Chapter 8 · The Maze of Broken Promises

“Step away from him, Nora. Now.”

Silas’s voice drifted from the abyss, smooth and cold as a razor blade. “Or do you want to see your brother’s soul shredded piece by piece?”

Nora didn’t budge. Her knuckles were white, fingers locked tight in Kane’s tunic. The magic in her veins was a screaming storm, and Kane’s skin was the only thing keeping her from detonating.

“He’s not going anywhere with you,” Nora snapped. Her voice trembled, but she didn't let go.

Kane shifted. His chest brushed her shoulder, his breath hot against her ear. “You’re shaking, Nora. Let go now, or you’ll blow a hole through this floor and we’ll both be dinner for whatever’s down there.”

“Shut up,” she hissed. She didn't pull away. She couldn't.

“Such a touching bond,” Silas chuckled. The sound vibrated through the stone walls. “A bounty hunter and her prize. Poetic. But the debt is overdue. Bring me the prince, and I might let you keep the boy's soul for another week. Refuse? I'll start deleting his memories. Starting with the one where he knows your name.”

Ice spiked in Nora's gut. She looked at Kane. His eyes were dark, reading her.