Chapter 46 · Then stay close because you want to

He looked over his shoulder. His eyes locked on mine, hot and furious. "Then stay close because you want to."

The answer caught in my throat.

His hand was still around the guard's wrist. His chest rose hard beneath his black uniform. Sweat darkened the collar, and the heat rolling off him reached me even through the space between us.

I stepped closer instead of backing away.

"Don't mistake close for yours," I said.

His stare dropped to my mouth.

For half a second, the council chamber disappeared. No shouting. No weapons. Just his breath brushing my cheek and the covenant burning between us.

Then the witness cried out.

"Mara! The pressure's red!"

The nearest screen flashed.

GATE SEVEN: CRITICAL.

A second line appeared beneath it.

LOWER DISTRICT EVACUATION FAILURE.

Sorn smiled.

That smile told me everything.

"You planned this," I said.

"I planned for the city to see what happens when a traitor loses control."

"You locked the doors while the gate was failing."

"And when it breaks, every death belongs to you."

Ronan shoved the guard aside and reached for me. "Mara, we have to go. Now."

"The master lock's across the chamber."

"Then we cut through them."