Chapter 32 · Do not open that mark

He looked down.

A heart-shaped brand burned through his glove, glowing red beneath the leather. It matched the thin scar at the center of my palm.

Rowan stepped toward him.

"Do not open that mark."

Cael looked up slowly. "You know what it is."

"I know what it will do."

"Then tell me."

"Break your oath, and the court will use her body as the next seal."

The judge lifted the rod again.

The circle around my chest sharpened. My arms jerked upward. White threads forced my hands open, turning my fingers toward Cael.

My nails dug into my palms.

"They want to make me sign something," I said.

"Not sign," Rowan replied. "Obey."

"You picked the wrong woman."

"Your body won't care."

Cael pulled against the chain. His shoulders shook. The wolf rolled under his skin, making his teeth flash.

"Lia, when I tell you to run, you run."

"We're underground, chained to a court, and surrounded by contract officials. Where exactly do you want me to run?"

"Away from me."

"No."

"That wasn't a request."

"Then stop asking like one."

His gaze locked onto mine.

The space between us felt too small.