Chapter 41 · And If It Takes Your Memories Too?

"And if it takes your memories too?"

His stare sharpened.

"Then you can remind me."

"I can't even remember your name."

"Try harder."

For one second, neither of us moved.

His skin burned against mine. I was cold everywhere except for the line of fire beneath my chest. The covenant pulled between us like a hooked wire. His pulse jumped beneath my fingers—fast, furious, familiar.

"Say it," I whispered.

His jaw locked. "Say what?"

"My name."

"Mara."

The chamber lights exploded.

Ronan cried out. The knife slipped from his hand and clattered across the grate. I slammed my palm over the covenant wound before he could stop me.

The world split open.

Pain came first.

It ripped through my chest, hot and deep, like a blade shoved between my ribs and twisted. Ronan folded against me. His forehead struck mine. His hands clamped around my hips—not gentle, not careful. Desperate.

"Get out," he rasped.

"No."

"Mara, get out of my head."

"Show me the deal."

"I said get out!"

His pain slammed into me again.

A black table appeared.

Blood filled a silver bowl. Halden stood across from Ronan, a contract spread between them.