Chapter 24 · If I wanted you reported, you would already be in the discipline tower

"If I wanted you reported, you would already be in the discipline tower."

"Maybe you're waiting for a better charge."

"Maybe I'm waiting to see if you're worth protecting."

That hit differently.

Tess folded her arms. "There it is. The part where you decide whether I deserve to live."

"I decide whether you are dangerous."

"Same thing in this kingdom."

"Not to me."

The words came out too fast. Selene's eyes hardened right after, like she regretted letting them escape.

Tess stepped away from the wall. "Then prove it."

"What?"

"You want my status. Fine. Read it. But don't stand there acting like I'm the only one with something to hide."

Selene's mouth thinned. "You don't know what you're asking."

"You say that a lot."

"Because you keep asking for things that can kill you."

"Welcome to my month."

Tess placed her hand inside the blue circle.

The symbols spun backward.

Pain snapped through her fingers. She bit down hard and refused to pull away. The System window burst open in front of her vision, red text stacking over red text.

[Status disclosure blocked.]

[External synchronization detected.]

[Warning: unauthorized observer attempting to establish a soul-link.]

Tess yanked her hand back.