Chapter 37 · The Price of Proof

"Step away from the tower, Evelyn."

Lucas's hand clamped around my wrist. His other arm braced against the execution rail, trapping me between him and the drop beyond it.

His fingers burned against my skin.

Below us, three Vale elders stood behind the glass control wall. Three black uniforms. Three clean faces.

Three people who'd ordered my death less than an hour ago.

The oldest elder lifted the microphone. "Warden Vale, release the witness. You're obstructing a lawful sentence."

I stared at Lucas. "Witness? That's what I am now?"

His jaw tightened. "Evelyn—"

"No. Say it right."

I yanked against his grip. He held on.

"You dragged me into this tower in chains. You lied about the chip. You lied about your sister. You promised protection while your family loaded the execution rig." My voice shook, but I kept it loud. "So what am I to you?"

Red lights washed over the control room.

A metal arm dropped from the ceiling and locked around my chest. Its targeting beam crawled over my throat, crossed my mouth, and stopped over my heart.

Lucas moved in front of me.

The beam shifted to him.

The elder's voice boomed through the speakers.