Chapter 11 · How Much Farther?

"How much farther?" I shouted over the pounding behind us.

"Two levels."

The tunnel dropped beneath the tribunal floor in sharp, uneven steps. Pipes scraped my shoulders. Old cables swung from the ceiling, snapping against the walls as Lucas dragged me through the dark.

Behind us, the hidden door tore open with a scream of twisting metal.

"You said one level."

"I was hoping you wouldn't ask."

"You're terrible at reassurance."

"I'm a warden, not a nurse."

"You look like you need a nurse."

He shot me a look over his shoulder. "Are you worried about me?"

"Don't flatter yourself. I need you alive until you open the terminal."

"That's almost sweet."

"Keep talking and I'll leave you here."

"You can't. Contract radius."

The ink beneath my skin tightened, hot and sharp, as if the contract enjoyed reminding me who held the leash.

I yanked my arm free. "I hate that thing."

"You signed it."

"You held a gun on me."

"You were about to be executed."

"So you threatened me with prison instead. Very noble."

His jaw locked. "I gave you a choice."

"You gave me a leash."

"And you're still alive.