Chapter 27 · Move again

"Try putting that in writing. I want to see how many lies fit on one page."

The guard grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her head back.

Cael lunged.

The chair tipped onto two legs. His chain flashed with ward-light. A crack ran across the floor from the force of his movement.

Every guard raised a weapon.

"Move again," the auctioneer said, "and I activate the command in her blood."

Cael froze.

Lia felt the contract tighten around her heart. Not pain yet. A warning. The kind that promised pain would come if Cael took one more step.

"Cael," she said.

He stared at her.

"Don't give him your neck."

"He's holding a knife to yours."

"I can handle a knife."

"You have blood on your collar."

"I said I can handle it."

His jaw clenched. "You don't have to prove you're fearless every damn second."

"And you don't have to pretend you're the only one allowed to save people."

For one second, the hall disappeared.

His face was too close. His breath warmed her cheek. The metal chain pressed between their bodies, forcing their shoulders almost together.