Chapter 33 · The Second Drain

"Step away from the commander, Mara."

Chancellor Vey lifted one hand.

Six tide guards leveled their spears at my chest.

Cassian knelt inside the council's glass prison, black water twisting around his boots. Every time he moved, it climbed higher.

His wrists were locked behind him. Blood darkened the corner of his mouth.

He still looked at me like I was the one about to die.

"Tell them to lower the spears," he said.

"You don't give orders anymore." Vey's voice cracked across the chamber. "Your clearance vanished the second your seal appeared on the lower-ward flood command."

I turned on him. "His seal was stolen. You know that."

"I know your blood was found in the engine chamber." Vey's mouth tightened. "And I know the commander dragged you into the tower instead of reporting you. That makes him part of your treason."

Cassian's eyes cut to mine.

There it was.

The trap.

If I admitted he'd protected me, the council would condemn him. If I denied it, they'd call me a liar and leave him in that prison until the tide stripped him hollow.

So I gave Vey the only answer he deserved.

"You want someone to blame?