Chapter 35 · The Memory Auction

"Don't move." Cael slammed Lia against the service door as boots thundered through the station tunnel behind them.

His forearm pinned her shoulder. His other hand covered her mouth. His body blocked the narrow doorway, trapping her between cold metal and the heat coming off him.

Lia bit his palm.

Cael jerked his hand away. "Did you just—"

"You said don't move. You didn't say I couldn't bite."

"The guards are ten seconds away."

"Then stop wasting them."

He stared at her, jaw tight. A thin black line had spread from his wrist to his throat. The old oath was waking again. His fingers flexed beside her face, fighting some order she couldn't hear.

Lia caught his wrist. His skin burned under her thumb.

"Look at me," she said.

"Don't touch me."

"You want me to let go? Fine. Fall apart in the hallway. I'm sure the wardens will be gentle."

His eyes flashed silver.

The door shook behind him. Someone shouted, "Rook! Step away from the witch!"

Cael leaned closer. His breath brushed her cheek. "Tell me you didn't know this was coming."

"I didn't."

"Sable knew."

"Probably.