Chapter 42 · The Gate Opens

"I do." Liora grabbed my sleeve. Her fingers were ice-cold. "I saw the old records. The mark only releases when blood from the Drowned Court claims it."

The chamber bucked.

I slammed into the table. Black water exploded through the seams in the floor, flooding around my boots.

From the upper rail, Cyrus shouted, "Mara! The lower ward's past the second line! We've got three minutes before the whole district goes under!"

"Then find me three minutes!"

"I'm trying!"

"Try harder!"

Another blast shook the walls. Pipes screamed behind the stone. Far below, people cried out as the flood tore through the district.

Liora yanked me close. Salt and iron burned in her breath against my ear.

"Mara, listen to me. If the gate calls you, don't answer."

I looked at the mark blazing in my palm. "What happens if I do?"

Her eyes slid past me.

"It opens."

The answer barely left her mouth before Cassian shouted my name.

"Mara!"

I spun toward the gate.

The iron wheel had torn through his glove. Blood ran over the spokes, dripping onto the stone.