Chapter 24 · Paid in Blood

"I'm taking it," Iris said.

She stood between me and Morrow, both hands wrapped around the hilt of a blade I'd never seen her carry. The metal was black, the kind that didn't catch light. Blood dripped from her knuckles where she'd cut herself drawing it.

"The hell you are." I grabbed her wrist. "Step back."

"Seven jobs, Cade." Her voice didn't shake. "You did them. Now I pay the last piece."

Morrow laughed. He leaned against the doorframe of the No-Morning Door, arms crossed, watching us like we were dinner theater. "Oh, this is good. The debtor wants to settle for her weapon. How noble."

"Shut up," I said.

"Make me." Morrow's grin widened. "Or let her. Either way, someone's paying. That's how debts work."

Iris twisted out of my grip. She moved fast, blade up, stepping toward Morrow. I caught her around the waist and hauled her back. She slammed an elbow into my ribs. I didn't let go.

"Stop," I said into her ear. "You're not doing this."

"It's my debt."

"It's my curse."

"Because of me!" She turned in my arms, blade still in one hand, eyes wild. "I put you in the loop.