Chapter 9 · The Price of a Name

"Drop the girl, Rook. Now."

High Councilor Valerius didn't even look at me. His eyes were locked on Kane—cold, clinical, like he was inspecting livestock that had wandered off the farm. Around us, twelve blades snapped out. A semi-circle of steel shimmering under the gold chandeliers of the Council Hall.

Kane didn't budge. His hand stayed clamped around my wrist, his thumb pressing hard into the pulse point where my magic was humming. It was a low, dangerous vibration, clawing to get out of my skin.

He pulled me closer. His shoulder brushed mine. When he spoke, his voice dropped into that lethal register that made my stomach flip.

"You're late, Valerius. I expected the welcoming committee ten minutes ago."

"Don't be arrogant," Valerius snapped. He stepped forward, his silk robes hissing against the marble. "You're a ghost, Kane. A mistake we forgot to bury. But the Council is feeling generous. Give us the bounty hunter, and we’ll restore your title. Your lands. Your name. You walk out of here a prince instead of a corpse."

I stiffened. The words hit like a physical blow.