Chapter 51 · I knew the report was false. I didn't know who signed the order

He didn't answer fast enough.

That half-second hit me harder than the blast.

"Calian."

"I knew the report was false. I didn't know who signed the order."

"You saw the report?"

"Lia, not now."

"You saw it and didn't tell me?"

His hand slid from my waist to my back. "Because you would have walked into the council chamber alone."

"You don't get to hide my sister's murder to keep me safe!"

"I was trying to keep you alive!"

"You keep saying that like it excuses everything!"

The third link opened beneath the stone.

Calian's whole body jerked. The council seal spread over his chest, black lines crawling toward his throat.

He looked down at it.

Then he looked at me.

"Pull the stone out," he said.

"No."

"Lia."

"I said no."

"If I don't cut the chain now, it will take control of my hands."

"Then I'll break your hands."

"You'd have to get past me first."

"Try me.