Chapter 27 · The Voice in the Case

"Don't turn that key."

Dorian's hand closed around my wrist, hot and hard.

The control screen flashed the same destination in red.

PUBLIC EXECUTION YARD.

Beneath it, another line crawled across the glass.

REGISTERED HUSBAND—

The rest of his name vanished behind a block of static.

"Let go."

"Not until you stop driving us into a firing pit."

"You announced me as your wife in front of an entire station. You don't get to play protective husband now."

His jaw tightened. "I announced the truth."

"You announced whatever kept the guards from dragging me away. Don't dress it up."

The train lurched. My shoulder slammed into the console.

Dorian caught me before my skull hit the metal edge, one arm locking around my waist. His chest hit my back. His breath burned against my ear.

"Mara, listen to me. The execution yard is past the eastern bridge. If this train stays on the line, your brother dies first." His arm tightened. "Then you do."

I shoved him away. "Then help me change the route."

"You stole the control key."

"And you lost command."

"Because I chose you over the station.