Chapter 35 · The Tower Door

The next cannon fired before Dorian finished saying, "Run."

The cab jumped. Glass burst over my shoulder, and Dorian slammed me against the control wall with his good arm.

"Move, Mara. Get out."

"You first."

His injured hand pressed against my ribs. Black blood slipped between his fingers and soaked into my coat. Up close, he smelled like hot metal, smoke, and copper.

His jaw tightened. "I said get out."

"And I said no. You don't get to use our marriage contract when it keeps you alive, then dismiss me when you want to play hero."

Another cannon thundered. The floor kicked beneath our boots.

Dorian caught the rail above my head and held us both upright. His face was inches from mine. Hot, uneven breath brushed my mouth.

"This isn't about the contract."

"Everything's about the contract to you." I shoved at his chest. He barely moved. "My clearance. My brother. My name. You used every piece of my life to drag me onto this train. Don't stand there and pretend you can send me away because your hand's bleeding."

"Your hand isn't the one leaking black blood."

"Then stop wasting yours.