Chapter 30 · Turn the Key

The contract in Elias's hand caught fire before Mara could reach Julian.

White flame raced across the paper. It ate through the black ink, curled the corners, and threw hot sparks over the broken stone between them. Elias didn't flinch. He just watched Mara's name burn brighter than the rest.

“Mara,” Julian snapped. “Don't touch it.”

Too late.

The mark in her palm opened like a second mouth.

Pain punched up her arm. Mara bit down hard enough to taste blood and grabbed Julian's coat with her free hand. His body jerked against hers. Not from the pain in his chest. From the matching white light that cracked across the skin beneath his collar.

Their bond pulled tight.

Elias smiled through the fire. “There you are.”

“Shut up.” Mara forced her fingers closed. The mark burned hotter. “You put my name on that thing?”

“I didn't put anything there.”

“That's not helping.”

“It was waiting for you.”

The underground chamber shook. Dust spilled from the ceiling.