Chapter 10 · The Witness Vault

"Don't move, Eli." Sera's blade pressed under my jaw. "The warrant just changed. You're not being arrested anymore. You're being executed."

I glanced past her shoulder. The brass notice board on the wall had split open, and a fresh sheet of black paper was sliding into place by itself.

My name burned across the top in silver ink.

ELI VOSS.

SERA VALE.

PUBLIC EXECUTION. JOINT SENTENCE.

"Together?" I asked.

"Try not to sound flattered."

"I'm touched the court finally wants us to share something."

Sera grabbed the front of my coat and shoved me against the iron filing cabinet. The metal slammed into my spine. Her body followed, close enough that I felt the heat of her through two layers of fabric. Her breath brushed my cheek, sharp and controlled.

"There are twelve wardens outside this room," she said. "Six more on the roof. The whole district saw that notice appear. If they catch us, they won't bother with a trial."

"Then stop holding me here and open the door."

Her eyes dropped to the black crack glowing beneath my shirt.

The curse under my skin pulsed once.

Sera's fingers tightened in my coat.