Chapter 7 · Mind your tongue

He didn't look at me.

Sevryn's expression sharpened. "Mind your tongue."

"You just said he was refusing an order. If he dies before delivering me, your precious oath system loses its favorite weapon." I lifted my burning wrist. "So which is it? Am I the sacrifice, or is he?"

A councilwoman at the far end stood so fast her chair scraped the floor.

"She knows too much."

"She knows exactly enough," Calian said.

He moved in front of me again.

This time, I let him.

His back pressed against my chest. His coat smelled like iron and smoke. My fingers brushed the blood at his throat before I could stop myself.

He caught my hand.

For one second, neither of us moved.

His thumb dragged across my knuckles, slow and unsteady.

"You should be afraid of me," he murmured.

"I am."

His eyes found mine over his shoulder.

"You don't act afraid."

"I'm busy being angry."

His mouth almost softened. Almost.

Then all twelve oathstones ignited.

Calian screamed.

The sound punched through me.