Chapter 55 · The rift screamed. Calian’s head snapped toward the

The rift screamed.

Calian’s head snapped toward the sound. “The seal.”

“What seal?”

A symbol appeared in the air above the oath stone. Three black rings wrapped around a vertical slash. The council’s mark.

Calian’s face changed.

“They triggered it,” he said.

“Who?”

“The council.”

“Why?”

“To force the oath closed.” He released the blade and grabbed my shoulders. “We have seconds.”

“Then stop wasting them.”

“I need you to run.”

I laughed once, sharp and breathless. “You really still think I’m leaving you here?”

“I need you outside the chamber.”

“You need me where the oath can’t reach me.”

“Yes.”

“And you stay behind.”

“Yes.”

“Try again.”

His hands slid down my arms. His thumbs pressed over the burning marks. The touch should have been comforting. It wasn’t. It felt like a goodbye he was trying to hide inside my skin.

“Lia,” he said, quieter now, “if the stone takes my oath, it takes everything tied to it.”

“Then we cut the stone first.”

“If the blade fails—”

“It won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I know you’re still standing.”