Chapter 48 · The Wire Beneath the Bond

"—kill Dorian—" The recording rasped through the carriage again, then died in a burst of static.

I spun so fast my shoulder slammed into the iron wall. "Tell me that wasn't my voice."

Dorian stood between me and the blasted door, one hand braced against the frame, the other pressed to the blood running from his temple. Outside, soldiers shouted over the grinding train.

"I can't tell you that," he said.

My fingers closed around the pistol. "Try harder."

"Mara, the second charge is under the carriage."

"And my voice just ordered your murder."

"I heard it."

"Then move."

His eyes dropped to the gun. He didn't move. "If I move, they shoot through the door. If they shoot through the door, they hit you—or the case."

"You keep saying that like I asked you to play husband."

"You didn't ask." His jaw tightened. "I forced it on you. I know. But that contract is the only reason they're waiting instead of dragging you out.