Chapter 56 · Authorization Accepted

"Take your hands off her."

Dorian's voice cut through the plaza.

The council guards didn't move.

One wrenched my arm behind my back. The other pressed a silver chain to my throat, right over my broken mate mark. The metal burned through skin already raw.

Silas stood above us on the council steps, smiling like the victory was already his.

"She doesn't get to choose anymore," he said. "The bond chose Commander Vale. The city owns that bond."

"The city can kiss my ass."

The guard shoved me down.

My knee cracked against the stone.

Dorian took one step forward. His coat hung torn at the shoulder, and blood soaked through the hand clamped over his ribs.

"Release her."

Silas tilted his head. "Commander, you gave up your authority when you failed to control the shield."

"I gave up the council's authority." Dorian's eyes stayed on me. "Not mine."

A murmur rolled through the packed plaza.

Hundreds of people stood behind the barrier with their phones raised, their faces pale beneath the dying lights.