Chapter 30 · The Wife He Claimed

His palm hit the black seam.

The core screamed.

Carson's whole body jerked. Smoke curled from his hand, and the smell of scorched skin punched through the chamber.

"Carson!"

"I'm fine."

"Your hand is burning!"

"I've had worse."

"Stop lying to me!"

He looked at me through the white glare. His jaw was clenched hard enough to crack a tooth.

"Then kiss me."

I froze.

The chamber shook. Dust spilled from the ceiling. Outside, boots slammed against the broken door.

"What did you just say?"

"The contract needs both pulses." His voice came out rough. "Your blood opened the core. Mine's holding it steady. We need a direct seal."

"A kiss isn't a seal."

"It is with this contract."

"You knew?"

"I suspected."

"You suspected and waited until now?"

"You were busy insulting me."

"I can insult you and save the city at the same time."

His fingers curled against the seam.

The skin across his palm split wider.