Chapter 35 · The Oath at the Gate

The blade stopped one inch from my throat, and Calian's hand locked around its hilt.

"Move," the gatekeeper ordered.

Calian's jaw tightened. "Lower it."

"The oath says she dies at the Core gate. You know the law."

"I know what I swore."

"Then stop pretending you have a choice."

The old stone gate stood between us and the Blacktide Core, its iron ribs twisted through the wall like fingers. Blue fire crawled along the carvings. Every line ended at the same place: the point of the blade hovering over my pulse.

Calian stood behind me, close enough that his chest brushed my back when he breathed. One hand held the blade away from my skin. The other had closed around my waist.

Not gently.

Like he thought the oath might drag me forward if he let go.

I kept my eyes on the guard in front of us. "Is this your plan? Bring me to the Core so your ancient promise can cut my throat?"

"Lia," Calian said.

"No. Don't use that voice."

His fingers tightened against my ribs.