Chapter 8 · That's Your Explanation?

"That's your explanation?"

My laugh came out sharp and ugly. The alarms blared around us, but his words cut deeper.

Carson didn't blink. "It's not an explanation. It's a warning."

"You married me because of a warning?"

"I married you because the contract was the only thing keeping the council from executing Noah."

My fingers curled against my sides. "And the seal?"

His eyes dropped to the gold lines glowing beneath my shirt.

"The seal is why they won't stop hunting you."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?"

"No. It's supposed to keep you alive."

The recording crackled over the chamber speakers.

A woman's voice spilled through the static. "If this file is playing, the eastern shield has failed, and the royal line is—"

The message cut off.

I slapped both hands against the console. "No. No, don't you dare cut out now."

"It's being redirected," Carson said.

"Then stop it!"

"I'm trying.