Chapter 28 · The Next Carrier

A memory punched through my skull.

Mara stood in front of a wall covered in names. Rows of them. Some crossed out. Others circled in red. The final line was smeared with blood.

EVELYN HART.

My lungs locked.

"That’s my name," I whispered.

Kane’s head snapped toward me, but his hand stayed pressed to Mara’s mark.

"Don’t look away," Mara said through clenched teeth. "You need to see it. You need to know what he did."

"Who made that list?"

Her eyes found mine through the memory. "The order was signed before you met him. Before the wedding. Before you ever touched his blood."

Kane’s fingers trembled against her throat.

That scared me more than the silver burning in his eyes.

"Kane." I grabbed his wrist. "Pull it out."

His jaw tightened. "If I pull the memory, it could take her mind with it."

"Then take mine instead."

His stare cut to me.

"No."

"You said I had to stop you if you lost control." I tightened my grip. "I’m telling you to stop pretending you’re the only one who gets to pay."

"You don’t know what you’re offering."

"Neither did Mara. That didn’t stop anyone from using her.