exploded across my vision.

I didn't think. I just drove my elbow back into his ribs.

He grunted, stumbling away. I spun to hit him again, but Kael caught my wrist.

His palm locked around me—hot, hard, and absolute. His face was a mask, but his thumb pressed hard against my pulse, feeling every frantic beat.

"Don't," he said.

"Get your hand off me."

"Not until you stop trying to start a riot."

"They dragged me into an execution chamber, Kael. What did you expect? A thank-you note?"

The guard recovered, raising his shock baton. Kael stepped between us so fast the weapon stopped inches from his chest.

"Lower it," Kael commanded.

The guard went pale. "Enforcer Mercer, the order came from the council."

"I heard it."

"Then move."

Kael didn't budge. His fingers still gripped my wrist, and the black mark at the base of his throat pulsed. My own ribs tightened in a sympathetic, agonizing surge.

I yanked against him.