Chapter 37 · She hated that it responded to him. Hated

She hated that it responded to him. Hated that his pain reached her before his expression did.

“Fine,” she said. “But if it bites me, I’m blaming you.”

“Blame me after we’re alive.”

She pressed her palm against the door.

The ward flashed silver. A symbol unfolded beneath her skin, crawling up her wrist like a living thread.

Mara sucked in a breath.

Rhys stepped behind her. His body closed the gap between them, shielding her from the corridor while his hand settled beside hers on the door.

“Don’t push too hard,” he murmured.

“You’re giving me instructions now?”

“I’m keeping you from tearing the seal open.”

“You could try saying please.”

“Please don’t get us killed.”

“That wasn’t so hard.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

The ward resisted. Heat climbed from Mara’s palm to her shoulder. Her teeth clicked together.

Rhys’s chin brushed her temple as he leaned closer. “Tell it who you are.”

“The door knows me.”

“Not enough.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Your true name.”

Her hand froze.

Behind them, the security team shouted.

“Mara.”

“You know my name.”

“Not the one the city filed.”

“You don’t get that.