Chapter 22 · The Fire File

"Don't touch that wall." Riven caught my wrist before my fingers reached the last line of blood.

His grip was hot. Not warm. Hot enough to sting through my sleeve.

I looked at the words crawling across the stone.

MOTHER'S WARNING had finished in a crooked red hand.

BENEATH THE CITY, THE FIRE REMEMBERS.

Under it, another line dragged itself into place.

RIVEN MUST NOT—

The blood stopped.

"Must not what?" I yanked against him. "Die? Breathe? Read your own family records?"

"Talia."

"You don't get to use that voice after hiding the ledger from me. Let go."

His fingers tightened. The tunnel shook under our boots, and dust spilled from the ceiling. Behind us, metal slammed against the sealed gate.

Evelyn's voice came through the stone.

"Quill! Step away from the heir and put both hands on the floor. I can still keep your name out of the death rolls."

I laughed once. It came out sharp.

"You brought a squad to cut my hands off. That's your version of keeping me safe?"

"Your hands are city property. You signed that away before you were born."

Riven pulled me behind him. His shoulder hit mine.