Chapter 23 · Pick a Side, Kael

"Drop the drive, Mara. Now."

Kael’s voice wasn’t a request. It was a blade. He had me pinned against the cold metal of the console, his forearm crushing my collarbone. Just enough to let me know he could snap it if he wanted.

Ozone and burnt wiring filled the air. His breath was warm against my cheek—a dangerous contrast to the ice in his eyes.

"Get off me," I spat. I clutched the encrypted drive to my chest. My fingers were shaking, but not from fear. It was the Black Ledger Bond. The shared energy hummed, a low vibration that made my teeth ache and my skin prickle where he touched me.

"You’re not thinking straight," Kael muttered. He didn't budge. Instead, he leaned in, his chest brushing mine with every breath.

"You leak this file, and the Council won't just execute you. They'll erase everyone you've ever spoken to in Glasshaven. Including Noah."

I let out a jagged laugh. "Oh, so now you care about collateral? You were fine with my mother being a footnote in Cyrus Grant's ledger. Why the change of heart, Kael?