Chapter 38 · The Order Beneath My Ribs

"One more," the lead soldier said. "Then the command seal belongs to us."

Dorian tore open his coat and ripped the silver pin from his shoulder with his bare hand.

Smoke curled around his fingers. The metal burned through his glove. His face went white, but he didn't make a sound.

Then he looked at me.

"Mara. The key."

I felt the twin key before I saw it. Its sharp teeth dug into my jacket pocket, cold against my hip.

"What about it?"

"It can sever the override."

"You said it opened the inner channel."

"It can do both."

I let out one hard laugh. "You weren't sure?"

"I'm sure now."

"Great. That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

The lead soldier lifted another silver pin.

Dorian ripped the first one free.

The command seal burst open in his palm.

Every light in the room died.

For one breath, no one moved.

Then the soldiers' pins swung toward me.

Dorian's eyes dropped to my pocket. "Give me the key."

"No."

"Mara."

"You want it? Take it.