Chapter 18 · The Brass Oath - Chapter 18: Blood Echoes

"Do not let go of me." Cain's hand clamped around Mara's wrist as the stone beneath them split open. "If the oath breaks, you fall alone."

"Then stop making me fall."

The floor dropped another six inches.

Mara's shoulder slammed into Cain's chest. His other arm locked around her waist before she could slide into the black gap below. Brass dust punched into her eyes. Somewhere under the ruined altar, gears screamed against each other.

Cain grunted. "You want to argue or live?"

"I can do both. Move your elbow."

"That is not my elbow."

Something hot pressed under her ribs.

Mara looked down. The sigil burned through her shirt, three sharp rings of red light turning faster and faster. The pain climbed into her throat.

"Cain."

His grip tightened. "I know."

"No, you do not. It is speeding up."

"I said I know."

The altar gave way.

They dropped together.

Mara hit the lower platform hard enough to bite her tongue. Cain landed on top of her, his weight knocking the air out of her lungs. For one breath, his face hovered inches from hers. Dust streaked his cheek.