Chapter 9 · The Detention Order

"Put the gun down, Carson."

My voice shook once. Then I forced it steady.

"You already knew who I was. You don't get to decide what happens to me now."

The barrel stayed aimed at my chest.

Behind him, the stolen recording crackled through the shield core.

"—Commander Rook authorized the removal of the Aurelia bloodline. All surviving heirs were to be erased—"

Carson's jaw tightened. His finger rested beside the trigger.

Not on it.

Yet.

"You heard it," I said. "You heard your father's name. So tell me why you married me."

"Ivy, stop talking."

"No. You don't get to point a gun at me and order me quiet."

The red relay light blinked above us. Its lens faced both of us, recording every second for the tribunal—and the city listening on the other side.

That was my only shield.

If Carson shot me, everyone would see it.

If he lowered the gun, everyone would see that too.

I stepped closer.

The contract burned beneath my skin, hot and tight around my ribs.