Chapter 8 · You really like that line

"You really like that line."

"Because you keep pretending you have better options."

"Maybe I do."

Tess yanked her trapped wrist downward and slammed the heel of her free hand against Selene's chest.

The battle-mage didn't fall. She barely moved. But the contact gave Tess exactly what she needed.

The System flashed.

HANDLER LINK DETECTED.

Tess saw the mark beneath Selene's coat: a thin silver line running from the base of Selene's throat to her collarbone. It matched the seal burning on Tess's forehead.

A second line of text appeared.

TERMINATION REQUIRES HANDLER CONSENT.

Tess went very still.

Selene noticed. "What did you see?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me."

"You first."

Selene caught Tess's chin and forced her face up. "Answer me."

"You're linked to me."

The battle-mage's fingers froze.

Tess smiled. "That wasn't a guess."

"Explain."

"The System says deletion needs your consent."

For the first time, Selene looked genuinely caught off guard. Her thumb pressed against Tess's chin, then pulled back as if the skin had burned her.

Tess stepped into the space she left. "If they erase me without you signing off, what happens to you?"

"You don't know that there is a consequence.