Chapter 19 · The council revoked your command three minutes ago

"The council revoked your command three minutes ago."

"Then why are you still using my gates?"

Her smile sharpened. "Because they answer to the council now."

The rods hummed.

The bond twisted hard enough to buckle my knees. Ronan caught me around the waist before I hit the floor.

His chest struck my back. Solid. Hot. His breath brushed the shell of my ear.

"Don't touch me," I whispered.

"Stand up first."

"I can stand."

"Then do it."

I drove my elbow into his ribs.

He grunted but didn't let go. His arm stayed locked around my waist, keeping me upright while every pulse of the bond dragged his pain through my body.

Senn lifted her rod. "Mara Voss, you're under investigation for sabotage, illegal access to tide machinery, and deliberate civilian endangerment. Kneel and submit your blood."

"Go to hell."

"Ronan, release her."

"No."

The word landed flat and final.

Senn's eyes narrowed. "You're shielding a traitor."

"She's my mate."

The well went silent.

For half a second, even the humming rods seemed to pause.

I felt Ronan's mouth near my temple. He'd never said it where anyone could hear. Not when the moon chose us.