Chapter 10 · The Missing Seal

"Move, Evelyn." Kane's hand clamped around my wrist before the council guards could clear the archway.

"You're squeezing hard enough to crack bone."

"Then move your feet and complain later."

"I can do both."

Sparks exploded across the dark iron door behind us. A heavy bolt slammed into the latch with a gunshot crack.

Kane yanked me against his chest and turned his body, taking the spray of burning grit across his back. His warden coat smelled of ash, ozone, and the cold bite of the breach churning beneath the stone.

"Option one," he said against my temple, breath hot against my skin. "They catch you, and the council strips your family's bureau by morning."

"Option two?"

I shoved at his chest. Hard ribs knocked against my palms.

"They catch you, and you prove every rumor about the warden losing his mind."

"You forgot three."

"Enlighten me."

His thumb pressed over the black vein of our blood contract.

"They catch us together, and my fake bride hangs beside me for treason before sunrise."

"That's supposed to make me hurry?"

"It's supposed to make you run."

Another strike hit the gate.