Chapter 53 · They Call Carson a Traitor

"Drop the seal, Warden Rook, or your brother-in-law dies first."

The tribunal guard shoved a blade under Noah's jaw before Carson had taken three steps into the chamber. Noah's hands were chained behind him, his face bruised, his shirt dark with blood at the collar.

I was on my feet before I knew I'd moved.

"Touch him again and I'll break every finger you have," I said.

The guard pressed harder. A red line opened beneath the knife.

Carson caught my wrist. His palm was hot against my skin, his grip tight enough to hurt.

"Stay behind me."

"You don't get to order me around in front of half the city."

"I do when the other half is waiting for you to die."

That shut me up for one second. Only one.

The tribunal had turned into a cage. Officials packed the raised platform. Iron Guard lined the walls with rifles leveled at Carson's chest.