Chapter 30 · You don't know me

"Liar."

"You don't know me."

"I know you watched the crystal burn."

"Anyone would."

"You told me to destroy it."

"Because you were dying."

"And you were crying."

I froze.

His thumb stopped moving.

"I was not."

"You were."

"The room was full of smoke."

"You couldn't breathe."

"Neither could you."

"You said my name."

The train jolted. My shoulder struck the wall. Cael's body followed, boxing me in completely. One hand braced beside my head. The other stayed around my wrist.

"Which name?" I whispered.

His eyes searched my face.

"Kalen."

The old name hit harder than the contract burn.

He saw it. Of course he saw it. Cael watched every flinch like he was collecting evidence.

"You remember hearing it," I said. "Not who said it."

"I remember your voice."

"That's impossible."

"You keep using that word when you're scared."

"I'm not scared."

"Your hand is shaking."

I tried to pull free. He caught both my wrists and pinned them gently against the wall above my shoulder.

The movement was fast. Controlled. His chest pressed to mine through two layers of clothing. Heat climbed my throat.

"Let go."

"Say it like you mean it."

"Let go, Cael.