Chapter 11 · The Name Only Her Mother Used

"Get your hand off her." Cael's voice cut through the archive like a blade.

Rowan Pike smiled and tightened the silver cord around Sable's wrists. "Still giving orders? That's adorable. Kneel, Rook. Slowly."

Cael stood three steps in front of Lia, one hand pressed to his bleeding shoulder. His coat was torn. Blood had soaked through the fabric and run down his fingers. Behind him, six wardens aimed crossbows at his back.

Lia's own wrists burned where the contract chain linked her to him. Every pulse of Cael's pain snapped through her bones. Every breath he took dragged against her ribs.

"Don't kneel," she whispered.

His head turned a fraction. His eyes found hers. Too bright. Too sharp. The eclipse was getting closer, and whatever lived under his skin was starting to push against the cage.

"You heard her," Rowan said. "The accused witch wants you standing. Maybe she wants the wardens to put bolts through both of you."

"Let Sable go," Lia said. "Then we'll discuss my execution."

Rowan's smile thinned. "You don't get to negotiate. Your family's signature is in the buyer's ledger. Your mother's name is on the memory extraction order. You touched the truth plate.