Chapter 50 · The Seal's Price

"Take it, Mara."

Cassian knelt in front of the floodgate guards, bareheaded, both hands extended.

The command seal shook between us.

Not from the alarms.

From him.

"You know what happens if I take this," I said.

"Yes."

"You lose command."

"Yes."

"You could lose your life."

His gray eyes locked onto mine. "I already put it in your hands."

Behind him, the guards stared.

Some had watched him reject me in front of half the harbor. Some had heard him call our bond a political mistake. They'd watched him look me straight in the eye and swear he'd never claim me.

Now their commander was on one knee, offering me the seal that could open every gate in Blackwater Harbor.

"Say it clearly." My voice cracked through the shaking chamber. "Tell them what you're giving me."

Cassian's jaw clenched.

"My command. My clearance. My life-tide." He pushed the seal closer. "And the right to use all three against me if you have to."

A guard swore under his breath.

I took the seal.

The instant my fingers closed around it, heat tore up my arm. Cassian sucked in a sharp breath, but he didn't pull away.