Chapter 23 · Eliza Cuts the Chain

"Let go."

Valen's hand was locked around her wrist. His chest heaved. Blood and sweat cut lines down his jaw, and the brand scars on his shoulder looked black in the dim light.

"Valen."

His grip loosened. Eliza yanked free and pressed her spine to the cold stone wall. The corridor behind them echoed with boot steps and shouting—twelve guards minimum before he'd dragged her through the side arch.

"They'll lock the palace," she said. "All of it. You showed them the mark."

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The brand fragments on his forearm still glowed faint red. Hadn't faded since he punched through the blood circle.

"I know."

"So what's the plan?"

"There isn't one."

She wanted to hit him. Wanted to grab his collar and shake him until something useful came out. Instead she shoved off the wall and started walking.

"Where are you going?" he said behind her.

"Pact vault."

His footsteps caught up fast. "That's the opposite of smart."

"Yeah, well." She didn't slow down. "I'm done being the hostage princess who sits around waiting for men to decide her life."

The corridor branched. She went left.