Chapter 49 · It isn't cheaper

"It isn't cheaper."

"Then prove it."

His stare sharpened. "How?"

"Don't kill Noah. Don't let the council turn you into a knife. If you have to lose the core, lose it. If you have to lose the guardian title, let it go. But don't you dare make me watch you die because you think protecting people means disappearing for them."

For one beat, no one moved.

Then Noah groaned. "That was almost sweet. Horrifying, but sweet."

"Noah, shut up," we said together.

The black tide whipped upward.

Calian shoved me behind him. The wave struck his shoulder instead. His armor split with a loud crack, and blood ran down his arm.

I grabbed the back of his coat. "Calian!"

"Stay behind me."

"Stop saying that."

"It's not a request."

"And I'm not your soldier."

"You're the person attached to my life."

"Then stop putting it in danger."

He turned, and we were suddenly too close. His chest brushed mine.