Chapter 20 · When Every Lock Opens

"Let her go."

Rafe's voice cracked across the room. He was still on his knees, silver cuffs glowing around his wrists, while two enforcers kept tasers aimed at his chest.

Celia's vine tightened around my wrist. Pain shot up my arm.

"Miss Vale," she said. "You took long enough to find."

"Funny. I wasn't looking for you."

"Your brother made sure of that."

Jonah stood against the wall with blood running from his temple. He didn't answer. His eyes stayed on mine.

Celia pulled me closer. My boots scraped over the floor.

"Eight years of false records," she said. "Fake death certificates. Safe houses. All because Jonah thought he could hide you from the pact."

"Don't listen to her," Jonah said.

"You signed her name anyway," Celia snapped. "The wards don't care who holds the pen. They know her blood."

My stomach clenched. "What are you talking about?"

"You're going to the tower. That's all you need to know."

"You dragged me here, chained Rafe to the floor, and expect me to follow orders?"

"I expect you to care whether he lives."

Rafe surged to his feet.

The nearest enforcer drove a taser into his ribs.