Chapter 7 · The Royal Seal

"Don't touch the core," Carson snapped. "If it breaks again, the whole east wall comes down."

"Then stop standing in my way."

I shoved past him—and his hand locked around my wrist before I reached the control ring. Heat pushed through his glove. The contract mark in my palm flared in response, yanking so hard my knees nearly buckled.

Carson caught my elbow and hauled me back. His chest struck my shoulder blades. His breath warmed the shell of my ear.

"You want your brother alive?" he asked. "You need my clearance."

"I need access. There's a difference."

"Not anymore."

The core chamber lurched. Blue light tore across the walls, throwing our shadows over the cracked shield controls. Beyond the glass, the city's barrier sagged over the eastern district.

Every time it flickered, another alarm shrieked below us.

"Give me your hand," Carson said.

I twisted against him. "You already have half my life. Don't ask for the rest."

His grip tightened. Not enough to hurt.

Enough to remind me he could.

"I'm not asking.