Chapter 36 · I know he wants me dead

"I know he wants me dead."

"He wants what you carry."

"Then tell me what it is."

The stalker twisted and drove a hidden spike toward my chest.

I caught his hand inches from my core.

The spike trembled between us.

"You don't know?" he whispered. "He didn't tell you what he put inside you?"

My grip tightened.

"Say the rest."

"Ask the girl."

The shadow crawled up my arm.

"Ask her what she saw when she pulled you out."

Lyra reached us, knife raised.

"Kael, move."

The stalker looked over my shoulder at her.

His eyes widened with sudden delight.

"She knows."

I turned toward Lyra.

Her face had gone pale.

Not at the stalker.

At me.

"What did you see?" I asked.

"Kael—"

"What did you see when you pulled me out?"

The stalker used the pause.

He kicked my knee and ripped his hand free. The spike cut across my palm.