Chapter 14 · Two Lives, One Key

"Give it to me, Evelyn. Now."

Lord Roque didn't shout. He didn't have to. His hand stayed clamped on my sister’s shoulder, fingers digging into her skin. Lily winced, a small, broken sound that made my blood boil.

Between me and the exit sat the black key. It hummed. A cold, dead vibration that made my fingertips itch just looking at it.

"Let her go first," I snapped. My voice sounded thinner than I wanted. I hated it. "You want the key? Lily walks out that door, and I hand it over. Simple deal."

Roque let out a dry, rattling laugh. "Simple. I like simple. But we both know the rules, don't we? I don't let go of the collateral until the payment clears."

He leaned in, his eyes glinting. "You're the one who breaks contracts for a living, little hunter. Don't pretend you don't know how this works."

From the corner of the courtyard, chained to a rusted iron pillar, Carson groaned. He looked like hell. Blood smeared his jaw, chest heaving, but those dark eyes were locked on me. Pure, desperate warning.

"Don't do it, Ev," Carson rasped.