Chapter 9 · The Gate Is Feeding on the Bond

"Look at me."

Ronan caught my face with his blood-slick hand and forced my eyes up to his. His palm burned against my skin. One finger shook before he locked it still.

"The gate is feeding on the bond," he said. "It'll use my blood next."

"Then give it to me."

His eyes sharpened. "What?"

"You heard me."

"No."

"You said it needs blood."

"Not yours."

"You don't know that."

His thumb pressed harder into my cheek. "I know exactly what it'll do if it takes yours."

Behind us, Vey shouted, "Stand away from the Warden! She's contaminating the covenant!"

I looked over Ronan's shoulder.

Three guards had formed a half circle around us, weapons raised. Their blades caught the silver light pouring from the gate.

"Tell them to back off," I said.

Ronan shoved his free hand against the wound in his side. Blood slipped between his fingers.

"They won't listen to you."

"Then make them listen to you."

His breath caught. "Mara, if I claim your protection in front of the council, there's no clean way to undo it."

"You already rejected me in front of the entire city. I'm not scared of one more public humiliation.