Chapter 38 · Mara! The ring!

He gagged and let go.

I slid across the roof, caught the ring, and ran for the tower door.

The lock rejected me once.

Twice.

Behind me, Dorian hit the ground with a sharp grunt.

"Mara! The ring!"

"I'm trying!"

The door stayed red.

Rusk had recovered. He raised the rifle again, this time aiming at Dorian.

Dorian was on one knee, blood dripping from his mouth. His hands were empty.

"Open the door," he told me.

"It won't take the ring."

"Use my clearance."

"You just surrendered it."

"Not until you breach the tower."

Rusk's finger settled on the trigger. "Last chance, Vale. Kneel and give me the case."

Dorian rose slowly.

"You want the case?"

"I want the proof gone."

"Then aim at me. Leave her out of it."

My chest tightened.

"Don't you dare make yourself noble now," I said.

Dorian looked over his shoulder. "I'm not being noble. I'm buying you three seconds."

"I don't need three seconds. I need you alive."

His eyes locked with mine.

The space between us went hot despite the cold steel beneath my palms. His breath came rough. His lips were split.