Chapter 22 · Cracks in the Memory

"Get your hand off him." Tessa lunged across the table.

Elia did not even look at her. Her fingers stayed under Rowan’s jaw, two neat rings pressing into his skin while the Council guards held his shoulders down.

"You’re in no position to give orders," Elia said. "You’re chained to the man I’m questioning, and he’s one bad answer away from losing the use of his legs."

Rowan’s mouth tightened. "Try it."

"Still arrogant. Even with a null-collar around your throat."

Tessa stopped moving.

The black metal band sat tight against Rowan’s neck. Thin red lines pulsed across it, matching the seal burned into both their wrists. Every pulse sent a dull ache up Tessa’s arm. The room smelled like hot metal and old blood. Three guards blocked the door. A fourth had a shock-pike aimed at her chest.

Elia finally turned her eyes on Tessa.

"You stole a living seal," she said. "You broke into a Council vault, killed two wardens, ran through half the city, and dragged Greyharbor’s most dangerous man into the rift with you."

"He followed me."

"He was chained to you."

"Sounds like a him problem."

Rowan gave her a sharp sideways look.