Chapter 14 · The Seal Breaks

"Lie to her again, and I'll cut the bond myself."

My hand clamped around Cassian's wrist before he could draw his sword.

His skin burned against my palm. Mine had gone cold. The life-tide between us snapped tight, dragging the chill up my arm and driving the sharp ache behind his ribs straight into my chest.

Minister Evelyn stood three steps away, smiling like she already owned the ending.

"Careful, Mara," she said. "That bond is the only thing keeping the harbor core from tearing you apart."

"Then stop using it as a leash."

Cassian's jaw tightened. "Let go of me."

"Give me one good reason."

"Because every guard in this room has orders to put you down if you interfere."

I looked past him.

Blackwater guards filled the command chamber. Rifles pointed at my chest. Silver tide-blades flashed beneath the core's blue light. Two guards had Cyrus pinned beside the console, his arms wrenched behind him.

Below us, the lower wards were still flooding. The next gate would open in minutes.

Evelyn held the only order that could stop it.

Or the only order she wanted us to see.

"You forged the flood command," I said.