Chapter 18 · The Voice Behind the Door

"No."

Cassian caught my elbow and yanked me against him. His face stopped inches from mine, close enough for his breath to brush my lips.

I grabbed his coat. "Does it take my memories?"

He didn't answer.

"Cassian."

His jaw flexed. "It can."

The words hit harder than the gunshot still ringing in my head.

"How many?"

"I don't know."

"Liar."

His hand slid from my elbow to my waist. Fast. Rough. He held me there, and I didn't step back.

"I know what the old records say," he admitted. "A tide heir who gives consent can lose every memory tied to her blood. Family. Names. Bonds. Everything the core needs to make her obey."

My fingers dug into his coat. "And you knew that when you rejected me."

"I knew the core was looking for you. I didn't know it would ask for your consent."

"You knew enough."

"Yes."

That bare answer cut deeper than an excuse would've.

Behind us, Evelyn clapped once. "How touching. The commander finally admits he kept a secret."

I turned toward her. "Cyrus, get the archive door open."

Cassian's arm locked around my waist. "No."

"Move."

"You heard the cost."

"People are drowning.