Chapter 38 · The Third Heart

"Get away from him, Helen."

Marek's hand clamped around my wrist before I could reach the blackstone throne. His fingers dug straight into the old scar beneath my sleeve—the place where my Shadow Core had been carved out in my first life.

"You already stole one heart from this city," he said, dragging me against his chest. "Don't make the mistake of thinking you can steal another."

I twisted hard. "Let go."

"You're still giving orders?"

His grip tightened.

Across the chamber, Rafe stood three steps from the throne with one hand braced against its carved arm. Black lines crawled beneath the skin of his neck. His jaw was locked so tight, a muscle jumped near his cheek.

"Rafe," I called. "Don't touch the throne again."

His eyes cut to mine. Even through the pain, they stayed sharp.

"I wasn't planning to."

"You're lying."

"I'm trying not to fall on my face in front of your enemies. There's a difference."

Marek laughed against my hair. His breath burned my ear.

"Still playing the brave wife? How sweet. Does he know what you are, Helen?"

Rafe's gaze dropped to Marek's hand on me.