Chapter 32 · Calian dies

"Calian dies."

Calian's grip tightened around my wrist. "Don't listen to him."

"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one holding your heart shut."

"Lia, listen to me."

"No. You listen." I turned toward the council. "You put this mark in me without consent. You tied his life to mine. You don't get to call that protection."

Sevryn's expression barely changed. "You were given a choice."

"When?"

"When you reached for the stone."

"I reached for Calian."

"The stone read your intent."

"Then your stone is a liar."

A murmur moved through the chamber.

Sevryn's face finally cracked. "Careful."

"No. You be careful." I stepped in front of Calian. My legs shook, but I stayed upright. "You keep talking like I belong to the council because a rock burned a symbol into my skin. It doesn't."

Calian caught my elbow. "Lia. Don't provoke him."

I looked back at him. "Why? Does he have another knife hidden under his coat?"

"Worse. He has paperwork.