Chapter 12 · If you're going to do it

She pressed the blade against his chest, right over the cursed heart.

Elias didn't move.

The tip touched his shirt. His gaze dropped to it, then rose again.

"If you're going to do it," he said, "don't hesitate."

"You think I won't?"

"I think you want to."

"I want Finn back."

"Then choose."

The words hit a raw place in her.

Nora shoved him against the blood-marked door. His back struck stone. Her blade stayed at his chest.

"You don't get to make this simple," she said. "I kill you, Finn may die. I open the door with you, and the Council gets both of us. Either way, you win. Your heart reaches the grid. Your family gets their revenge."

"My family is dead. Revenge won't change that."

"Then what do you want?"

"The grid gone."

"And everyone connected to it?"

"Not if I can stop it."

"You don't even know what's behind that door."

"Neither do you."

"But you know enough to be afraid."

His hand rose slowly. Nora tensed, ready to cut him if he tried anything.

He didn't touch her face.