Chapter 48 · The Price of His Rejection

"You brought the thief who stole the city's shield records into my hearing?" Silas pointed at me. "Commander, remove her."

The guards moved before Dorian could answer.

One seized my wrist. Another reached beneath my coat for the decoder strapped against my ribs.

I twisted and drove my elbow into the first guard's side.

He grunted.

"Touch that decoder, and I'll break your hand."

"You're in no position to threaten anyone," Silas said from the council dais. "Mara Voss, you're accused of tampering with shield records, stealing restricted evidence, and causing the North Gate failure."

"That's a lie. You know it's a lie."

"Then prove it."

I yanked against the guard's grip. Behind Silas, the council doors were sealed. Black bars locked across the handles. Armed guards lined every wall, their fingers resting on their weapons.

No exit.

No friendly witness.

And Dorian stood three steps away with his command coat stripped of its insignia.

Without the rank, he looked less untouchable.

Still dangerous.

Still the only man in the room who could make those guards hesitate.

His eyes dropped