Chapter 18 · The Price of a Lie

"Don't answer her." Rowan's hand locked around Tessa's wrist before she could speak.

His fingers were hot against the seal burned into her skin. The mark pulsed once. Hard. Her heart kicked with it.

Across the vault, Elia Morn smiled from behind the bars of a silver containment frame. She looked untouched by the fight outside. Not a scratch on her coat. Not even dust on her gloves.

"That is sweet," Elia said. "He still thinks he can keep you safe."

Tessa yanked against Rowan's grip. "Let go."

"You heard me. Don't answer."

"I heard the woman who put a knife squad between us and the exit. I'm not taking advice from either of you."

Rowan's jaw tightened. He stepped closer, blocking part of Elia from view. His shoulder brushed Tessa's. Heat moved through the thin fabric of her jacket, sharp and distracting.

"She doesn't need a knife," he said. "She has your questions."

Elia tapped one gloved finger against the containment frame. A tiny blue spark jumped between the metal bars.

"Tessa Quill," she said. "Your mother called you Tessie when you were scared."

Tessa went still.

Rowan's grip tightened. "Don't.