Chapter 10 · The Inquisitor's Game

"Don't move a muscle, Alice. Not even to breathe."

Caine’s voice hit me like a slap. He was ten feet away, silver armor gleaming under the dim vault lights. Four Inquisitors flanked him, blades drawn and hungry. He looked triumphant. He looked like he’d already won.

I couldn't move. Silas had his arm locked around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. I could feel the steady, irritating thrum of his heartbeat through the fine fabric of his coat. He wasn't shaking. He wasn't even tense.

He was enjoying this.

"Caine," Silas purred, the vibration rattling my shoulder. "You're early. I thought we agreed on midnight."

"The agreement ended when she broke into the Forbidden Vault," Caine spat. He stepped forward, boots thudding heavy on the stone. "Step away from her, Silas. She’s a traitor and a blight. I’m taking her head back to the capital."

I shifted, trying to pry myself loose. Silas only tightened his grip, fingers digging into my hip.

"Is that any way to talk to your former fiancée?" Silas mocked. He tilted his head, breath hot against my ear. "She’s quite warm, Caine. Maybe you didn't notice while you were planning her execution.