Chapter 11 · Distance

He looked down.

His fingers were wrapped around hers. Neither of them had noticed when it happened.

Calder let go as if her skin had burned him.

The bond pulled them together again.

Pain tore through Mara’s chest. Calder doubled over, one hand gripping his ribs.

"Distance," he rasped. "The chain hates distance."

"Then stop trying to leave me."

"I’m trying to keep you alive."

"By running off alone? Brilliant plan."

"By making sure you don’t see what happens when the gate opens."

"You don’t get to decide what I can survive."

Mara seized the vial and shoved it into his hand.

"Three drops," she said. "Then you open it with me beside you. If you move without me, I’ll break your fingers before the bond does."

Calder looked at the vial, then at her. "You’re trusting me?"

"No. I’m using you. There’s a difference."

"Good. I’d hate to ruin your reputation."

He uncorked the vial with his teeth.

Mara caught his wrist and held the blade over his palm. Calder’s skin was hot beneath her fingers. His pulse kicked against her touch.

"If you betray me—"

"You’ll cut me. Yes. I remember."

"No. I’ll dismantle the blood mark first."