Chapter 7 · The Authorized Source

"Don't touch me unless you're ready to finish what you started."

Dorian's hand stopped an inch from my throat.

The control room bucked. I slammed into the console as every screen flashed red.

MARA VOSS: PRIMARY SOURCE OF CORE INSTABILITY.

"You locked every exit," I snapped. "Now you're calling me the danger?"

"I locked the exits because the core is about to split." His voice stayed calm, but blood slipped from one nostril. "You're standing in the feedback line."

"Funny. Your council's name isn't on those screens."

His jaw clenched. "This isn't the time."

"No, Commander. This is exactly the time."

I slapped his hand away and shoved a finger into his chest. Hard muscle pressed beneath my glove.

"You rejected me in front of half the city. You called our bond a contamination event. Then you dragged me in here and sealed the doors."

"Mara—"

"Don't."

The floor heaved again.

White heat tore across the nearest panel. I threw up my arm, but Dorian caught my waist and hauled me against him before the sparks could slice my face.