Chapter 20 · The Brass Oath - Chapter 20: Echoes of Betrayal

“Take your hand off her, Rook.”

The pistol pressed against Cain’s temple before Mara could turn around.

Cain froze with one hand around her wrist and the other braced against the brass door. His body blocked the narrow exit. His coat brushed Mara’s shoulder. Heat came off him in sharp waves, too close, too familiar, and his fingers tightened once around her pulse.

Then he let go.

“Commander Varrick,” Cain said.

Mara rubbed her wrist. “That’s your mentor?”

“Don’t move,” Varrick snapped.

“Wasn’t planning to. You’re doing a great job of making the room feel welcoming.”

Varrick stepped through the open hatch. Two Council soldiers followed him, masks sealed over their faces and shock rifles raised. The vacuum chamber had been built to kill illegal gear-magic by stripping air, sound, and heat from the room. Somehow, Mara could still hear her own heartbeat.

Cain moved half an inch in front of her.

Varrick’s pistol shifted toward Mara’s chest. “Step aside.”

“No,” Cain said.

The commander’s eyes narrowed. “That wasn’t a request.”

“Then you should’ve brought a better man.”

Mara glanced at Cain’s face. His jaw was locked.