Chapter 14 · Stop acting like fear is a secret

She glanced at him. "Stop acting like fear is a secret."

For once, he had no answer.

The bond surged.

His fear poured through her again, but this time something else came with it. Not a memory. A choice.

He was going to take the command himself.

Mara jerked their joined hands away from the lock. "No."

"Get behind me."

"Absolutely not."

"The gate will accept my blood faster."

"And bind your command."

"Better me than you."

"You don't get to decide that."

"I do when you're the one who gets killed."

The words hit harder than the magic.

Mara stepped closer instead of back. Her shoulder pressed against his chest. His breath caught above her hair.

"Say that again," she whispered.

"Don't make this—"

"Say it."

His hand came up to the back of her neck. Not rough. Not gentle either. Just firm enough to keep her facing him.

"I said you're not dying for me."

"I wasn't planning to."

"You were standing between me and the blade."

"Because you were in my way."

"Mara."

Her name sounded different in his mouth now. Less like a warning.