Chapter 24 · The First Command

"I command the executioner to kill—"

The core cracked before the last word landed.

The trial hall dropped three feet.

Lena slammed into Cade's chest. His arm locked around her waist before she hit the stone, dragging her tight against him as red chains snapped through the space where her head had been.

"Move," he barked.

"I am moving. You're the one holding me."

"Then stop fighting my grip."

"Let go, and I'll show you how fast I can move."

The floor split behind them.

A black gap tore from the execution dais to the far wall, swallowing benches, chains, and half a dozen glowing seals. Stone groaned overhead. Dust rained into Lena's eyes.

Cade shoved her toward the only archway still standing. "Run."

She caught herself against a pillar. "Not without you."

Blood darkened the cuff of his sleeve. The mark of their blood pact burned red around his wrist.

His face went pale. "That wasn't a request."

"Good. I hate requests."

Another crack ripped through the hall.

Above the dais, the core hung in two broken halves, still pulsing with light. A shard of white energy floated between them.

Then the voice came again.

Lena's voice.

Flat. Perfect.