Chapter 19 · The Debt Under Finn's Skin

"Step away from the crate," Seraphine said.

I didn't move. My hand stayed on the third shard, cold enough to burn through my glove. Behind me, Calder shifted his weight, stone grinding soft against metal floor.

"Mara." Seraphine's voice dropped lower. "You're holding stolen property. That makes this simple."

"Simple." I kept my eyes on the shard. "You cut Finn's throat and call it simple."

"I didn't touch him." She stepped into the container, boots clicking. The two relic officers flanked her, rifles up. "He came here on his own. Made a deal he couldn't keep."

"Liar."

"Am I?" She tilted her head. "Ask your gargoyle. He knows how debts work in the ward blocks."

I turned enough to see Calder. His face was locked down, jaw tight, but his eyes flicked to Finn's body and away too fast.

"What's she talking about?" I said.

Calder didn't answer.

"He didn't tell you." Seraphine smiled. "Finn sold you the job because I told him to. Part of his contract. Deliver Mara Voss to the freight yard, and I'd cancel what he owed."

My chest went tight. "You're lying."

"Check his neck. Left side, under the blood."

I looked at Finn.