Chapter 9 · The Same Sentence

"You have three seconds to tell me why my sister's name is carved under the city." Sera's blade pressed against my throat before I could take another step.

I kept both hands where she could see them. The wall behind us had dropped into the floor, exposing a narrow stairwell cut straight through black stone. Each step carried the same stamped command.

TAKE NIA TO THE CORE.

"Three seconds?" I asked. "That's generous."

"Two."

"Because someone built this place for her."

Her grip tightened. The edge kissed my skin. A hot line of blood slid beneath my collar.

"Try again."

"Fine. Someone built it for your father, and your sister got dragged into the middle. Better?"

Sera's eyes went cold. Not angry. Worse. Focused.

"You knew this stairwell existed."

"I knew there was a sealed route beneath the old foundry. I didn't know it would open when your blood hit the lock."

"My blood didn't hit the lock."

"Your palm did. Same basic idea."

She shoved me back against the stone. Her shoulder struck my chest, close enough that I felt the heat of her through both our coats.