Chapter 70 · That's Not an Answer

"That's not an answer."

Cassian's hand tightened around his sword. The blade shook once before he forced it still.

"The seal is tied to my mark," he said.

"I know."

"If you break it, the backlash comes through me."

"How bad?"

His throat worked. Sweat slipped from his temple and disappeared beneath his collar.

"Bad enough."

"You might die."

"You might lose your hand."

"You might die."

His eyes cut to mine. "I heard you."

"No, you didn't." My voice shook, but I kept it loud. "You keep talking like this is another gate you can hold shut with your shoulders."

The engine screamed beneath our feet. Hot air slammed against my face, carrying the sharp stink of blood and scorched metal. The seal fused to my wrist burned with every pulse.

Cassian shifted his weight.

For half a second, his knees dipped.

I saw it.

So did Evelyn.

"Still standing?" she called from the other side of the engine. "How noble. How predictable."

Cassian raised his sword toward her. "Don't."

"What? You don't want her hearing the truth?"

Evelyn lifted the control rod between two fingers.