Chapter 18 · The Hidden Lock

"Get her into the throne core before Marek takes the keys!" Rafe shouted.

His hand clamped around my wrist as the floor bucked beneath us. Red lines flashed through the blackstone chamber, every one of them pointing toward the blood keys in Marek's hands.

Marek stood above us on the raised platform, smiling like he'd already won.

"You heard him," he called. "The exile finally knows his place. Helen Vale goes into the core. I take the throne."

"Take your throne and choke on it."

Three steel bolts ripped through the air.

Rafe yanked me behind him. One bolt struck the stone beside my cheek. Hot grit sprayed across my skin.

"Stop talking," he snapped.

"Stop dragging me around like luggage."

"Keep fighting me and I'll carry you."

"You wouldn't dare."

His shoulder slammed into mine as he shoved me toward the circular opening behind the platform. The opening hadn't been there a second ago. Now black metal roots curled around its edge, tugging toward the two keys.

The throne core waited beyond them.

And it had eyes.

Hundreds of dark-red pupils blinked beneath the stone walls. They weren't painted there. They shifted under the surface, tracking my face.

"Rafe."