Chapter 23 · Then prove me wrong!

"Then prove me wrong!"

His control broke again. He slammed her back against the seat, his forearm braced beside her head. His face was close enough that she felt every rough breath. The chain pulled between them, locking their bodies together.

"Read it," he growled. "Or Rowan gets my hands back."

Lia looked at him. At the tight line of his mouth. At the silver fighting the red in his eyes.

"And if I read it?"

"You cut him out."

"Maybe I cut you out too."

"Then do it."

"You don't even know what it will cost."

"Neither do you."

"That usually stops sane people."

"Have you met me?"

A blade punched through the roof between them.

Sable fired. The wardens shouted. The car filled with smoke and sparks.

Lia bent over the chain and spoke the first command that came to her.

"By ink remembered and blood denied, I call the first signature home."

The mark split.

A flash slammed through her chest.

Cael cried out with her.

For one second, she wasn't in the car.

She stood in a candlelit chamber. A younger Cael knelt across from her, his hands bound in silver.