Chapter 33 · You Held His Life Over My Head

"You held his life over my head."

"And you put the ring on."

The words cut between us. Ugly. True.

Vale cleared his throat. "Commander, step away from the traitor and surrender your badge."

Carson didn't look at him. His eyes stayed on mine. "If I surrender it, they take Noah before we reach the lockup."

"Then what the hell are you waiting for?"

Carson reached inside his coat.

I flinched.

His hand came out holding his enforcement badge. Black metal. Scratched edges. The silver wolf stamped across the front was smeared with blood.

He pressed it into my palm.

It was warm from his body.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Giving you the only authority they can't ignore."

"Your badge won't overrule the crown."

"No." His jaw tightened. "But it'll open the service lifts, the lower gates, and every lock under my command."

"And you?"

His stare locked onto mine. "I'm coming with you."

Vale stepped forward. "You just surrendered your post."

Carson finally turned to him. "No.