Chapter 52 · The Stolen Heir

"You said you couldn't open the cell without me."

Carson's hand stayed on the lock. "I can't. That doesn't mean I can't get you there."

My throat tightened. "And what happens to you?"

For the first time, his face cracked.

Not fear.

Worse. He already knew exactly what the ward would do to him.

"Carson."

"Give me your wrist."

"Answer me."

"It'll hurt."

"How much?"

His eyes dropped to the crown mark burning beneath my skin. "Enough."

"That isn't an answer."

"It's the only one you're getting."

A second hook rose behind him with a shriek of metal.

"Hell."

I shoved my wrist through the gap between the bars.

Carson caught it.

His palm was hot. His fingers closed around me with brutal care, his thumb pressing over the crown mark. His breath struck my knuckles, fast and rough, carrying smoke and sweat.

"Ready?" he asked.

"No."

"Too bad."

The second ring snapped into place.

Pain ripped up my arm.

I screamed.