Chapter 27 · Summon. Show me your mark

She bit down on a curse.

The lead guard looked straight at her wrist. "Summon. Show me your mark."

Tess raised her chin. "Ask nicely."

Selene's fingers pressed once against her side. A warning. Or a plea.

Tess ignored it.

The guard stepped closer. "You are an illegal unfinished entity. You have no right to refuse a royal order."

"Funny. I was told I was a hero yesterday."

"You were told what kept you cooperative."

"So the kingdom lies to its heroes? Great recruiting strategy."

The guard reached for her arm.

Selene moved first.

Her free hand snapped up, and a blade of pale light stopped one inch from the guard's throat. The other guards raised their weapons.

"Touch her," Selene said, "and I remove the hand."

"Examiner, you are obstructing a containment order."

"Then write me up."

"You know what happens to officers who protect heretics."

"Yes."

Selene's voice dropped. "I know exactly what happens."

Tess stared at the side of her face. "Selene."

"Don't."

"You said you were protecting me."

"I am."

"Why?"

The guards shifted.